Why Healing Childhood Trauma Doesn't Have to Feel Scary

Why Healing Childhood Trauma Doesn't Have to Feel Scary

Childhood experiences have a powerful impact on the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. When those experiences involve pain, neglect, or instability, the effects can last long into adulthood shaping our relationships, emotions, and even our sense of safety. Many people I work with tell me they’ve carried the weight of their past for years, often without realizing how much it still influences their lives today.

If this sounds familiar, please know that you’re not alone and healing is absolutely possible.

A Warm, Safe Space for Healing

Hi, I’m Maranice, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Texas and New Jersey. I hold a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from New Jersey City University, and since moving to Texas in 2014, I’ve made it home for Good Counsel Therapy while continuing to see clients virtually in New Jersey. Learn more about me, here!

Before I ever became a therapist, I walked my own path through pain and uncertainty. As a survivor of personal traumas, there were times when I truly believed I was weak, lost, and beyond repair. It wasn’t until I began my own spiritual and therapeutic healing journey that I discovered how powerful and transformative the process of self-understanding and compassion could be. That journey not only helped me reclaim my strength but also deepened my commitment to helping others find theirs.

Clients often mention that during our first conversation, they feel comfortable and at ease, describing me as warm, understanding, and approachable- that means a lot to me, because I know firsthand how hard it can be to reach out for help. I believe therapy should be a space where you can breathe, where you’re met with compassion rather than judgment, and where you can begin to feel truly safe being yourself.

My Approach to Trauma Therapy

Since beginning my clinical journey in 2015, I’ve been passionate about helping individuals and couples work through anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and especially the lasting effects of trauma. My approach is client-centered and mindfulness-based, blending techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other evidence-based methods.

When working with childhood trauma, my goal isn’t to “fix” you- because you’re not broken! Instead, I help you gently explore how past experiences have shaped your current emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Together, we work to replace patterns of fear, shame, or self-doubt with self-compassion, empowerment, and trust.

What Healing Can Look Like

Healing from childhood trauma is rarely a straight line. There may be moments of discomfort, grief, and vulnerability, but there will also be breakthroughs, peace, and a growing sense of self-worth. In our work together, I help you:

·         Understand how early experiences influence your present life.

·         Develop tools to manage overwhelming emotions and anxiety.

·         Build healthier boundaries and relationships.

·         Reconnect with your inner strength and sense of safety.

The process is deeply personal, and you’ll always set the pace. My role is to walk alongside you, offering guidance, insight, and a steady presence as you move toward healing.

Why This Work Matters to Me

Over the years, I’ve seen incredible resilience in the people I’ve worked with- individuals who’ve survived so much and still have the courage to hope for better. Watching someone begin to trust themselves again, to feel joy, or to build healthy relationships after years of pain… that’s why I do this work.

No matter how long you’ve been struggling, it’s never too late to begin healing. Reaching out for support is a brave step and it’s one that can open the door to a more peaceful, connected, and fulfilling life.

Taking the First Step

If you’ve been considering therapy for childhood trauma, anxiety, or other challenges, I invite you to reach out. You don’t have to face your past alone and you don’t have to have everything figured out before you start.

Together, we’ll work toward helping you understand yourself more deeply, manage your emotions more effectively, and build the life you deserve.

You’ve already taken the hardest step by seeking help. Now, let’s take the next one gently, and at your own pace. Reach out here to schedule your first online appointment.