Matimba is a Tsonga name that means strength or power.
Matimba Mental Health
At Matimba Mental Health, a private practice, Helena Cohen provides trauma-informed therapy. She is a licensed mental health provider in both Texas and Washington and is EMDRIA-certified.
Helena is passionate about not only addressing her clients’ symptoms but also fostering lasting transformation.
CLIENTS
Specialized Mental Health Care for TWO distinct types of clients
1. High-Functioning Professionals or Individuals
You may:
Struggle with Anxiety or self-doubt – “I am not good enough.”
Feel the need to constantly prove yourself – “I have to be perfect.”
React with anger or withdrawal when feeling powerless – “I have no choice, I am trapped.”
Rely on intellect but feel emotionally numb or dysregulated (feeling overwhelmed or out of control emotionally).
Having difficulty staying grounded and in your body when under pressure.
Utilizing EMDR Therapy, by addressing childhood trauma, generational trauma, and/or attachment wounding, my clients move from reactive survival patterns to an expanded, grounded self. More differentiated (able to stay true to yourself while staying connected to others), knowing you have value, and trusting you can keep yourself safe. They become less triggered, more discerning (less judgmental), and better able to set healthy boundaries. Free to live from a place of choice, having a strong Sense of Self.
2. Recent Traumatic Events Experienced or Witnessed by an Individual.
If you have recently:
Received a medical diagnosis (e.g., cancer)
Experienced a miscarriage or pregnancy loss
Experienced a Natural Disaster or Mass trauma event
Witnessed a traumatic event (e.g., suicide)
Loss of a loved one (including loss of a child)
Experienced secondary Trauma in line of duty (First Responder, Judge, Medical Professional, and Teachers)
In the first 30-90 days following the traumatic event, the brain actively tries to integrate what has occurred. This window is critical. It is when EMDR Therapy’s Early Traumatic Intervention Protocols are the most effective for minimizing long-term symptoms and preventing a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnosis by assisting the brain in fully integrating the event. Early intervention can prevent years of unnecessary suffering.
In addition, I bring training and expertise in Cultural Diversity and LGBTQ competencies to create a safe, affirming environment for immigrants and first-generation individuals navigating the challenges of acculturation (adjusting to a new culture or way of life) in U.S. life, and LGBTQ clients. I strive to provide an inclusive space for clients of all identities and backgrounds, and I actively welcome feedback, valuing the opportunity to learn from each person’s unique experiences.
Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom”. Viktor Frankl
WHY EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a Neuro-Based Therapy designed to:
Addressing traumatic memories by desensitizing and reprocessing the brain’s maladaptive memory network and integrating it with the adaptive memory network.
Change implicit memories (physical sensations, emotions, and behavioral patterns, often triggered unconsciously) to explicit memories (conscious, factual recollections of past events).
Both state (temporary shift in emotional or mental state) and trait (enduring and fundamental shift in personality or way of experiencing the world) changes occurred, resulting in an ability to view past events with no visceral reaction.
Reduce triggers and flashbacks (both sensory and emotional) by having integrated past traumatic events.
Decreased hypervigilance and chronic anxiety.
Restore a sense of Safety and Value, resulting in an increased Sense of Self.
EMDR Institute, Inc
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing) Therapy
Please access this website to FIND A CLINICIAN in your area, click on EMDR INFO for information on What is EMDR Therapy, History, Research, and Statements from Professionals, including:
Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD
Professor of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine
“EMDR assists survivors in the immediate aftermath of violent trauma by breaking through the walls of denial, shock, grief, and anger. Ideal for those who have been unable to forget past traumatic life events, as it allows for rapid processing of even deeply rooted memories, giving individuals back control of their lives and emotions.”
EMDRIA (EMDR International Association)
Please access this website to search for a Certified EMDR Therapist in your area and for additional information.
Two Videos on EMDR Therapy:
"WHAT IS EMDR THERAPY?" One of two recommended therapies for trauma by WHO (World Health Organization)
"Healing Trauma" Public Awareness Film for EMDR Therapy
“There’s always a moment that separates the past from the future, and that moment is now”. Aniekee Ezekiel
ABOUT
Helena Cohen, M.A. - EMDRIA Certified
With a passion for reducing the impact of trauma and generational trauma on individuals, their children, relationships, and quality of life, Helena is committed to being a change-maker as a trauma-informed therapist.
She brings her well-honed analytical, results-driven, and organizational skills to her work as a therapist.
Before psychotherapy, Helena spent 17 years as a systems engineer in Technology, holding degrees in both Business and Organizational Psychology.
Her journey and personal transformative work led her to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology to become a changemaker in private practice in 2008. She brings her well-honed analytical, results-driven, and organizational skills to her work as a therapist. Specializing in EMDR therapy, she has been committed to trauma-informed care and became Certified in EMDR Therapy in 2013.
Helena also completed a 3-year course equivalent to an MBA in Leadership and Communication at the Leadership Institute. She brings this knowledge base frequently to her work with corporate clients.
Her community involvement has primarily focused on disaster preparedness, and she has served as a volunteer with MIPD, HAP, the MRC in WA, and is now with the Williamson County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)in Texas.
