Tangled, Not Broken: EMDR, Neurodiversity, and the Nervous System with Laurie Belanger

In this episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, Stacy sits down with clinical social worker, trauma therapist, EMDRIA-approved consultant, educator, and Safe and Sound Protocol provider Laurie Belanger for a rich conversation about trauma, neurodiversity, EMDR, dissociation, and nervous system healing.Laurie shares her belief that people are “tangled, not broken,” and offers a deeply compassionate way of understanding complex trauma, especially in children, adoptive and foster families, neurodiverse individuals, and adults still carrying the impact of early experiences. Together, Stacy and Laurie explore why trauma and neurodiversity do not always fit into neat diagnostic boxes, how EMDR helps bridge the body and the mind, and why clinicians must remember they are not just technicians following steps—they are regulated humans bringing presence, discernment, and relationship into the room.They also unpack the Safe and Sound Protocol, using Laurie’s powerful explanation of the “sticky lever” in the ear and how our nervous system can become tuned to emergency settings. This conversation is full of practical wisdom, clinical depth, and the kind of nervous-system-informed language that helps people feel seen instead of labeled.This episode is a beautiful listen for therapists, educators, parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in trauma-informed healing, complex developmental trauma, dissociation, EMDR, neurodiversity, and the power of feeling safe enough to become more fully yourself. Laurie's Bio: Laurie Belanger, LCSW-R, is a seasoned psychotherapist specializing in the practical, individualized use of EMDR therapy integrated into complex presentations. She is known for being creative and adaptive. Over a career of 25 years Laurie has developed skill treating complex trauma, sensory differences, chronic pain, adoption trauma, SMH diagnosis, and neurodiversity. As an approved EMDR Consultant and Education Provider through EMDRIA, she helps colleagues build a sustainable and enjoyable best practice. Dedicated to providing cross discipline education, Laurie enjoys translating complex ideas into relatable, impactful material.Website: lauriebelanger.com FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/laurie.belangerlcsw Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-belanger-lcswr-1266113a Instagram laurie_the_adhd_trauma_geek You can also find some courses with me at UB School of Social Work Office of Continuing Education https://ubswce.ce21.com/item/emotional-safety-therapy-room-tools-strategies-resourcing-clients-ages-127442#tabFaculty