My Trauma Therapist Wants To Begin Emdr

[recoveringfromptsd]

At my appointment tonight she discussed with me starting the process of EMDR.

My trauma therapist today said she wants to start EMDR, and encouraged me to do some research.

I am wondering what others experiences are, what can I expect?

 

[Deleted member 12723]

It literally changed my life for the better. I was able to put the blame and shame and self loathing back on my perpetrators. I am no longer haunted by memories playing over and over in my head.

I heard it is different for everyone. Go slow and trust your gut instincts.

 

[Intrepid]

I started about a year ago. It took about 3 months to actually start processing because I was afraid that it would be a repeat of bad therapy (not EMDR) I had years before. Once it got started we took it really slow.

My experience is that EMDR is like riding a train, watching the thoughts, memories and feelings go by out the window. Sometimes I hit these bubbles of trapped feelings, and things get pretty explosive. Letting that stuff out is just part of the process. I've worked hard to name the feelings when I can and to accept myself and my experiences.

Sometimes I want to quit. My therapist reminds me that nightmares and flashbacks might get worse before they get better. I do breathing and affirmation exercises to stay grounded. I find grounding is important. You might have your favorite exercises. My therapist came up with a bunch, and I picked the few that work for me.

 

[recoveringfromptsd]

it is different for everyone. Go slow and trust your gut instincts

that's advice I will put to use

 

[recoveringfromptsd]

Sometimes I hit these bubbles of trapped feelings, and things get pretty explosive

could you elaborate?

 

[Intrepid]

could you elaborate?

My therapist said that having all those emotions trapped where I don't have access to them is like holding a beach ball underwater. When whatever was keeping it down there lets loose that beach ball comes to the surface pretty fast.

 

[James McGregor]

i had emdr a few years ago, and for me i didnt like it at all - it made me feel like my brain was being squeezed from my ears! I hear it can be very effective though, but personally i wouldnt do it again

 

[recoveringfromptsd]

My therapist said that having all those emotions trapped where I don't have access to them is like hol...

Thanks, and that's fits me exactly. Mine come out as emotional flashbacks when angry.

 

[mrsmegan]

I have a lot of faith in EMDR, but it has been VERY slow moving for me. I am not sure if you have read the book The Body Keeps the Score - if you have not, I would recommend - but in it, they discuss how EMDR is/can be effective for long-term trauma, but it is not as quick as single-event trauma - just because it turns into a web of memories. It's hard work.

Make sure you have lots of resources going in to help you if things become too intense - as I can often experience flashbacks during the process. Establish good trust with your T - and lots of open communication about what you are feeling and experiencing.

 

[recoveringfromptsd]

EMDR is/can be effective for long-term trauma, but it is not as quick as single-event trauma - just because it turns into a web of memories.

Good to know, my trauma is multple, one at 5yo 19-20yo and 21 yo with the one at 5 and 21 being single events the one in the middle was extreme, lasted for 1.5 years and involved all 3 forms of abuse. So EDMR may actually be helpful.

 

[Sandstone]

You need to be proud of yourself. You have worked and worked at stabilising yourself, it has been hard. Your trauma therapist must see the benefits of all you have done, to be willing to start.

My experience of EMDR is tiny, so I can't offer much advice, but if I was offered it I would grab the opportunity.

 

[Clc122]

I tried EMDR and was not a big fan. I did not find it to be very effective. At the time, my T was really into it and made it sound like it was going to be the panacea for my problems. With all the buildup, I was convinced that after a couple of sessions, I would be fine. Not so. It wasn't harmful but it also didn't do much for me and made me feel like I was doing it wrong because the T had promoted it so much. I wouldn't do it again but if you think it may be right for you, go for it! Just realize it may not be the instant cure that so many people say it is.