EMDR Therapy in Gilbert, AZ

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Healing That Helps You Get Unstuck

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Every person grows and learns in different ways. To that point, every counselor or guide has their own techniques and exercises to help clients. Not every method is effective for everyone, but with the right guidance, you can defeat your inner demons and recapture your life. That's where Christy Maxey thrives.

Christy is a trauma EMDR coach dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge of true self-love. She aims to help men and women overcome negative self-talk and patterns and finally live the fulfilling life they deserve. Christy has a special focus on supporting women who experience anxiety, depression, lack of self-trust, people-pleasing, and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, she's an expert in helping men who are navigating anger, stress, and relationship challenges.

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If you have received help from therapists and life coaches in the past but find yourself falling back into the same patterns as before, know that you're not alone. The simple truth could be that whatever problem you were trying to face was left unresolved.

Essentially, you cut the top of the weed, but you didn't pull out the entire root. In a sense, you put a band-aid on a serious wound when you needed more comprehensive, specialized treatment. Unlike many life coaches, Christy Maxey aims to solve the root cause of your mental and physical symptoms. By addressing the cause of your issues, you can reclaim your life and move forward without the baggage you've carried for so long. Take it from us - it's an incredible feeling!

Some of the most common problems that Christy helps solve for patients include:

  • Difficulty Dealing with the Emotional Content at the Center of Their Problems
  • A Lack of Resistance to and Awareness of "What Is"
  • Fear and Uncertainty About Making Changes
  • Fear of Getting Compassionate Help and Guidance
  • Believing False Narratives Associated with Past Traumas and Experiences

What is EMDR Therapy in Gilbert, AZ?

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EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a technique that assists people in recovering from the effects of distressing life experiences, such as emotional distress and symptoms.

Created by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a treatment method for post-traumatic stress disorder, EMDR is an evidence-based treatment approach that provides both trauma-informed treatment and treatment protocol. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR employs bilateral stimulation to replicate the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase of sleep. In fact, EMDR treatments have shown that the mind can heal from psychological trauma faster than traditional talk therapy.

Traumatic events often lead to negative beliefs and emotions, such as shame, anger, and sadness. EMDR enables your brain to reprocess such events, promoting healing, well-being, and positivity in patients.

If you're wondering whether or not EMDR treatment from Christy Maxey might be a good choice for you and your family, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do You Feel Stuck in Your Life?
  • Do You Find Yourself Stuck Feeling the Same Types of Fear, Sadness, or Anxiety?
  • Have You Grown Accustomed to a Negative Inner Critic?
  • Do You Feel Stuck with Feelings of Shame from Past Mistakes or Traumas?
  • Are You Always Repeating the Same Patterns in Relationships? Too Nice, Too Accepting, Avoidant, Easy to Get Triggered, Etc.?
  • Is Your Brain Full of Self-Doubt and Harmful Self-Talk?
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 EMDR Gilbert, AZ

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

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Once it's agreed that EMDR therapy is suitable for you, your initial sessions involve discussing your goals and enhancing your ability to cope with stress. In the following phases of EMDR therapy, you concentrate on a specific event or focus on a negative image, belief, emotion, or bodily sensation related to the event. You then focus on a positive belief indicating that the issue has been resolved.

While you're focused on the upsetting event, Christy begins sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. After each set, you are guided to observe what comes to mind. Shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs about the event may occur. It should be noted that you can stop therapy at any moment if necessary. The sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps will be repeated until distress caused by the event decreases. EMDR therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other forms of therapy offered through the Maxx Method.

To help paint you a picture of how EMDR therapy works, think of it like a cast for a broken bone. Unlike other forms of therapy, however, EMDR can be more uncomfortable than traditional treatments. It's important to be ready for possible emotional exhaustion afterward. To cope, you can create a relaxing playlist and plan some activities to unwind. Once the sessions are finished, take some time to recharge and decompress.

Who Should Use EMDR Therapy in Gilbert, AZ?

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EMDR therapy is something anyone can benefit from. It's not only reserved for people with extreme experiences or traumas. Even mild cases of anxiety and depression can be treated by a trained EMDR coach like Christy Maxey. When you remember something that reminds you of a bad experience, your body might react like it's in danger, even if it's not. This is a normal reaction, but if it keeps happening, it can make you feel really stressed out. With EMDR, you can heal and learn new ways to cope without having to talk about exactly what happened. This can help you feel better and live your life without over-worrying and ruminating on negativity.

If you're one of the many people who have experienced lackluster results from one or more EMDR sessions, it's crucial that you do not give up hope. In fact, many men and women come to Christy Maxey having had poor EMDR experiences. Thankfully, they soon realize how impactful and fulfilling the therapy can be for trauma. That's especially true when combined with other therapies like Inner Child Healing and Guided Visualization. Of course, EMDR therapy in Gilbert, AZ, isn't the best choice for every patient - after all, every person is different and responds to therapies in different ways.

To truly discover if EMDR therapy is the right choice for your mind and body, contact Christy ASAP to schedule your initial consultation. That way, you and Christy can get to know each other better and discover the best ways to promote long-term healing and well-being. With that said, patients choose EMDR treatments for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons for using EMDR therapy include the following:

  • Panic Attacks and Anxiety
  • PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome)
  • Eating Disorders like Bulimia, Anorexia, and More
  • Trauma from Abuse and Violence
  • Abusive or Violent Relationships
  • Rest and Sleep Problems
  • Social Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Childhood Trauma and Abuse
  • Anger and Sadness
  • Fear of Speaking in Public
  • Betrayal and Grief
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The Life-Changing Benefits of EMDR Therapy

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Though EMDR therapy is more popular than ever, many people are still unaware of its benefits and how life-changing the therapy can be for people who are stuck. If that sounds like you, keep these benefits in mind as you continue to research this amazing therapy choice.

Triumph Over Trauma

Triumph Over Trauma

Recovering from a traumatic experience can be extremely challenging, but EMDR therapy can provide a solution. Trauma can create triggers that make you feel like you're experiencing the event all over again. EMDR can help reorganize the thoughts, feelings, and experiences associated with the trauma so that you no longer feel controlled by it. While the effects of trauma may never completely disappear, EMDR can significantly reduce its impact on your life and enable you to live in the present without constantly reliving the past.

Enhance Your Mental Fortitude

Enhance Your Mental Fortitude

Achieving personal growth involves accepting one's identity, building self-esteem, and understanding the internal narratives that shape our daily experiences. EMDR and guided therapeutic processing can help create a peaceful, efficient, and confident setting for individuals to accept their past and move forward. This therapeutic process empowers individuals, providing them with the strength and courage to confront any obstacle that impedes their well-being.

Reshape Your Life

Reshape Your Life

During EMDR therapy sessions, traumatic events are broken down, enabling patients to gain a different perspective on negative events. This altered view can be as life-changing as the traumatic event itself, giving individuals greater control over how they adapt to the effects of trauma.

Overcome Circular Thinking

Overcome Circular Thinking

If you struggle with circular thinking patterns related to anxiety disorders, phobias, or generalized anxiety, EMDR therapy may be helpful. EMDR can assist you in overcoming these thought spirals by teaching you how to deal with your fears and worries without becoming overwhelmed by anxiety.

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Understanding the Phases of EMDR Therapy in Gilbert, AZ

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According to the EMDR Institute, there are eight phases in traditional EMDR treatment:

The EMDR Institute has identified eight phases of EMDR therapy. These are:

  • History and Treatment Planning
  • Preparation
  • Assessment
  • Desensitization
  • Installation
  • Body scan
  • Closure
  • Reevaluation
History and Treatment Planning

History and Treatment Planning

During the initial stage of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Christy will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your medical and emotional history and create a treatment plan. This stage involves discussing the particular issue that led you to seek therapy. You'll also identify behaviors and symptoms associated with the issues you're facing. Based on this information, Christy will develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the goals to be addressed using EMDR therapy in Gilbert, AZ:

  • The Traumas or Events Causing Issues
  • Present-Day Problems and Traumas Causing Distress
  • Healthy Behaviors and Skills Needed for Long-Term Well-Being
Preparation

Preparation

During this phase, Christy will explain the theory of EMDR, how it is applied, and what you can expect during and after treatment. Christy will then teach you several techniques for relaxation so that you have the tools to calm down in the event of emotional disturbance.

One of the biggest goals of this first phase is to establish trust between you and your EMDR coach. While you don't have to go into great detail about disturbing memories, if you don't trust your therapist, you may not accurately report what is felt and what changes you are or aren't experiencing. If your goal is to please the therapist and say you feel better when you really aren't, no therapy in the world will resolve your trauma.

Assessment

Assessment

In this phase, you will be prompted to access each target in a controlled manner so it can be effectively processed. Processing does not mean talking about it. From there, Christy identifies different parts of the target to be processed. The first step is for you to select a specific image or mental picture from the target event (identified during Phase One) that best represents the memory.

You then choose a positive statement that you would like to believe. The statement should have an internal sense of control, such as "I am valuable/lovable/a good person/in control" or "I can achieve success." In some cases, when the primary emotion is fear, such as after a natural disaster, the negative thought could be "I am in danger," and the positive thought could be "I am safe now." "I am in danger" is considered a negative thought because fear is no longer necessary, but it is still present in the nervous system. The positive thought should reflect what is appropriate in the present moment.

During this phase, you will also identify negative emotions like anger or fear and physical sensations that you associate with trauma.

Desensitization

Desensitization

This phase of EMDR therapy in Gilbert, AZ, hones in on the disturbing sensations and emotions associated with your trauma and the ways that you respond to it. In doing so, patients often resolve similar events as well. The goal of this phase is to use sounds, taps, or eye movements with shifting focus until your subjective disturbance levels are lowered.

Installation

Installation

The goal here is to concentrate on the positive belief that you have identified to replace your negative belief(s). For example, you may have suffered child abuse in your younger years and hold the negative belief that you are powerless. Christy will help strengthen and install positive cognitions that reinforce the fact that you are in control, not the negative thoughts and emotions keeping you stuck.

Body Scan

Body Scan

Research into EMDR sessions indicates that physical responses to unresolved thoughts are common. After your positive cognition is fortified and installed, Christy will ask that you bring the original target event to the forefront of your mind. If she notices any additional body tension, those physical sensations are reprocessed. If you do not have any body tension or symptoms present when your original target event is brought up, your EMDR session is considered successful.

Closure

Closure

Typical EMDR sessions end with closure and a debriefing on what you can expect between your current and subsequent EMDR sessions. If necessary, Christy will provide calming techniques that you can use outside of therapy. This part of the EMDR process ensures that you leave Christy's office feeling better than you did at the beginning of the session.

Reevaluation

Reevaluation

This phase gives Christy insight into any other treatment plans that may be necessary for your healing and well-being. Like any type of sound therapy, reevaluation is critical in determining the success of your EMDR treatment over a period of time.

Reshape Your Life with EMDR Therapy from Christy Maxey

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Regardless of the events and trauma keeping you stuck, EMDR might be a viable solution for reclaiming your life. Christy Maxey provides patients with the safe space needed to do so. If you're ready to let go of past or present traumas and reclaim your love of life, EMDR therapy could be the first step on your healing journey. Contact our office today to learn more about the Maxx Method, EMDR therapy in Gilbert, AZ, EMDR online, and how Christy Maxey can help you defeat the inner demons holding you back.

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Latest News in Gilbert, AZ

Arizona's first Anthropologie Home Outlet is opening in metro Phoenix. Everything to know

Arizona's first Anthropologie Home Outlet store is set to open in Gilbert in October.While Anthropologie is best known for its fashionable clothing, the new outlet store will focus on offering a curated selection of home goods such as distinctive pieces, one-of-a-kind furnishings and unique gifts.The much-anticipated outlet is poised to become a destination for those with an appreciation for Anthropologie's signature pieces, global aesthetics and home fashion offered at discounted prices. Items are replenished fr...

Arizona's first Anthropologie Home Outlet store is set to open in Gilbert in October.

While Anthropologie is best known for its fashionable clothing, the new outlet store will focus on offering a curated selection of home goods such as distinctive pieces, one-of-a-kind furnishings and unique gifts.

The much-anticipated outlet is poised to become a destination for those with an appreciation for Anthropologie's signature pieces, global aesthetics and home fashion offered at discounted prices. Items are replenished frequently so shoppers are encouraged to check back weekly for new home good stock.

With the grand opening just around the corner, here's everything you need to know about the new Anthropologie outlet store.

When does Anthropologie Home Outlet open?

The new Anthropologie outlet store is set to open on Oct. 12.

Initial hours will be Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where is the new Anthropologie outlet store?

The new store will be located on Warner and Recker in Gilbert, Arizona.

What will the new Anthropologie outlet store offer?

Customers can shop for furniture such as tables, mirrors, chairs, lights, wallpapers, rugs, sofas and more at a 40% discount from its original price. The store will restock with new items each week.

All items are final sale and sold as is. Delivery will not be available.

Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. 4290 E Warner Road, Suite 147, Gilbert. 602-345-9099, anthropologie.com.

New stores open now in metro PhoenixFrom celeb-favorite jewelry to vintage clothes

Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

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Another water park is coming to metro Phoenix: What to know about Cactus Surf Park

After years of delays, Gilbert is getting closer to building its first water park.According to its updated timeline, Cactus Surf Park could open by September 2025. The 25-acre attraction at Higley and Queen Creek roads is described ...

After years of delays, Gilbert is getting closer to building its first water park.

According to its updated timeline, Cactus Surf Park could open by September 2025. The 25-acre attraction at Higley and Queen Creek roads is described in a news release as a “much-anticipated state-of-the-art water park” within Gilbert Regional Park.

The updates were made public on May 2 when the Gilbert Town Council approved an amended agreement to a private company’s plans for the water park.

If this sounds familiar, it might be because the project has been in the works for years, before the regional park was finished. The water park project, then called The Strand @ Gilbert, was first announced in 2019 and predicted to open in summer 2020.

What to expect at Cactus Surf Park in Gilbert

According to the surf park’s website, Cactus Surf Park would be inspired by “the world-famous East Cape Baja region of Los Cabos.” The latest available information about the project shows that the facility could offer activities including:

What we know about Cactus Surf Park’s water use

Last spring, the surf park had an expected opening date of April 2024. Since then, the developer has redesigned the amenities to reduce the amount of water used and pushed back the project’s development schedule.

During its May 2 meeting, the Gilbert Town Council approved the new timeline and amendment to water-credit use. According to the Town Council’s agenda, a “more efficient design” uses 60% less water than previous plans. The venue would require 100-acre feet of water credits each year rather than 200.

“This was achieved by reducing the depths of the lagoons, while maintaining the same desired effect,” the public document reads.

An acre-foot is approximately how much water would be required to fill a football field with a foot of water. That’s a little less than 326,000 gallons.

The water used at the park will not come from Arizona’s Colorado River water supply. Instead, the park “will purchase and use recovered water credits delivered through the town’s potable water system,” according to a news release.

The change was made after the developer received community feedback during an August 2022 meeting as well as comments from town staff.

What's next in the Gilbert surf park's timeline

Another community meeting about the development will be added to the town’s calendar, which can be found at https://www.gilbertaz.gov/residents. According to the development schedule, Cactus Surf Park’s public outreach deadline is June 15, 2023.

Current plans are for construction to begin in December and finish by July 31, 2025, for a September 2025 opening.

The wait for Cactus Surf Park has been prolonged

It’s been four years since Gilbert residents were told they would be getting a water sports complex.

In 2021, investment group Cactus Surf Park LLC took over the project through a full asset purchase. The LLC is registered in Delaware, and one of its members has an Orange County, California, address.

The town owns the land at 3005 E. Queen Creek Road and is leasing it to Cactus Surf Park LLC in a public-private partnership. The investment group takes on the cost of building, operating and maintaining the park.

“The public-private partnership with Cactus Surf Park LLC will be a financial benefit to the Town of Gilbert by providing a community amenity while also serving as an additional revenue stream for the parks system,” the town’s Parks and Recreation business manager wrote in a document to the Town Council.

Surf and water parks being developed in metro Phoenix right now

Similar developments are in the works across the Valley in Glendale and Mesa.

VAI Resort, which is under construction near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, will be home to the state’s largest hotel. It also promises a white sand beach, rooftop pools, a “swimming oasis” and a party island, among other amenities. The Arizona Republic reported in April that the entire venue is expected to use about 5 million gallons of water from a yet-undetermined source.

Also, Cannon Beach is under construction at Power and Warner roads in Mesa. Plans for the mixed-use venue include a hotel, salons and spas, restaurants, an “indoor action sports playground” and a nearly 1.9-acre wave lagoon.

Aiya Joins Olympus Property's Multifamily Portfolio in Gilbert, Arizona

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus Property, a renowned real estate investment and property management company, proudly announces the successful acquisition of Aiya, a 360-unit garden-style community nestled in the heart of Gilbert, AZ. Crafted in the image of a high-end resort, this Class A newly developed property is widely regarded as Gilbert's top retreat and has earned recognition by the National Association of Home Builders as the 'Best in American Living – Top Multifamily Communities' (2021). ...

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus Property, a renowned real estate investment and property management company, proudly announces the successful acquisition of Aiya, a 360-unit garden-style community nestled in the heart of Gilbert, AZ. Crafted in the image of a high-end resort, this Class A newly developed property is widely regarded as Gilbert's top retreat and has earned recognition by the National Association of Home Builders as the 'Best in American Living – Top Multifamily Communities' (2021).

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Olympus Property currently oversees a portfolio comprising approximately 5,000 units spread across 16 Class A properties in the Phoenix metro area. Of these, five are strategically situated in Gilbert, totaling 1,525 units. "Aiya will be an excellent addition to our existing footprint in one of the best-performing submarkets in Phoenix," notes Chase Bennett, Olympus Property's Executive Managing Director. "Our robust presence and extensive experience in the area uniquely positions us to effectively manage the asset in this thriving market and will undoubtedly contribute to the Property's ongoing success," adds John Vu, Associate Director of Acquisitions at the company.

Aiya is situated in the heart of the rapidly expanding Southeast Valley, surrounded by both established and emerging economic centers. Within a ±30-minute drive, the Property has access to ±19,000 businesses and ±490,500 employees led by Gilbert's Gateway Employment Area, Elliot Road Technology Corridor, and Central Business District, as well as Chandler's Airpark and Price Corridor, the state's leading high-tech corridor. Collectively, this represents the highest compilation of high-tech, finance, and business services employers in Arizona, backed by industry leading companies such as Northrop Grumman, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, Honeywell, Bank of America, Boeing, Intel (Ocotillo Campus), Wells Fargo, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.

Residents at the community have access to premier lifestyle amenities, including an esteemed school district and proximity to 3.2 million sq. ft. of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, highlighted by the bustling SanTan Village mall.

As a best-in-class community, Aiya pairs clean contemporary aesthetics with environmentally conscious appointments. Common area offerings emphasize luxury and a sustainable lifestyle and include an expansive swimming pool and spa, oversized cabanas, firepit, and a centerpiece water feature. Additional amenities include a spacious covered patio, barbecue grilling stations, open-air social lawn, dog park, and premium fitness center. Units are well-appointed and feature 9' ceilings, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, subway tile backsplashes, wood-style vinyl plank flooring, in addition to full-size washers and dryers.

Please direct all inquiries to Jeff Evans at 325-829-8844 and Jeff.Evans@OlympusProperty.com, or Braden Barr at 415-686-0232 and Braden.Barr@OlympusProperty.com.

For more information please visit: www.OlympusProperty.com.

SOURCE Olympus Property

Gilbert residents voice concerns over plans for new Bottled Blonde location

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GILBERT, AZ — Some residents in Gilbert are pushing back at the plans to bring a Bottled Blonde location to the Heritage District.

“This establishment does not reflect our community,” said Erin Rohr.

She and others voiced strong opinions Tuesday at a neighborhood meeting in the town.

“I think people are going to realize this is a great business for the town,” insisted CEO and Founder of WAGS Capital Aaron Wagner.

His development firm bought the property about a year ago, which was formerly a coffee shop called Bergies.

“The town of Gilbert has really termed the Heritage District the entertainment district,” said Wagner.

He's been working with the founder of Bottled Blonde in Scottsdale to bring a new location to Gilbert.

The Phoenix Business Journal originally reported the new Bottled Blonde location in June.

But the plans have faced pushback, as thousands have signed an online petition against the concept.

“The concern to me is it’s not necessarily a popular use for the community,” said long-time Gilbert resident Mary Ellen Fresquez.

Many people at the neighborhood meeting Tuesday told ABC15 they were against it.

“The biggest issue for us is the restaurant concept,” said Brad Smith.

He owns the building next door which holds several businesses including a breakfast restaurant, a women’s co-working space, and a rooftop bar.

“What concerns me having the density of one bar next to another and not having a diversity of businesses,” said Fresquez.

The Scottsdale Bottled Blonde location is a bar and restaurant by day and a club by night.

Some people are concerned the attire and concept won't be family-friendly.

“Our families hang out there,” said Rohr. “Our children hang out there.”

The owners of Bottled Blonde weren't at the meeting to answer questions, but Wagner told ABC15 they had heard the feedback.

“My partner, Les with Bottled Blonde, he's done a really great job with hearing that feedback and input and taking that and changing a lot of ways that he operates the business,” said Wagner.

He says that includes listening to concerns about seeing into the business, noise, and making sure the sidewalk is accessible.

“There are people that are signing petitions, as you guys know, that are opposed,” said Wagner. But we get flooded with hundreds if not thousands of people in support and excitement for the venue as well.

City planners told ABC15 before the meeting that this is allowed within zoning guidelines, but those we talked to Tuesday left still not convinced.

“It is not who Gilbert is,” said Rohr. “This is not our family-friendly downtown Gilbert.”

Wagner's team still has to formally submit their design proposal, but if everything moves forward, their plan is to start construction in 2024.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Great-grandfather thanks nurse, first responders who saved his life in Gilbert

A Queen Creek great-grandfather met up with the group of people who saved his life earlier this month. Something Good is sponsored by Papa Murphy'sGILBERT, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — A Queen Creek grandfather had a scare with death and on Thursday, thanked those who kept him alive. Bob Durling had just finished a long-distance bicycle ride on Sunday, Aug. 6. He felt fine after putting his bike in the SUV and heading east on Queen Creek Road. As he was approaching Lindsay Road, that’s when things got bad. “I was in the l...

A Queen Creek great-grandfather met up with the group of people who saved his life earlier this month. Something Good is sponsored by Papa Murphy's

GILBERT, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — A Queen Creek grandfather had a scare with death and on Thursday, thanked those who kept him alive. Bob Durling had just finished a long-distance bicycle ride on Sunday, Aug. 6. He felt fine after putting his bike in the SUV and heading east on Queen Creek Road. As he was approaching Lindsay Road, that’s when things got bad. “I was in the left lane when, all of a sudden, my world just got dizzy. I never felt that dizzy in my life,” the 69-year-old said. “Thought this would pass, and then my heart stopped. I blacked out.”

Courtney Johnson was on her way home from an overnight shift at Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center’s trauma intensive care unit. She saw that Durling had ended up hitting a curb, and a man was banging on the SUV. “I see Bob slouched against the window,” Johnson said. “And as soon as I saw his face, I was like, oh my gosh, there’s something major going on here.” Another man broke the window, and he and Johnson got Durling out of the SUV. “He had no pulse,” Johnson said.

She started CPR and told another person to go get help. Crews from the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department then showed up, and Durling didn’t have a pulse, they got right to work. “Got the pads and established the airways,” said Gilbert Fire and Rescue Capt. Jose Garcia. They used a defibrillator on him, but his heart wasn’t beating, so they continued CPR. Firefighters did another heart rhythm check, shocked him again and gave him a drug to get a pulse back while they continued CPR.

Crews used the defibrillator for a third time, and this time, they got his pulse back. “That’s when his eyes started to open,” Garcia said. “He started looking around, and that’s not usual for a code call like that.” He was rushed to the hospital, and doctors found that his carotid artery was 99% blocked. Durling underwent surgery, where surgeons put in a cardiac stent and a defibrillator. Now, he’s back to getting back to his old ways. He walks in the morning and is riding his bicycle every other day, but for only about 3 miles.

On Thursday, Johnson, the crew with Fire and Rescue and Durling reunited for a special thank you. They all signed Durling’s shirt that he was wearing that fateful day, which had to be cut off. “It sends tingles up your spine to see Bob come in here. And we saw him a month ago on the worst day of his life, I’m guessing. And today, we get to see him again,” said Garcia. “It’s an absolute joy to see him walk through the door.” The group also took photos and promised to keep in touch. “It is truly overwhelming right now, OK, to try and hold everything back. I’m not the crying type of person, but it just, all these guys and Courtney and everybody came together and literally saved my life,” said Durling.

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