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Reflections From a Therapist

Insights from a trauma-informed therapist on trauma, anxiety, healing, and the work of becoming more at ease within yourself.

Signs Your Nervous System Is Dysregulated (And What You Can Do About It)

Many adults live in a chronic state of “on edge” without realizing their nervous system is stuck in survival mode. This post helps you understand the signs of dysregulation and what you can do to feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control.

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Anxiety, Trauma Healing, Therapy Foundations Nikki DeVault Anxiety, Trauma Healing, Therapy Foundations Nikki DeVault

Why Am I So Self-Critical? A Trauma-Informed Explanation

Many adults are hard on themselves without fully understanding why. Self-criticism is not a flaw. It is a survival strategy shaped by early experiences, trauma, and a nervous system that learned to stay on alert. This post explains why your inner critic formed, why it feels so persistent, and how healing can help you relate to yourself with more clarity and compassion.

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What Is a Trigger? And Why It’s Not “Just Overreacting”

Triggers aren’t signs that you’re overreacting. They’re body-based responses shaped by past experiences that your nervous system hasn’t fully processed yet. This post explains what triggers really are, why they feel so intense, how they show up in everyday life, and why your reactions make sense. You’ll learn how your body tries to protect you and how healing can help you feel steadier, safer, and more in control.

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Trauma Healing, Therapy Foundations Nikki DeVault Trauma Healing, Therapy Foundations Nikki DeVault

Trauma Responses Explained: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn

If you’ve ever wondered why you react so quickly, shut down without meaning to, overthink everything, or work hard to keep the peace, there’s a reason — and it’s not because something is wrong with you. Trauma responses like fight, flight, freeze, and fawn are your nervous system’s way of protecting you. This blog explains why these patterns show up, how they affect daily life, and why they’re actually signs of survival, not weakness. When you understand what your body is doing, healing begins to feel possible.

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Hi, I’m Nikki

I’m a a trauma-informed therapist in West Chester, PA, specializing in EMDR, anxiety, and the deep work of healing self-criticism. This blog is where I share practical tools, nervous system education, and compassionate guidance to help you understand your inner world, feel less overwhelmed, and build the foundations for real, lasting change. Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or looking to deepen your healing, I’m glad you’re here.

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