Feeling Overwhelmed by Anxiety and Negative Self-Talk? Holistic Therapy for West Virginia Residents

If you’ve been feeling completely overwhelmed—stuck in your head, constantly overthinking, and battling negative self-talk—you are not broken. You are not alone. And healing is possible.

I’m a licensed therapist offering virtual holistic therapy for residents of West Virginia, including Morgantown, Charleston, Huntington, and everywhere in between. I specialize in helping sensitive, driven, and self-aware people who feel exhausted from constantly being stuck in cycles of anxiety, overwhelm, and self-criticism.

Why Am I Always So Overwhelmed?

If you’re asking yourself…

  • “Why can’t I just relax?”
  • “Why do small things feel so big?”
  • “Why am I so hard on myself all the time?”
    You’re not crazy – you’re likely living with a nervous system that’s been stuck in survival mode for a long time.

When your nervous system is overwhelmed, it can show up as:
✔️ Overthinking every little thing
✔️ Constant inner criticism (“What’s wrong with me?”)
✔️ Trouble relaxing, sleeping, or being present
✔️ Physical tension, stomach issues, or headaches
✔️ Procrastinating because the pressure feels too big
✔️ Shutting down or avoiding because you feel frozen

This isn’t just in your head. This is your body asking for relief.

The Role of Negative Self-Talk

That harsh inner voice that says…

  • “I should be doing more.”
  • “I’m too sensitive.”
  • “Why can’t I handle life like everyone else?”
    …isn’t actually you. It’s a protective response your brain developed to try and keep you safe, but it’s keeping you stuck in a cycle of shame, stress, and overwhelm.

How Holistic Virtual Therapy Can Help

Through our work together, I’ll help you:
✨ Calm your nervous system so you can stop living in constant fight, flight, or freeze.
✨ Quiet the inner critic and learn how to meet yourself with compassion instead of shame.
✨ Move out of overwhelm and shutdown into clarity, balance, and forward movement.
✨ Reconnect to your body, intuition, and confidence – even if it feels impossible right now.

I use a blend of evidence-based therapy (like somatic therapy, parts work, and EMDR) along with holistic practices like nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and body-based healing.

Therapy for Anxiety, Overthinking, and Burnout – Anywhere in West Virginia

Whether you live in Morgantown, Charleston, Huntington, Wheeling, Beckley, or anywhere else in West Virginia, I offer virtual therapy sessions designed to meet you right where you are—no commute, no stress.

You Deserve Relief. You Deserve Peace.

If you’re ready to stop living in survival mode and start feeling safe in your own body again, I’m here to help.

👉 Click here to schedule your free consultation.
Let’s chat and see if holistic virtual therapy is the support you’ve been needing.

📍 Virtual Therapy Available Across West Virginia:

Morgantown | Charleston | Huntington | Wheeling | Beckley | Parkersburg | Fairmont | Martinsburg | Clarksburg | And all surrounding areas

Trauma-Informed Manifestation: A Safer Path to Creating the Life You Deserve

By Renee Minx, Trauma Therapist & Trauma-Informed Manifestation Coach

Manifestation has become a buzzword. Vision boards. Affirmations. “High vibes only.” But for survivors of abuse, trauma, and sexual assault (SA), traditional manifestation advice can feel hollow—or worse, triggering. It often bypasses the very real nervous system blocks that arise from surviving trauma. It can leave us feeling like we’re not manifesting “right” because we’re still healing.

That’s why I created a new path: trauma-informed manifestation—a grounded, soulful, and psychologically safe way for survivors to call in the life, love, and purpose they deserve.

Why Traditional Manifestation Often Falls Short for Survivors

Most mainstream manifestation advice assumes:

  • You already feel worthy.
  • You already feel safe.
  • You already believe you’re capable.

But survivors of trauma—especially abuse or SA—often carry deeply embedded beliefs rooted in survival, not self-trust. We may unconsciously manifest relationships, jobs, or situations that mirror the past, because our nervous system is wired for familiarity—not fulfillment.

You can’t just slap a positive affirmation over a survival wound. Healing has to happen at the level of the body, belief system, and soul.

What Is Trauma-Informed Manifestation?

Trauma-informed manifestation honors both your survival and your expansion. It’s the bridge between clinical healing and spiritual awakening. It recognizes that before we can create our dream life, we often need to rebuild a relationship with ourselves.

Here’s how it differs from traditional manifestation:

Traditional ManifestationTrauma-Informed Manifestation
Focuses only on mindsetIntegrates nervous system and inner child healing
Assumes you already feel safe/worthyHelps you become safe and worthy through attuned healing
Encourages “just think positively”Encourages compassionate witnessing of protective parts
Prioritizes the outcomePrioritizes capacity-building and sustainable expansion

The Tools I Use to Bridge Trauma and Manifestation

I bring together the science of psychotherapy with the magic of spiritual embodiment. My method includes:

1. IFS (Internal Family Systems)

IFS helps identify the protective parts of you that might be sabotaging manifestations—not because you’re “broken,” but because a younger part still doesn’t feel safe. We bring compassion to those parts and invite them into harmony.

2. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

We gently process the old memories and core beliefs holding you back, like “I don’t deserve love” or “Success isn’t safe.” When these wounds heal, they no longer shape your future.

3. Attachment Rewiring

Many survivors struggle with anxious or avoidant attachment. I teach how to rewire these patterns—because healthy relationships and aligned manifestations require secure self-connection.

4. Mindfulness & Somatic Safety

Before manifestation, we need to feel safe enough to receive. I teach regulation tools to anchor your nervous system so expansion doesn’t feel overwhelming or self-abandoning.

5. Soul Purpose & Spiritual Manifestation

When your body and parts feel safe, we get to step into the soulful magic of calling in what you truly want. Whether it’s love, abundance, purpose, or peace—we do it from alignment, not bypass.

Manifestation Isn’t About “Fixing” Yourself

Many survivors come to me thinking they need to be “healed enough” before they can have what they want. Here’s the truth: you don’t have to be perfectly healed to manifest a beautiful life—you just need to feel safe enough to expand.

Trauma-informed manifestation isn’t about perfection. It’s about partnering with all parts of yourself—especially the ones that learned to survive. We honor the journey while magnetizing a future that finally feels like home.

For Survivors, Manifestation is a Reclamation

When you’ve been silenced, gaslit, abused, or discarded, manifesting your future is revolutionary. It’s a reclamation of voice, worth, and possibility.

You are not broken.
You are becoming.
And your desires are sacred.

Ready to Manifest with a Trauma-Informed Lens?

Click on the Book Appointment Link and schedule a free 15 minute consultation.

Together, we’ll turn your survival into your superpower—and help you manifest a life that honors every part of you.

Healing from Emotional Abuse: How Therapy in West Virginia Can Help You Reclaim Your Voice

What Is Emotional Abuse?
Emotional abuse is a form of psychological manipulation and control that wears down your sense of self-worth, security, and emotional stability. Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse leaves invisible scars—making it harder to identify, but no less damaging. It can happen in romantic relationships, family systems, friendships, or even in the workplace.

Examples of Emotional Abuse:

  • Being constantly criticized, belittled, or shamed
  • Gaslighting: being made to question your memory or perception
  • Silent treatment, withholding affection, or punishing with distance
  • Intimidation, yelling, or threats
  • Being blamed for things you didn’t do
  • Conditional love (“I’ll only love you if…”)
  • Undermining your successes or independence
  • Manipulating your choices, relationships, or emotions

How Emotional Abuse Affects You
Over time, emotional abuse can erode your confidence and distort your sense of reality. Many survivors struggle with:

  • Chronic self-doubt and confusion
  • Low self-esteem or self-worth
  • Anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms
  • Difficulty trusting themselves or others
  • Feeling “not good enough” or like a burden
  • Perfectionism or people-pleasing patterns
  • A deep sense of isolation and emotional exhaustion

If this resonates, know you are not alone—and you are not broken. These are normal responses to sustained emotional harm. Healing is possible.

Therapy for Emotional Abuse in West Virginia
If you’re in West Virginia and struggling with the effects of emotional abuse or a toxic relationship, therapy can offer a safe, validating space to begin your healing. Whether you were raised in a dysfunctional household or have recently left a harmful relationship, working with a trauma-informed therapist can help you:

  • Rebuild your self-esteem and self-trust
  • Stop internalizing blame or shame
  • Set boundaries and recognize red flags
  • Reconnect with your body and intuition
  • Heal attachment wounds and regulate your nervous system
  • Feel empowered, safe, and emotionally free again

Therapy Approaches I Offer:
As a licensed trauma therapist specializing in complex trauma, I integrate evidence-based and holistic modalities, including:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS): A powerful model that helps you connect with your inner parts, restore internal balance, and reclaim your Self-leadership.
  • Somatic Experiencing: A body-based approach to healing trauma stored in the nervous system, helping you release patterns of chronic tension or freeze.
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Helps reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel emotionally overwhelming.
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Supports present-moment awareness and self-compassion so you can stop running on survival mode.

You Deserve to Feel Safe, Seen, and Strong Again
Emotional abuse can make you feel small, uncertain, or like you’re too much and not enough at the same time. But healing brings clarity, strength, and a sense of wholeness you may have forgotten was possible.

If you’re in West Virginia and looking for a therapist who truly understands the depth of emotional abuse and how to recover from it, I invite you to reach out. I offer virtual therapy sessions across West Virginia so you can begin this journey from the comfort and privacy of your home.

You are not too broken. You are not too sensitive. You are not too late.
You are a survivor—and your healing starts now.

Ready to take the first step?
[Click here to schedule a consultation] or reach out to learn more about trauma-informed therapy for emotional abuse in West Virginia.

Healing From Trauma in West Virginia: How Virtual Therapy Can Help You Reclaim Your Life

If you’re a woman living in West Virginia and struggling with the weight of your past—whether it’s from childhood trauma, complex PTSD, a toxic relationship, or sexual abuse (SA)—please know you’re not alone. So many women carry the invisible wounds of attachment trauma, silently asking: Will I ever feel safe in my own body? Will relationships always feel confusing or unsafe? Why can’t I “just move on”?

The truth is: you’re not broken. You’re responding exactly how a nervous system responds when it’s been through too much for too long.

As a licensed trauma therapist who specializes in complex PTSD, attachment wounds, and healing from narcissistic abuse, I offer virtual therapy to women across West Virginia—from Charleston to Morgantown, Beckley to Wheeling. If you’ve been searching for a compassionate, experienced guide who understands the depths of trauma and how to heal it at the root, you’re in the right place.

What Is Complex PTSD and Attachment Trauma?

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is often misunderstood. Unlike single-event trauma, C-PTSD is usually the result of ongoing emotional abuse, neglect, or unstable relationships—often starting in childhood and continuing through adulthood. If you’ve been in a toxic or abusive relationship, have a history of people-pleasing, fear of abandonment, or feel like your nervous system is always “on edge,” you might be dealing with attachment trauma.

Common symptoms of complex PTSD include:

  • Chronic anxiety or emotional overwhelm
  • Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in relationships
  • Guilt, shame, or feeling like you’re “too much” or “not enough”
  • Flashbacks or body memories
  • Numbing, dissociation, or feeling like you’re just “going through the motions”
  • Attracting emotionally unavailable or narcissistic partners
  • Trouble setting boundaries or fear of being “selfish”

Why Virtual Trauma Therapy Works—Especially in West Virginia

Many women in rural West Virginia or smaller towns like Bluefield, Elkins, or Lewisburg often face limited access to trauma-informed mental health care. That’s why telehealth therapy is a powerful, accessible option.

Whether you live in a quiet mountain town or a busier city like Huntington, Charleston, Morgantown or Parkersburg, you can now access expert-level trauma therapy from the safety of your home. All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer.

I offer online therapy for women in West Virginia who are ready to stop surviving and start truly healing. Together, we can work to:

  • Heal nervous system dysregulation using somatic and attachment-focused techniques
  • Reprocess trauma in a safe, contained space (I am EMDR-trained)
  • Untangle relationship patterns that keep you stuck
  • Rebuild self-worth and boundaries rooted in compassion
  • Shift from self-blame to self-understanding

Who I Work With

My ideal client is a perfectionistic, deeply-feeling woman who’s tried talk therapy in the past but still feels stuck. Maybe you’re successful on the outside but silently exhausted from holding it all together. You’ve done your best to survive, but now you want to actually thrive—in your body, your relationships, and your identity.

If this is you, I want you to know: your healing is possible. And it doesn’t have to take years. When we work with the nervous system, and the right therapeutic tools like somatic therapy, parts work (IFS), and trauma-informed strategies, transformation happens from the inside out.

Why Clients Trust Me

I’ve worked with hundreds of women who’ve walked away from sessions saying things like:

“I’ve never felt this seen.”
“For the first time, I understand my trauma in a way that helps me release it.”
“I didn’t think I could feel safe in my body again—but now I do.”

I bring a blend of clinical expertise, holistic healing, and real-life understanding to every session. I’m here to walk beside you—not to fix you, but to help you reclaim the parts of yourself you were never meant to lose.

Ready to Begin Trauma Therapy in West Virginia?

If you’re a woman in West Virginia seeking online therapy for C-PTSD, attachment trauma, or healing from abuse, I invite you to take the first step today. You don’t have to keep carrying this alone.

💻 Virtual sessions are private, trauma-informed, and easy to access.
🌿 I offer a safe space where your pain is never too much.
🧠 You’ll learn real tools to regulate your nervous system and rebuild your life.

How to Get Started

Visit Mettahealing.org to learn more or schedule a free consult. You can also follow me on Instagram @MettaHolisticTherapy for free daily trauma healing resources, validation, and support.

You’ve survived so much. Now it’s time to feel safe, whole, and free again.

_______________________________________________________

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You Are Not “Too Much”

✨ You Are Not “Too Much”: The Clients I Work With Are Meant to Shine Brightly ✨

If you’ve ever been told you’re too sensitive, too emotional, too intense, too spiritual, or just too much… you’re in the right place.

This space was made for you.

I work with soul-aligned women (and sensitive men) who’ve always known they were different. You feel deeply. You question the surface. You crave a life with depth, beauty, freedom, and meaning—but trauma, conditioning, and toxic dynamics have taught you to shrink.

Maybe you grew up walking on eggshells. Maybe your nervous system learned how to freeze or fawn to survive. Maybe you’ve dated people who made you question your worth—or gave you breadcrumbs and called it love.

I want you to know:

You don’t have to prove your worth anymore.
You don’t have to dim your light to keep the peace.
You don’t have to stay small to stay safe.

Here, we don’t do surface healing. We go deep—into the body, the soul, the stories you’ve carried that were never yours to begin with. Through somatic trauma healing, EMDRFS, IFS, and grounded spirituality, I help you remember who you were before the world told you to be someone else.

My clients are healers, creatives, entrepreneurs, cycle-breakers, and quiet rebels. Many are recovering from narcissistic abuse. All are ready to reclaim their magic.

In this space, we:

  • Honor the parts of you that have been silenced
  • Rewire your nervous system to feel safe with goodness
  • Redefine what love, safety, success, and softness mean to you
  • Turn your pain into purpose without bypassing the real healing

This isn’t just trauma recovery.
It’s soul reclamation.
It’s freedom.
It’s coming home.

If you’re feeling that little flutter in your chest right now—the “maybe this is for me” whisper—I invite you to trust it.

You’ve already done the hardest part: surviving.
Now let’s build the life that honors your sensitivity as your superpower.

→ Ready to begin your healing journey with me?
Book a free clarity call or explore my Healing From Narcissistic Abuse course to take the first step. You don’t have to do this alone.

With love,
Renee Minx
Trauma Therapist | Nervous System Whisperer | Believer in Your Light

Healing from Trauma with Telehealth Therapy in West Virginia

Trauma leaves invisible wounds that can shape the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Whether it stems from childhood experiences like neglect, emotional abuse, or abandonment—or from adult events such as betrayal, loss, or violence—trauma affects the nervous system, relationships, and overall well-being. The good news? Healing is possible. And now, more than ever, trauma recovery therapy is accessible from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

What is Trauma?


Trauma is not just what happened to you—it’s what happened inside of you as a result. It’s the overwhelm that occurs when something threatens your sense of safety, and your body or brain doesn’t have the support or capacity to fully process it.

Common sources of trauma include:

  1. Childhood emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
  2. Emotional neglect or abandonment
  3. Growing up with a parent who struggled with addiction or mental illness
  4. Domestic violence or controlling relationships
  5. Medical trauma or accidents
  6. Betrayal, bullying, or spiritual trauma
  7. Sudden loss, natural disasters, or other overwhelming events

Even if your experiences don’t “seem that bad” to others, your nervous system might still be carrying the imprint.

Warning Signs You Might Benefit from Trauma Therapy
Not all trauma looks like PTSD. You might not even realize you’re living in survival mode until you start healing. Here are some signs that unresolved trauma may be affecting you:

  1. Feeling emotionally numb, disconnected, or “shut down”
  2. High sensitivity or overreactions to stress or criticism
  3. People-pleasing or trouble setting boundaries
  4. Chronic anxiety, freeze responses, or hypervigilance
  5. Shame or self-blame that feels hard to shake
  6. Difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships
  7. Nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts
  8. Body pain, IBS, headaches, or chronic fatigue with no clear medical cause

If any of this resonates, trauma-informed therapy could help you begin to feel safe, empowered, and whole again.

Why Telehealth Therapy Works for Trauma Recovery
As a licensed trauma therapist offering telehealth therapy in West Virginia, I’ve witnessed how powerful virtual sessions can be for trauma healing. Here’s why teletherapy may be the right fit for you:

🏡 Safe space: You don’t have to leave your home—ideal for nervous system regulation and for those who experience social anxiety, triggers in public spaces, or difficulty driving.

📅 Flexible scheduling: More ease and consistency for clients with busy lives, caregiving duties, or unpredictable work shifts.

💻 Privacy and comfort: No waiting rooms, no awkward small talk—just focused, compassionate support in a setting that feels safe to you.

💞 Therapy that fits your life: Whether you’re in Morgantown, Charleston, Huntington, or rural areas of WV—teletherapy bridges the gap to high-quality trauma therapy where local options may be limited.

My Approach to Trauma Therapy
I specialize in somatic trauma therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and inner child healing. These evidence-based methods don’t just help you talk about trauma—they support your nervous system in releasing it.

My approach is:

  1. Somatic, non-judgemental, compassionate and empowering
  2. Rooted in nervous system regulation
  3. Focused on helping you feel more embodied, clear, and self-love
  4. Customized for complex trauma, dissociation, and childhood neglect
  5. LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive for all survivors

How to Get Started with Trauma Therapy in WV
If you’re ready to explore healing at your own pace, I offer free 15-minute consultation calls to make sure we’re a good fit. You deserve a therapist who gets the depth of your experience—someone who won’t pathologize your pain but will help you move through it with clarity, strength, and care.

🌿 If you’re looking for a trauma therapist in West Virginia who offers telehealth therapy, I invite you to reach out today.

Schedule your free consultation
Click on the tab “book an appointment”

📧 Email: reneeminxtherapy@gmail.com
📍 Serving all areas of West Virginia through secure, telehealth therapy

Healing Attachment Wounds from Childhood Trauma: A Holistic Approach

Attachment wounds from childhood trauma can shape the way we form relationships, regulate emotions, and experience self-worth. These deep-seated patterns often manifest in adulthood as anxiety, avoidance, or difficulty trusting others. However, healing is possible through a compassionate and holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit.

Understanding Attachment Wounds

Attachment wounds occur when our early caregivers fail to provide consistent love, safety, and attunement. This can lead to:

  • Anxious Attachment: Fear of abandonment, people-pleasing, or excessive worry about relationships.
  • Avoidant Attachment: Difficulty trusting others, emotional suppression, and discomfort with intimacy.
  • Disorganized Attachment: Conflicting behaviors, fear of closeness, and difficulty regulating emotions.

These attachment styles, formed in early life, can persist into adulthood, affecting romantic relationships, friendships, and even professional dynamics.

Steps to Heal from Attachment Wounds

Healing requires intentional inner work, self-compassion, and safe relational experiences. Here are key steps to begin your journey:

1. Cultivate Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the foundation of healing. Begin by identifying your attachment style and recognizing patterns in your relationships. Journaling, self-reflection, and working with a therapist can help uncover subconscious beliefs formed in childhood.

2. Practice Inner Child Healing

Connecting with your inner child can bring deep healing. Try these exercises:

  • Inner Child Meditation: Visualize comforting your younger self and offering the love they needed.
  • Letter Writing: Write a compassionate letter to your younger self, validating their experiences and reassuring them.
  • Affirmations: Repeat affirmations like “I am worthy of love and connection” to rewire subconscious narratives.

3. Regulate Your Nervous System

Childhood trauma often dysregulates the nervous system, leading to chronic anxiety or shutdown responses. Healing involves somatic practices such as:

  • Breathwork: Practices like diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing help calm the nervous system.
  • Yoga & Movement: Trauma-sensitive yoga, dancing, or even gentle stretching can help release stored tension.
  • Grounding Techniques: Walking barefoot, holding a warm cup of tea, or practicing the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise can bring you back to the present.

4. Build Secure Relationships

Healing attachment wounds doesn’t happen in isolation; safe, supportive relationships are crucial.

  • Seek Secure Connections: Surround yourself with emotionally available, reliable people who respect your boundaries.
  • Therapeutic Support: Work with a trauma-informed therapist who understands attachment wounds.
  • Set Healthy Boundaries: Learn to communicate needs clearly and protect your emotional well-being.

5. Reparent Yourself with Compassion

Since childhood trauma often results in unmet emotional needs, reparenting yourself can be transformative.

  • Create a Nurturing Routine: Establish rituals that make you feel safe and cared for, such as morning affirmations, warm baths, or mindful walks.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate every step of growth in your healing journey.
  • Speak to Yourself Kindly: Replace self-criticism with compassionate self-talk.

6. Use Holistic Healing Modalities

A holistic approach to healing attachment wounds integrates mind, body, and spirit. Consider:

  • Somatic Therapy: Engages the body in trauma healing through techniques like EMDR, bodywork, and movement therapy.
  • Energy Healing: Modalities like Reiki, acupuncture, or sound healing can help release stored emotional trauma.
  • Mindfulness & Meditation: Regular mindfulness practice cultivates presence and emotional regulation.

Embracing the Journey of Healing

Healing from attachment wounds is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, self-compassion, and a commitment to inner growth. By integrating self-awareness, nervous system regulation, secure relationships, and holistic healing modalities, you can rewrite the patterns of your past and cultivate deep, meaningful connections in the present.

No matter where you are on your healing path, remember: you are worthy of love, safety, and belonging.

Want Support on Your Healing Journey?

If you’re struggling with nervous system dysregulation, PTSD, or attachment healing, I’d love to help.

💜 Book a free 15-minute consultation to see how trauma-informed therapy can support your healing:
👉 Schedule Here

📩 Prefer to reach out directly? Email me at reneeminxtherapy@gmail.com.

I work with clients in Morgantown, Charleston, and throughout West Virginia, offering trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, and somatic healing. You don’t have to do this alone—let’s take the next step together. 💜

Healing from Childhood Trauma: A Holistic Approach with Somatic Healing

Childhood trauma can leave lasting imprints on our minds and bodies, often influencing our relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. At Metta Holistic Therapy, we specialize in guiding individuals through their healing journeys using evidence-based techniques like Somatic Experiencing (SE), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Whether you’re seeking support in Morgantown, WV, Charleston, WV, or prefer virtual therapy in West Virginia, we’re here to help.

Understanding Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma can stem from various experiences, including neglect, abuse, witnessing violence, or growing up in an unstable environment. These experiences can disrupt a child’s sense of safety, leading to long-term emotional and physical effects. Healing is possible, and our holistic approach addresses the mind-body connection to foster lasting change.

The Metta Holistic Therapy Approach

1. Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Somatic Experiencing focuses on releasing trauma stored in the body. Trauma isn’t just a psychological issue; it lives in the nervous system. SE helps individuals:

  • Recognize physical sensations linked to traumatic memories
  • Gently process and release these sensations
  • Restore the nervous system’s natural balance

By reconnecting with your body, SE helps you regain a sense of control and safety.

2. Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS is a powerful therapy that identifies and works with different “parts” of yourself. These parts often develop in response to trauma:

  • Exiles: Carry the pain and shame from past experiences
  • Managers: Try to control your environment to prevent getting hurt again
  • Firefighters: React impulsively to numb emotional pain

Through IFS, we help you develop a compassionate relationship with these parts, allowing healing from the inside out.

3. Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness is about being present without judgment. For trauma survivors, mindfulness:

  • Increases awareness of thoughts and emotions
  • Reduces anxiety and stress
  • Enhances emotional regulation

Simple techniques like mindful breathing, body scans, and grounding exercises can be transformative in managing trauma responses.

4. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR is a well-researched therapy for trauma. It helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge. EMDR involves:

  • Focusing on distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation (like eye movements)
  • Allowing the brain to reframe and integrate these memories

Clients often experience significant relief from PTSD symptoms after EMDR sessions.

Why Choose Metta Holistic Therapy?

  • Personalized Care: We tailor our approach to your unique needs.
  • Virtual Therapy in West Virginia: Accessible therapy from the comfort of your home.
  • Experienced Therapists: Skilled in trauma-informed care using SE, IFS, Mindfulness, and EMDR.

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

If you’re in Morgantown, WV, Charleston, WV, or anywhere in West Virginia, Metta Holistic Therapy is here to support you. Our virtual therapy options make it easy to access care, no matter where you are.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healing from childhood trauma.

Nervous System Healing After Emotional Abuse: A Step-by-Step Approach

If you feel stuck in survival mode after emotional abuse, you’re not alone. Learn how to regulate your nervous system and reclaim your sense of safety.

Why Healing the Nervous System Is Essential After Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse—especially from narcissistic relationships—has a profound impact on the nervous system. If you’ve ever felt on edge, exhausted, or disconnected after leaving a toxic relationship, it’s not just emotional—it’s biological.

When we experience repeated manipulation, gaslighting, or trauma, our bodies adapt to survival mode, keeping us stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. But the good news? Your nervous system can heal. With the right practices, you can shift from survival to safety, connection, and self-trust.

How Emotional Abuse Affects the Nervous System

To understand how to heal, we need to look at what happens in the body during and after emotional abuse.

1. Chronic Fight-or-Flight Mode

  • Your sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is overactive, leading to anxiety, hypervigilance, and emotional exhaustion.
  • Symptoms: Racing thoughts, insomnia, irritability, feeling “on edge” all the time.

2. The Freeze Response (Shutdown Mode)

  • Your dorsal vagal nerve takes over, causing dissociation, numbness, and depression.
  • Symptoms: Feeling disconnected from reality, struggling with motivation, feeling “stuck.”

3. The Fawn Response (People-Pleasing for Safety)

  • You learn to appease others to avoid conflict, sacrificing your own needs.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty setting boundaries, feeling guilty for saying “no,” putting others first at your own expense.

Healing means teaching your body that it’s safe again—even if you don’t feel safe yet.

Step-by-Step Approach to Nervous System Healing

1. Reconnect with Your Body Through Somatic Healing

Emotional abuse disconnects you from your body. Somatic practices help you rebuild trust in yourself.

  • Grounding Techniques:
    • Press your feet firmly into the floor and notice the sensations.
    • Hold a warm cup of tea and feel its warmth in your hands.
  • Self-Havening (Gentle Touch):
    • Cross your arms and gently rub your shoulders down to your elbows.
    • This stimulates the vagus nerve, sending signals of safety to your brain.

2. Regulate Your Breath to Shift from Survival to Safety

Your breath communicates safety to your nervous system.

  • Box Breathing (for Anxiety & Hypervigilance):
    • Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4.
  • Long Exhales (for Freeze & Dissociation):
    • Inhale for 4 seconds, but exhale twice as long (e.g., 8 seconds).
    • This activates your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), signaling safety.

3. Engage the Vagus Nerve to Rewire Your Stress Response

The vagus nerve is your body’s built-in healing switch. Activating it helps shift you out of survival mode.

  • Cold Exposure: Splash cold water on your face or take a cold shower.
  • Humming or Singing: This vibrates the vagus nerve, calming the body.
  • Gargling Water: A simple way to strengthen the vagus nerve for better stress resilience.

4. Reset Your Relationship with Safety

After emotional abuse, safety can feel unfamiliar—even boring. Your brain has been wired to expect chaos, and when it’s gone, it can feel uncomfortable.

  • Safe Person Visualization: Imagine a real or fictional person who feels safe (even an animal or a mentor).
  • Create a Safe Space at Home: A corner of your home with soft lighting, blankets, calming scents.
  • Slow Down & Tune In: When you feel triggered, pause instead of reacting. Ask yourself, “What do I need right now?”

5. Heal Trauma with Movement

Stored trauma lives in the body. Moving in intentional ways helps release it.

  • Shaking (Neurogenic Tremoring): Stand and gently shake out your hands, legs, and body to release stored stress.
  • Yoga for Trauma Recovery: Focus on slow, grounding poses like Child’s Pose or Legs Up the Wall.
  • Walking in Nature: Even 10 minutes outside can regulate your nervous system.

6. Repair Your Inner Dialogue

Emotional abuse rewires your inner voice to be critical and fearful. Healing means reclaiming self-compassion.

  • Challenge Self-Blame: Instead of “I should have known better,” reframe to “I did the best I could with the information I had.”
  • Affirmations to Rewire Your Brain:
    • “My body is learning that it is safe.”
    • “I am allowed to rest and heal.”
    • “I am not broken; I am healing.”

The Timeline of Nervous System Healing

Healing is not linear. Some days, you may feel strong; others, you might feel overwhelmed. That’s normal. Your nervous system is learning something new—how to exist outside of survival mode.

How Long Does It Take?

  • First Few Weeks: Small shifts—less anxiety, better sleep.
  • 3-6 Months: More resilience, better emotional regulation.
  • 1 Year & Beyond: Starting to feel at home in your body again.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Stuck

If you’ve struggled to feel calm, safe, or at peace, it’s not because you’re weak—it’s because your nervous system has been in survival mode. Healing isn’t about “thinking differently”—it’s about teaching your body that it’s safe again.

With daily nervous system regulation, you can heal from emotional abuse. You can reconnect with joy, trust yourself again, and feel truly free.

Want Support on Your Healing Journey?

If you’re struggling with nervous system dysregulation, PTSD, or recovering from narcissistic abuse, I’d love to help.

💜 Book a free 15-minute consultation to see how trauma-informed therapy can support your healing:
👉 Schedule Here

📩 Prefer to reach out directly? Email me at reneeminxtherapy@gmail.com.

I work with clients in Morgantown, Charleston, and throughout West Virginia, offering trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, and somatic healing. You don’t have to do this alone—let’s take the next step together. 💜

Share Your Thoughts

What’s one thing that helps you feel safe again? Comment below—I’d love to hear your experience. 💜

Coping with the Loss of a Pet: A Journey of Healing and Support

Losing a beloved pet is one of the most heartbreaking experiences we can face. Pets are more than just animals—they are companions, confidants, and members of our families. When a pet passes away, the grief can feel overwhelming, leaving many people unsure of how to process their emotions or where to turn for support.

At Metta Holistic Therapy, we understand the deep bond between humans and their pets. We offer compassionate, holistic therapy to help you navigate the loss of your pet, honor their memory, and heal in your own time.

Why Pet Loss Hurts So Much

The pain of losing a pet often rivals or surpasses the grief of losing a human loved one. Here’s why:

  1. Unconditional Love: Pets love us unconditionally, without judgment or expectation. Their loss creates a void that feels irreplaceable.
  2. Daily Presence: Pets are a constant part of our daily routines. Losing them can disrupt your sense of normalcy.
  3. Emotional Connection: Many people rely on their pets for comfort, companionship, and emotional support. Losing this bond can feel like losing a part of yourself.
  4. Unique Grief: Society often downplays the grief of losing a pet, making it harder for individuals to feel validated in their mourning.

The Stages of Grief in Pet Loss

Grieving the loss of a pet is deeply personal, and everyone processes it differently. However, many people experience common stages of grief:

  1. Denial: It can be difficult to accept that your pet is truly gone. You may still expect to hear their footsteps or see them waiting by the door.
  2. Anger: You might feel angry at yourself, the veterinarian, or even at the unfairness of losing your pet.
  3. Bargaining: This stage might involve “what ifs” or “if onlys,” such as wishing you had done something differently to prevent their loss.
  4. Depression: The sadness of their absence can feel unbearable. You might experience loneliness, guilt, or a sense of emptiness.
  5. Acceptance: Over time, you can begin to find peace, cherish the memories, and move forward while holding your pet’s love in your heart.

Helpful Tools for Coping with Pet Loss

Healing from pet loss takes time, but there are steps you can take to support your emotional well-being:

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve

  • Give yourself permission to feel the pain, sadness, and loss. Suppressing your emotions can prolong the grieving process.
  • Journaling about your pet’s life and the memories you shared can be a therapeutic way to process your feelings.

2. Create a Memorial

  • Celebrate your pet’s life with a meaningful ritual. Plant a tree, create a photo album, or hold a small ceremony to honor them.
  • Keeping a memento, like a collar or a favorite toy, can provide a tangible connection to your pet.

3. Talk About It

  • Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or a therapist who understands the depth of your loss.
  • Online or local pet loss support groups can connect you with others who are experiencing similar grief.

4. Practice Self-Compassion

  • Avoid self-blame or guilt about your pet’s passing. Remind yourself that you gave them a life filled with love and care.
  • Engage in self-care activities, such as taking walks, meditating, or doing yoga, to help process emotions and reduce stress.

5. Lean on Professional Support

  • Sometimes, the grief of losing a pet can feel insurmountable. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore your emotions and heal.
  • At Metta Holistic Therapy, we offer specialized support for pet loss, helping you process your grief with compassion and understanding.

6. Honor Their Legacy

  • Donate to an animal shelter or volunteer in their honor. Giving back can be a powerful way to transform your grief into love.
  • Write a letter to your pet expressing your gratitude for the joy they brought into your life.

The Importance of Validation in Pet Loss

It’s common to feel like others may not understand the depth of your grief. Phrases like “it was just a pet” can be deeply hurtful and dismissive. Know this: Your grief is valid. Losing a pet is losing a source of unconditional love, and it’s okay to mourn them fully and openly.

At Metta Holistic Therapy, we believe in creating a space where your grief is honored and validated. Your pain is real, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Moving Forward While Honoring the Past

Moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting your pet. It means integrating the love and memories you shared into your life as you heal. With time, the sharp pain of grief can transform into a gentle warmth as you reflect on the joy your pet brought to your life.

If you’re struggling with the loss of a pet, consider reaching out for support. Metta Holistic Therapy and Renee Minx are here to help you navigate this journey with compassion and understanding.

Contact Us for Pet Loss Therapy

Healing is possible, and you don’t have to face your grief alone. Contact us at Metta Holistic Therapy to schedule a session and begin your journey toward peace.

Your grief matters, and so does your healing.