As a Chicana woman, my identity is woven from a rich tapestry of resilience, culture, and history. But my path to self-discovery and empowerment has been far from smooth. It’s a story of overcoming loss, navigating a learning disability, and enduring life’s hardships—all of which I faced before I was even a teenager. Today, I want to share how I transformed my pain into power through EMDR therapy and the healing embrace of community support. Although I didn’t find an official support group, I was blessed with an adopted family of sisters who stood by me. Now, as an EMDR therapist, I strive to provide others with a similar experience in their healing process. While healing is a deeply personal journey, it’s one we can undertake within the strength of a community.
Discovering EMDR: A Lifeline to Healing
It wasn’t until years later that I found the tools to begin my healing journey. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was a revelation. Guided by a compassionate therapist, I revisited the traumas of my past in a safe, structured way. EMDR helped me untangle the complex web of emotions that had trapped me for so long. I learned to see my younger self not as a broken girl but as a survivor who had done her best in impossible circumstances. This transformative experience allowed me to reclaim my narrative and begin building a life rooted in self-compassion and empowerment.
The Power of Community
Alongside EMDR, the community became another cornerstone of my healing. Sitting in a circle with others who had faced their battles, I found a sense of belonging I had never known. We shared our stories, our tears, and our victories. These women became my sisters, showing me that vulnerability is a strength and that we are never truly alone in our struggles. Together, we turned our pain into purpose, lifting each other with every step forward.
This sense of community didn’t come from an official group but from organic, heartfelt connections. To this day, I’m not sure if these women realize how much they gave me simply by being themselves. Reflecting on my journey, I often think about how transformative it would have been to have a structured community alongside EMDR therapy. The combination of individual and collective healing could be a powerful force for change.
Embracing My Identity and Purpose
Today, I stand proud as a resilient and empowered woman. My journey has taught me that healing is not linear and not something we do alone. It’s a collective effort rooted in community and self-compassion. I’ve reclaimed my voice and embraced my identity, drawing strength from my culture and the generations of women who came before me.
If you’re reading this and facing your struggles, know that there is hope. Healing is possible, and your story matters. Whether it’s through therapy, community, or simply taking the first step to ask for help, you have the power to rise above. We are all more resilient than we realize, and our scars are a testament to the battles we’ve survived.
Let’s continue to lift each other, share our truths, and honor the strength within us all. Together, we can transform pain into power and create a world where every voice is heard and every story is valued.
Group EMDR Opportunities at Torus
Starting Tuesday, March 4th at 4pm, Therapist Joslyn Barajas, LSW will be leading a 4-week EMDR Therapy Group. Special offers for those participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and High school/ College students, and a flexible income-based sliding scale is available. Learn more here. And reach out to us at 224-803-2295 or to joslyn@torus-therapy.com for a 15 minute consultation call.
Written by: Joslyn Barajas, LSW