Healing Self-Image and Self-Worth: How EMDR and IFS Help Address Past Trauma
Trauma often leaves scars deeper than we realize. For many people, the wounds of the past manifest in subtle yet profound ways, shaping their self-image and self-worth. What might seem like a lack of confidence, a critical inner voice, or feelings of inadequacy can often be traced back to unhealed experiences that traditional talk therapy might not fully resolve. For individuals in Pasadena, CA, struggling with these challenges, alternative therapeutic approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and other holistic methods can offer transformative pathways to healing.
The Impact of Trauma on Self-Image and Self-Worth
Our self-image, the mental picture we hold of ourselves, and self-worth, our sense of value as a person, are intricately tied to our experiences. For trauma survivors, especially those who experienced neglect, abuse, or invalidation during formative years, the impact can be especially profound.
Trauma often creates “negative core beliefs” such as:
• “I am unlovable.”
• “I am not good enough.”
• “I am a failure.”
These beliefs can persist, even when the person intellectually understands that they are unfounded. Trauma doesn’t only live in our memories; it lives in our bodies and subconscious minds, subtly dictating how we see ourselves and interact with the world.
For example, someone who experienced consistent criticism as a child might grow into an adult who is highly self-critical. They may sabotage opportunities, struggle with imposter syndrome, or find it difficult to trust others. These patterns can be frustratingly resistant to traditional talk therapy, which often focuses on conscious thought patterns but may not address the emotional and somatic layers of trauma.
Why Traditional Talk Therapy May Fall Short
While talk therapy can be effective for many, it is not always sufficient for addressing the deep-seated effects of trauma. Trauma impacts the brain in ways that are not always accessible through logical discussion. The limbic system—the part of the brain responsible for emotion and memory—can become stuck in a “fight, flight, or freeze” mode, perpetuating feelings of fear, shame, or inadequacy.
Talk therapy tends to rely on the prefrontal cortex, the rational part of the brain. However, trauma lives deeper, in the body and the emotional brain. This disconnection between what we know (rationally) and what we feel (emotionally) is where approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and Somatic therapies shine.
EMDR: Rewiring the Brain’s Response to Trauma
EMDR therapy is a highly effective approach for processing traumatic memories and changing the way they are stored in the brain. Developed in the 1980s, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (often through eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) to help the brain process stuck memories and reframe negative beliefs.
For example, someone who believes “I am powerless” because of a past traumatic event can, through EMDR, begin to reprocess that memory and replace it with a healthier belief such as “I am strong and capable.” Over time, this shift can profoundly improve self-image and self-worth.
One of the reasons EMDR is so effective is that it bypasses the need for extensive verbal exploration, making it especially valuable for individuals who struggle to articulate their experiences or find that traditional talk therapy reactivates their trauma.
Internal Family Systems: Healing the Inner Landscape
IFS therapy offers another powerful framework for addressing the impact of trauma. Rooted in the idea that we all have an “inner family” of parts (or subpersonalities), IFS helps individuals explore and heal the wounded parts of themselves that are stuck in protective or harmful roles. These parts may include:
• The “Inner Critic” who berates us for perceived failures.
• The “Exiled” part that holds the pain of unworthiness or shame.
• The “Manager” part that works tirelessly to maintain control and avoid vulnerability.
Through IFS, clients learn to access their “Self”—the compassionate, wise core of their being—and build a trusting relationship with their parts. By listening to the needs and fears of these parts, individuals can release old burdens and experience profound self-acceptance.
For example, an IFS session with someone struggling with self-worth might reveal a part that believes, “If I don’t criticize myself, I’ll never succeed.” Instead of fighting against this critical part, the therapist helps the client understand its intentions and gently guides it toward releasing the burden of perfectionism. This process often leads to increased self-compassion and a more balanced self-image.
Alternative Forms of Therapy: Expanding the Healing Toolbox
In addition to EMDR and IFS, there are several alternative therapies that can support trauma survivors in healing their self-image and self-worth. These include:
1. Somatic Therapy: Trauma lives in the body as much as the mind. Somatic therapy helps individuals release stored tension and reconnect with their bodies through practices like breathwork, movement, and mindfulness.
2. Art and Expressive Therapies: Creative outlets such as painting, journaling, or dance can provide a non-verbal way to process emotions and explore self-expression.
3. Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: While still emerging in the mainstream, psychedelic therapy has shown promise in helping individuals access deep layers of healing by temporarily dissolving the ego and opening new perspectives on self and trauma. It is important to note that this can currently be quite limited in terms of access based on what is currently approved by the FDA (ie. Ketamine, vs plant medicine healing)
4. Group Therapy: Sharing experiences in a safe, supportive group can help individuals feel less alone and build connections, which are essential for healing self-worth.
Taking the First Step Toward Healing
If you’ve struggled with low self-worth or a negative self-image, it’s important to remember that these feelings are not a reflection of your true value—they are symptoms of unhealed trauma. Healing is not just possible; it is your birthright. With the right therapeutic support, you can release the burdens of the past and reconnect with your authentic, confident self.
As an EMDR and IFS therapist in Pasadena, CA, I’ve seen firsthand how these approaches can help clients rewrite their stories and transform their relationships with themselves. If traditional talk therapy hasn’t worked for you, it might be time to explore a new path—one that acknowledges and addresses the deeper layers of trauma, paving the way for genuine healing and self-love.
Start EMDR Therapy in Pasadena, CA
If you’d like to explore how EMDR, IFS, or other therapeutic approaches can help you reclaim your self-worth, contact me to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to support your healing. Your past does not define you. Healing is within reach. Reach out today to begin your journey. Start your therapy journey with Thomas Blake Therapy by following these simple steps:
Schedule a free, 15-minute consultation to see if EMDR Therapy is best for you
Meet with Thomas Blake, a skilled EMDR Therapist
Start finding lasting, healing relief!
Other Services Offered at Thomas Blake Therapy
At Thomas Blake Therapy, I understand that you may be struggling to overcome more than one issue. So in addition to EMDR Therapy to help you heal from trauma, anxiety, and more, I’m happy to also offer LGBTQ Affirming Therapy to support and advocate for the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, Narrative Therapy where I will work collaboratively with you to dissect the problematic story of your life and reshape that dialogue, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy to accelerate healing in patients who have struggled to heal from chronic emotional pain due to treatment resistance. If any of these services resonate with you feel free to reach out. My online therapy services are offered in California and New Jersey. For more about me and my services, check out my Bio and Blog!
