Physical abuse leaves a lasting scar—not just on the body, but deep within the mind and soul. Survivors often find themselves trapped in a relentless cycle of "why me?" thoughts, persistent self-blame, and hypervigilance, constantly on guard against potential threats. This internalized burden can distort self-perception, making it seem as if the fault lies within them rather than on the abuser.
EMDR therapy offers a transformative pathway to healing by reprocessing the traumatic memories that fuel these negative beliefs. Through this process, survivors learn to shift the narrative and understand that the abuse was the abuser's responsibility—not theirs. By releasing the weight of self-blame, EMDR helps restore a true sense of self and well-being, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and move forward with renewed strength and confidence.
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 physical abuse. We recognize that unaddressed early trauma can leave you with a pervasive sense of vulnerability—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 physical abuse. 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 physical and emotional pain and self-blame.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Rebecca Hoffenberg, Psy.D, is a Clinical Psychologist deeply specialized in the enduring effects of childhood physical abuse on adult relationships. She understands that the pain of early physical trauma often imprints an unyielding sense of vulnerability, leading survivors to adopt patterns of people-pleasing and to live with a constant, irrational sense of being under attack. These internal wounds manifest as chronic self-doubt, hypervigilance, and a perpetual struggle to assert oneself—leaving a lingering impact on trust and intimacy in relationships.
Her approach is rooted in advanced relational EMDR and attachment-focused therapy—a powerful combination that addresses both the psychological and somatic dimensions of trauma. Dr. Hoffenberg guides clients through the reprocessing of painful memories and the release of deep-seated tension stored within the body, challenging the belief that the abuse was their fault. By unraveling these destructive patterns, she empowers survivors to rebuild their self-worth, establish healthy boundaries, and ultimately foster more authentic, balanced relationships that honor their true selves.
Read more about Dr. Hoffenberg
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Irada Yunusova, Psy.D, is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in the healing of childhood physical abuse and the profound ways trauma is stored in the body. She understands that when violence invades your early years—whether through direct abuse by a parent or sibling or by witnessing constant violence at home—the body becomes a repository for that pain. Every muscle tenses in anticipation of threat, and every nerve remains alert, as if the danger is ever-present. This perpetual state of hypervigilance transforms physical sensations into emotional scars, leaving you feeling perpetually on edge and burdened with a deep sense of vulnerability.
Through her integrative approach, which combines EMDR, CBT, and ACT, Dr. Yunusova guides clients in reprocessing these stored traumatic memories and releasing the tension that has long weighed them down. Her compassionate work helps you reclaim your body as a safe space, shifting the narrative from one of enduring pain to one of resilience and healing. In doing so, she empowers you to break free from the cycle of hypervigilance and negative self-beliefs, paving the way for a future where your inherent strength and capacity for healing shine through.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Ami Zala, Psy.D, is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in healing the burdens carried by those who have often been the "strong one" in their families. Many individuals in this role find themselves triggered by violent family dynamics as they strive to protect others or defend against feelings of helplessness. This constant vigilance, while a testament to resilience, can lead to being unfairly labeled as the scapegoat, resulting in a vacillating self-image and a deep-seated fear of intimacy—worrying that getting close to others will expose your vulnerabilities.
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 formed by the dual burden of being a protector and a scapegoat. Through her compassionate care, you are empowered to reclaim your inherent worth, stabilize your self-image, and cultivate genuine, secure connections free from the constant fear of being exposed.
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.
Release the fear stored in your body, regain a sense of safety, and rewire the effects of past violence with EMDR therapy.
