Therapy for ADHD, Autism, and Trauma in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
If you’re reading this, you probably feel stuck. You’ve tried to make changes but haven’t seen the progress you want, or you struggle to stick with the changes you do make.
You might be feeling unmotivated due to ADHD, overwhelmed and unsure of yourself because of trauma or autism, or working through male-specific patterns of anger, reactivity, emotional shutdown, or feeling like you aren't sure what your purpose is in life. If any of this resonates with you, you're in the right place—welcome to Road to Dawn Counseling!
Therapy for ADHD, Autism, and Trauma in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
If you’re reading this, you probably feel stuck. You’ve tried to make changes but haven’t seen the progress you want, or you struggle to stick with the changes you do make.
You might be feeling unmotivated due to ADHD, overwhelmed and unsure of yourself because of trauma or autism, or working through male-specific patterns of anger, reactivity, emotional shutdown, or feeling like you aren't sure what your purpose is in life. If any of this resonates with you, you're in the right place—welcome to Road to Dawn Counseling!
EMDR Therapy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the most well-supported, evidence-based approaches for working through trauma, PTSD, and complex trauma.
It helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel as emotionally intense or disruptive in the present.
I use EMDR with individuals in Baton Rouge who feel stuck in patterns tied to past experiences—even when they understand what’s happening logically.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR works by supporting the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate difficult experiences.
Rather than requiring you to talk through or relive past trauma in detailed retellings - which can potentially re-traumatize you - EMDR works by helping you process traumatic experiences that feel stuck without having to talk through every detail, allowing triggers to lose their charge and giving you back a sense of safety and control.
How EMDR Therapy Helps You Heal
When a traumatic or overwhelming event occurs, the brain’s survival system (the amygdala) can get overloaded, causing the memory to get "stuck" in its raw, unprocessed state. Instead of being stored in long-term memory, it remains active in the nervous system—complete with the same physical sensations, emotions, and distress felt at the time. This can lead to strong reactions to 'triggers' that remind you of the traumatic event.
Bilateral stimulation (BLS)—whether through alternating eye movements, gentle tapping, or auditory tones—helps kickstart the brain's natural processing mechanisms through three key effects:
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Mimicking REM Sleep: Bilateral eye movements naturally occur during Rapid Eye Sleep (REM), the phase of sleep where your brain sorts, consolidates, and integrates the day’s memories and emotional experiences. BLS simulates this state while you are fully awake and safe.
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Calming the Survival Center: The alternating left-right rhythm activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling to the amygdala that you are currently safe. This lowers your physical heart rate and stress response, allowing you to focus on the memory without becoming overwhelmed.
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Working Memory Dual-Attention: By giving your brain a simple, rhythmic physical task to track (the tapping or eye movement) while simultaneously holding the memory in mind, BLS taxes your working memory. This "dual attention" takes the intense emotional edge off the memory, allowing the brain’s higher reasoning center (the prefrontal cortex) to step in and re-file the experience as a neutral event that belongs strictly in the past.
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
EMDR may be a good fit if you:
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Feel stuck in patterns connected to past experiences
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Struggle with anger and explosiveness
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Struggle with anxiety, triggers, or emotional overwhelm
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Have a hard time feeling fully present or grounded
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Understand what’s happening logically, but still feel “stuck”
Working With Me
I provide EMDR therapy for individuals in Baton Rouge who are working through trauma, PTSD, or long-standing emotional patterns.
My approach is focused on helping you understand why your mind and body have been responding the way they have—while also giving you a clear, structured path toward change.
If you want to learn more about how I approach therapy overall:
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR:
Do I have to share every detail of my trauma during EMDR?
No. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of what happened out loud. You maintain internal focus while we direct the bilateral stimulation, allowing your brain to process the event without recounting details.
Is EMDR therapy available online or in-person?
I offer both in-person EMDR sessions in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and secure online therapy across the state.
What does an EMDR session actually feel like?
During a session, you remain fully awake, grounded, and in control at all times—it is not hypnosis. You’ll hold a specific memory in mind while tracking bilateral stimulation (like side-to-side eye movements or handheld tappers). You might notice emotional shifts, physical sensations, or new insights popping up as your brain works through the event, similar to watching a train pass by from a safe platform.
Will EMDR work for me if I don't remember all the details of my past?
Yes. EMDR does not require a perfect, linear memory of what happened. Because trauma is stored in the nervous system as emotions, body sensations, and core beliefs, we can work directly with what your body and mind hold today—even if the specific timeline or facts are foggy.