Are you struggling with the effects of compulsive behaviors (e.g., skin picking, hair pulling, compulsive shopping, excessive gaming)?
Right now, you may be experiencing:
- An overwhelming urge or impulse to engage in the specific behavior, often preceded by tension or anxiety
- A sense of relief, pleasure, or gratification *during* the behavior, quickly followed by shame, guilt, or regret
- Spending significant amounts of time engaging in the behavior or thinking about it
- Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce the behavior
- Physical consequences related to the behavior (e.g., skin damage, hair loss, debt, neglected responsibilities)
- Hiding the behavior from others due to shame or embarrassment
- Using the behavior to cope with stress, anxiety, boredom, or other difficult emotions
You’re realizing that your compulsive behavior is getting in the way of your life:
- It causes significant distress and interferes with your social life, work, or daily functioning
- It damages your self-esteem and contributes to feelings of being out of control
- It may lead to physical harm, financial problems, or relationship conflicts
- You feel trapped in a cycle you can’t seem to break on your own
- The time and energy spent on the compulsion prevent you from pursuing other goals or activities
- You feel isolated by the secrecy and shame surrounding the behavior
You’re wondering…
- Why can’t I just stop doing this? What’s wrong with me?
- Is this an addiction or something else?
- How can I manage the urges when they feel so powerful?
- Could this behavior be linked to underlying anxiety, stress, or past trauma?
- Will I ever regain control over this part of my life?
- Can EMDR help address the triggers and urges related to my compulsive behavior?
You’re longing for…
- Freedom from the grip of the compulsive behavior.
- Healthier ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions.
- Relief from the cycle of urges, acting out, and subsequent shame.
- Improved self-esteem and a sense of being in control of your actions.
- Healing from any physical or emotional damage caused by the behavior.
- Understanding the root causes or triggers driving the compulsion.
How we can help you.
At Evergreen Counseling, we understand that compulsive behaviors often serve as coping mechanisms for underlying emotional distress, anxiety, or unresolved trauma. While not always the primary treatment, EMDR can be a powerful tool in addressing the traumatic roots or triggers associated with compulsions like skin picking (excoriation disorder), hair pulling (trichotillomania), compulsive shopping, or gaming.
What you’re longing for is possible.
By pursuing EMDR therapy for compulsive behaviors at Evergreen Counseling, you can imagine the following:
Feeling controlled by compulsive urges.
Experiencing reduced intensity and frequency of urges.
Trapped in a cycle of behavior and shame.
Processing underlying triggers or trauma.
Struggling to manage underlying distress.
Gaining a greater sense of control and self-compassion.
What if I’m Not Ready?
Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.
We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.
Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.
Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward
- Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
- Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
- Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.
