Emdr and too much emotion

[Shannon Leigha]

I started EMDR about 6 weeks ago. And lately I've been more easily triggered than ever and my emotions are more pronounced especially anger and sorrow. How do I help myself with this?

 

[ladee]

I have not had EMDR therapy but from what I have read here..it is rough to start.
But then there is amazing healing work. Hope you stick with it. Did your T let you know it would be rough at first?
Do you use any self care or grounding that works for you?
From what others have expressed..
It was very worth it.
Let us know how you are doing? You are not alone.

 

[Tkitty]

I did emdr for three years, it helped me but may be its not your thing. There are other kinds of therapy you can try. If its is working you should stick with it. I found that channeling my anger into coloring, or quite time helped me be calmer. I used adult coloring books to ground myself, i do this fairly regularly.

 

[Freedomfighter]

I started EMDR about 6 weeks ago. And lately I've been more easily triggered than ever and my em...

Hmm, I have noticed that too, the anxiety is absolutely horrific, but it also feels like my brain is actually able to process it. But yes the anxiety that goes along with it is sooo tough.

 

[Soekie]

Hey Shannon,

I recognise what you are going through and I think it's normal.

EMDR has an effect on everything, so you need to take good care of yourself. I 'm currently at home for a couple of days, because it is so intense to deal with.

 

[Rumors]

Do your relaxation meditations and ground yourself well. I like to exercise, work, play with my kid, and do relaxation exercises. As well, sit with it. If you are angry, anxious, or other spend some time sitting with what is going on and explore. Then next emir session work on what made you angry/anxious.
Good luck!

 

[Intrepid]

Before I actually started EMDR processing my therapist spent months building up my resources. Here are the ones that work for me.
1) Have allies, real or imaginary. These are people who support you no matter what. My favorite of a character from a video game who always has something positive to say. Real people don't work for me. They are too triggering.
2) Have someplace to put those feelings when they are becoming intrusive. I imagine them going to the playground outside the therapists office.
3) Use relaxation exercises. Starting from my head and going to my feet, I tighten and relax muscles as I go.
4) Affirmations. This one is tricky because the person who abused me often used them in a self justifying way. I don't use them that way. I only affirm what I know is true.
5) Always do some kind of grounding exercise at the end of a session.
I use several other resources too. I'm not always good at it, but I keep trying. These don't make things perfect and I still get flooded sometimes. My therapist had a long list of resources and these are the ones that helped me the most.