Rewiring the Past: Healing Childhood Trauma with EMDR
Many people think of trauma as the result of a major, life-threatening event, but it can also come from seemingly small childhood experiences—things that, at the time, might have felt like just a bad day or a tough moment. Over time, if these experiences aren’t dealt with, they can shape how we see ourselves, interact with others, and handle stress as adults.
This is where Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy comes in. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process distressing memories and ease the emotional impact. If childhood experiences are affecting you today, EMDR could be a powerful tool to help you heal and move forward.
How Seemingly Small Childhood Experiences Can Lead to Trauma
Not all trauma is caused by a single, life-altering event. Sometimes, it’s the collection of smaller experiences over time that leave a lasting impact.
A child who frequently felt dismissed or unheard may grow into an adult who struggles with self-worth. Or a child who was repeatedly compared to siblings or classmates may develop deep insecurities and carry them into adulthood. These experiences are often called "little t" traumas—they may not seem significant, but they can shape our beliefs, behaviors, and emotional patterns.
Some common childhood experiences that can lead to trauma include:
Feeling rejected or excluded – Whether it was a friend group that didn’t include you or a parent who seemed emotionally distant, feeling unwanted can create deep feelings of unworthiness.
Constant criticism or high expectations – If you grew up in a home where love felt tied to results, you might struggle with perfectionism, anxiety, or never feeling "good enough."
Experiencing bullying or social embarrassment – Teasing, exclusion, or public humiliation, even without physical bullying can shape how you see yourself and your place in the world.
Growing up in an unpredictable or stressful home environment – Even without direct abuse, seeing constant arguments, money problems, or parents struggling can create a heightened sense of anxiety and create a constant sense of alertness.
Feeling like your emotions were not validated – If you were told to "stop crying," "get over it," or "not be so sensitive," you may have learned to suppress your emotions, making it harder to process difficult feelings as an adult.
These experiences can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, difficulty trusting others, or even physical symptoms like headaches and chronic stress. They might not seem like "big" traumas, but they can have a powerful impact on mental health and emotional well-being.
Signs That Childhood Trauma Might Still Be Affecting You
You might not even realize that childhood experiences are playing a role in your life today. Think about if you struggle with any of the following:
Perfectionism or fear of failure – Feeling like you always have to achieve or be the best to feel worthy.
People-pleasing tendencies – Struggling to say no or set boundaries and often putting others before yourself.
Chronic self-doubt or low self-esteem – Constantly questioning yourself, your abilities or worth.
Strong emotional reactions to specific situations – Being deeply triggered by criticism, rejection, or feeling abandonment.
Difficulty trusting others – Finding it difficult to feel safe in relationships because of past experiences.
If any of this sounds familiar, EMDR therapy can help you break free from these patterns and create a healthier, more balanced emotional life.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that helps people process and reframe painful memories in a way that reduces their intensity.
It involves recalling distressing experiences while using guided movements (often eye movements and tapping) or focusing on sound. This process helps the brain reprocess memories, allowing you to let go of negative beliefs and emotions tied to past experiences.
If you were frequently criticized as a child, you might have come to believe that "I’m a failure" or "I’ll never be good enough." EMDR can help reprocess those experiences so that they no longer feel so defining. Instead, you might walk away with a new belief: "I am capable and worthy just as I am."
How EMDR Works for Childhood Trauma
Identifying the Root Cause – EMDR therapy explores past experiences that may still be affecting you today. Even if the memory seems "small," it can still hold emotional weight.
Processing the Memory – Using bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps you reprocess the memory so that it no longer triggers the same emotional reaction.
Shifting Negative Beliefs – Many childhood experiences lead to core negative beliefs such as "I’m not good enough," "I’m unlovable," or "I can’t trust people." EMDR replaces these beliefs with more balanced, healthier ones.
Reducing Emotional Triggers – Once a memory is processed through EMDR, it feels more like a distant fact instead of something that still carries pain or distress.
Healing is Possible
Childhood experiences, big or small, can have a lasting impact on mental health. If you find yourself stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional distress, know that healing is possible with EMDR therapy.
At Orion Wellness, we provide EMDR therapy in Winnipeg for those looking to heal from past experiences, reduce anxiety, and create a more fulfilling life. If you're ready to explore how EMDR can help, reach out today to book a session.
You deserve to feel free from the past. Let’s take the next step together.
