The Past Is Over So Why Does It Still Hurt?

Why do old experiences still affect our confidence, relationships, and ability to speak up, even when we think we’ve moved on?

In this episode of The Beauty In The Mess, I sit down with Nicky Yazbeck, a licensed, trauma-informed EMDR therapist and podcast host, to explore the connections between past experiences, people-pleasing, and the belief that we’re somehow “not enough.”

Nicky explains EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and walks us through what a session can look like. We discuss emotional triggers, the importance of feeling safe with your therapist, and how healing can change the way you show up for yourself and others.

If you’ve ever wondered why the same patterns keep repeating, this conversation offers a starting point for understanding them.

In this episode:

• How childhood experiences can shape beliefs about ourselves
• People-pleasing, self-abandonment, and seeking approval
• What EMDR involves beyond eye movements
• Why trust, preparation, and pacing matter in therapy
• Finding a qualified therapist you feel comfortable with
• What progress can look like in everyday relationships

02:05 Meet Nicky and hear her path to becoming an EMDR therapist

04:05 What EMDR stands for and how Nicky describes trauma

07:05 People-pleasing, perfectionism, and relationship patterns

10:05 Self-worth and the belief that “I’m not enough”

14:05 What an EMDR session can look like

17:05 Emotional triggers and physical reactions

18:05 Eye movements, tapping, and the EMDR process

23:05 Trauma, memory gaps, and preparing for therapy

27:05 How long EMDR therapy can take

32:05 Choosing a qualified therapist and finding the right fit

35:05 Noticing changes in your reactions and relationships

37:05 Nicky’s personal experience with EMDR

39:05 Safety, trust, and working with a licensed therapist

41:05 What healing and feeling more connected can look like

44:05 Nicky’s podcast and how to connect with her

46:05 When additional preparation or specialized care may be needed

✨ Connect with Nicky Yazbeck

• Website: www.nickyYyoga.com

•Podcast: The Connected Community: Exploring Possibility (https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity/videos)

• YouTube: Watch Nicky’s podcast

✨ Connect with Michele Simms

• Website: The Beauty In The Mess

• Instagram: @the.beauty.in.the.mess

• LinkedIn: Michele Simms

• Facebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Podcast

💬 Rate & Review

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#TheBeautyInTheMess #NickyYazbeck #EMDR #TraumaHealing #MentalHealth #SelfWorth #PeoplePleasing #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney

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