Creating Change

Are you ready for change?  I believe in transformative growth and lasting positive change.

Available to work with any individual or couple in Minnesota, I approach therapy with a deeply empathetic and a client-centered focus. My interests lie in assisting individuals struggling with trauma & grief, anxiety & depression, and life transitions. When neglected, these issues can snowball into more problems that can alter your daily functioning. You may find you’ve been experiencing disordered eating, relational issues, sexual health changes, diminished self worth, and/or sleep disorders. I also work with couples dealing with infidelity, infertility, sexless marriage, power dynamics, unmet needs, and ruptured communication.

My orientation is based in psychodynamic and strength-based narrative therapy. When necessary, I also engage with CBT and motivational interviewing. Firmly rooted in “keeping it real” I have found that transparency, authenticity, and confidentiality are essential for self-exploration, without fear of criticism.

When appropriate, I also incorporate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).  EMDR is a powerful tool to help minimize the negative thoughts, feelings, and beliefs around trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, addiction, self-worth, relational issues, and more. EMDR is used to reinforce and enhance our innate capacity for self-care.

Lindsay Marcy, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor

IN PERSON therapy is offered in the western suburbs of Minneapolis near Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Edina, Wayzata, Deephaven, Independence, Orono, or Minnetrista. 

ONLINE (most popular) is offered to anyone in the state of Minnesota.  Whether you’re located up in beautiful Eli along the boundary waters, historic Duluth, or closer to the southern border, I’ve got you covered! 

A note about fees

All sessions are private pay. 
Payment methods accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and HSA/FSA

My practice is private pay. Due to insurance practices and policies growing ever more demanding on therapists, I unfortunately no longer offer superbills. Please feel free to contact me for any questions or concerns about this.

Link here for a good faith estimate of cost

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Trauma is an overwhelming experience that can shake the very foundation of who we are. Whether it’s the result of a single event like an accident, the loss of a loved one, or a series of events such as ongoing abuse or neglect, trauma leaves a deep imprint on our minds, bodies, and spirits. The effects of trauma can linger long after the event has passed, manifesting in a range of emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms. If you’ve experienced trauma, you may feel stuck, lost, or even isolated in your pain. But it’s important to know that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Therapy can be a powerful tool for healing, offering a safe space to process your experiences, rebuild your sense of self, and find a path forward.

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Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self, and affects their ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences. It’s important to note that trauma isn’t just about the event itself; it’s also about how you perceive and process the event. What might be traumatic for one person might not be for another, depending on a variety of factors such as past experiences, support systems, and resilience.

• Acute Trauma: This type of trauma results from a single incident, such as an accident, natural disaster, or violent attack.
• Chronic Trauma: This occurs from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events, such as ongoing abuse, domestic violence, or bullying.
• Complex Trauma: This involves exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature, such as child abuse or chronic neglect.
• Developmental Trauma: Trauma experienced during childhood can have profound effects on development, affecting emotional regulation, attachment, and the ability to form healthy relationships.

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Trauma can have far-reaching effects on every aspect of your life. It can alter the way you think, feel, and relate to others. Some common effects of trauma include:

• Emotional Responses: You might experience intense emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, guilt, or shame. These emotions can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage.
• Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories: Many people who have experienced trauma have flashbacks or intrusive memories of the event. These can be triggered by something that reminds you of the trauma and can make it feel like you’re reliving the experience.
• Hypervigilance: Trauma can cause you to be constantly on edge, always expecting something bad to happen. This heightened state of alertness can be exhausting and make it difficult to relax.
• Avoidance: You might find yourself avoiding people, places, or activities that remind you of the trauma. While avoidance can provide temporary relief, it often leads to increased isolation and anxiety.
• Numbness and Detachment: Some people respond to trauma by shutting down emotionally. You might feel disconnected from yourself, others, or the world around you.
• Physical Symptoms: Trauma can manifest physically as well, with symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, or other chronic health issues.
• Difficulty Trusting Others: After experiencing trauma, it can be hard to trust others or feel safe in relationships. You might fear getting close to people or worry that they will hurt you.

Negative Self-Image: Trauma can profoundly affect your self-esteem and sense of worth. You might feel unworthy, damaged, or fundamentally flawed as a result of what you’ve been through.

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Healing from trauma is a process that takes time, patience, and support. Therapy can be a crucial part of this journey, offering a compassionate and structured environment in which to explore your feelings, make sense of your experiences, and begin to heal. Here’s how therapy can help:

1. Creating a Safe Space

One of the most important aspects of therapy is the creation of a safe, non-judgmental space where you can talk about your trauma. A therapist provides a confidential environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings without fear of being misunderstood or judged. This sense of safety is essential for healing, as it allows you to explore difficult emotions and memories at your own pace.

2. Understanding Trauma Responses

A therapist can help you understand how your mind and body have responded to trauma. By learning about the impact of trauma on the brain and nervous system, you can begin to make sense of symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. Understanding that these responses are normal reactions to abnormal events can reduce feelings of shame and self-blame.

3. Processing Traumatic Memories

Therapy provides a space to process and integrate traumatic memories. This doesn’t mean you have to relive the trauma in detail, but rather, you can work with your therapist to explore these memories in a way that feels manageable and safe. Techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) can be particularly effective in helping you process and reframe traumatic memories.

4. Developing Coping Strategies

Therapy can equip you with tools and strategies to manage the symptoms of trauma. Whether it’s learning grounding techniques to stay present during flashbacks, practicing mindfulness to reduce anxiety, or developing healthier ways to cope with triggers, therapy helps you build a toolkit for managing the effects of trauma in your daily life.

5. Rebuilding Trust and Relationships

Trauma can shatter your trust in others and in the world. Therapy can help you rebuild this trust by exploring your relationships, setting boundaries, and developing healthier ways of connecting with others. Over time, therapy can support you in forming relationships that are based on safety, mutual respect, and emotional intimacy.

6. Restoring a Sense of Control

One of the most disempowering aspects of trauma is the loss of control it can cause. Therapy can help you regain a sense of agency over your life. By working with your therapist to set goals, make decisions, and take small steps toward healing, you can start to feel more in control of your own journey.

7. Fostering Self-Compassion

Trauma often leaves us with harsh, self-critical thoughts. Therapy can help you develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. By exploring your trauma in a supportive environment, you can start to challenge negative beliefs about yourself and cultivate self-compassion. This is a crucial part of healing, as it allows you to treat yourself with the kindness and care you deserve.

8. Long-Term Healing and Growth

Healing from trauma is not a linear process, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But with the support of a therapist, you can make steady progress toward healing and growth. Over time, therapy can help you move from merely surviving to truly thriving. You may discover new strengths, develop a deeper understanding of yourself, and find a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in life.

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If you’ve experienced trauma, it’s important to know that healing is possible. While the road may be long and challenging, you don’t have to walk it alone. Therapy offers a path toward healing that is rooted in empathy, understanding, and hope. It takes courage to confront trauma, but by reaching out for support, you’re taking the first step toward reclaiming your life and finding peace.

If you’re struggling with the effects of trauma, consider reaching out. The journey to healing is unique for everyone, but with the right support, you can find your way to a place of safety, empowerment, and well-being. You are not alone in your pain, and with help, you can begin to heal.

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