Many individuals suffering with the effects of childhood trauma, such as emotional abuse, bullying, and neglect often don't realize that their struggles are deeply connected to unresolved pain. They may not see that the tendency to always put others first or the difficulty in asserting their own needs is rooted in early experiences of manipulation, neglect, or emotional abuse. This unrecognized trauma creates a persistent cycle of self-doubt and a fear of self-assertion, keeping you trapped in patterns that undermine your self-worth.
EMDR therapy offers a transformative way to break this cycle by directly addressing these hidden wounds. By reprocessing the painful memories and negative beliefs formed during early experiences of emotional abuse and neglect, EMDR helps you uncover how trauma has shaped your current behaviors and emotional responses. This process not only enables you to develop a more balanced self-view but also empowers you to set healthy boundaries, reclaim your autonomy, and ultimately live a life where your own needs and achievements are truly recognized and validated.
We are Clinical Psychologists specializing in EMDR, blending deep trauma work with validated techniques to help you break free from the lasting impacts of childhood emotional and verbal abuse or neglect. We recognize that unaddressed early trauma can leave you with a pervasive sense of otherness—a feeling that something is inherently wrong with you. These internalized negative beliefs can lead to chronic self-doubt and a lingering sense of alienation that affects your overall well-being.
Our advanced approach uses EMDR to reprocess painful memories and challenge the self-critical narratives formed during early experiences of abuse or neglect. By integrating techniques like CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed therapies, we empower you to reclaim your autonomy, build self-compassion, and ultimately liberate yourself from the cycle of emotional pain and self-blame.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Rebecca Hoffenberg, Psy.D, is a Clinical Psychologist with unparalleled expertise in addressing the lasting impact of verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect—especially as these wounds affect adult relationships and self-esteem. As a senior EMDR specialist, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals who feel fundamentally flawed and burdened by self-doubt stemming from early abusive or neglectful environments. She understands that these experiences not only distort self-perception but also poison adult relationships, creating cycles of internalized shame and emotional distress that can be incredibly difficult to overcome.
Her approach is rooted in advanced relational EMDR and attachment-focused therapy—a unique combination that expertly addresses both the psychological and relational dimensions of trauma. By integrating these specialized modalities, Dr. Hoffenberg guides clients through reprocessing painful memories and releasing deep-seated emotional tension, ultimately breaking the cycle of self-blame and unworthiness. Her holistic and highly specialized method empowers individuals to rebuild their self-worth, establish healthy boundaries, and foster supportive, fulfilling relationships, paving the way for lasting emotional healing and personal growth.
Read more about Dr. Hoffenberg
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Irada Yunusova, Psy.D, is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in helping individuals overcome the lasting impact of bullying and racial trauma while rebuilding their self-worth. She understands that early experiences of being bullied for being different—whether due to race, culture, physical appearance, gender, social or economic status, or unique personality traits—can deeply distort one’s self-image, leaving lasting scars that undermine confidence and fuel self-doubt. Dr. Yunusova is dedicated to guiding clients through a transformative healing process that liberates them from the burden of negative self-beliefs and reaffirms their inherent value.
Utilizing an integrative approach that combines EMDR, CBT, and ACT, Dr. Yunusova tailors her therapy to address both the emotional and cognitive aspects of trauma. EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of painful memories, while CBT challenges and reshapes destructive thought patterns. ACT further supports clients in embracing acceptance and committing to meaningful change. Together, these methods empower individuals to overcome the deep-seated impacts of bullying and racial trauma, enabling them to step confidently into a future marked by self-assurance and personal empowerment.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Ami Zala, Psy.D, is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in healing from emotional abuse, cultural alienation, and the experience of being singled out as the family scapegoat. She understands that being targeted—whether because of racial differences or being chosen as the ‘problem’ within the family—can deeply distort your self-image and sense of belonging. These experiences often leave you feeling isolated, undervalued, and disconnected from your true self.
Using an integrative approach that combines EMDR, attachment-focused techniques, and psychoanalytic insights, Dr. Zala guides clients through a transformative healing process. Her methods help you reprocess painful memories and challenge the negative beliefs that arise from both racial trauma and family victimization. Through her compassionate care, you are empowered to rebuild a healthier self-image, foster a sense of belonging, and step into a more resilient and authentic version of yourself.
Survivors of childhood emotional and verbal abuse, whether inflicted by family or peers, often find themselves drawn to relationships that replicate early patterns of devaluation and hurt. They may carry the painful belief that they are inherently flawed or unworthy of genuine care, seeking validation in dynamics that mirror the abuse they endured. This cycle reinforces feelings of inadequacy and dependency, trapping them in a pattern where relationships that should provide healing instead perpetuate their pain.
EMDR therapy offers a transformative pathway to break free from these destructive cycles by targeting and reprocessing the traumatic memories of early abuse. By challenging and reframing the negative beliefs formed during those formative years, survivors learn to reclaim their autonomy and rebuild a resilient sense of self-worth independent of external validation. Our patients consistently find that after EMDR, they are drawn to healthier, more balanced relationships—ones that foster genuine connection and empower them to thrive independently.
Break free from the lasting impact of hurtful words, rebuild your self-worth, and heal emotional wounds through EMDR therapy.
