Going Through Emdr

[Fairynuff]

Hi, I'm not sure if this in the right place. It's my first post.
After years post trauma I got a diagnosis of PTSD. No big surprise if I'm honest.
The question I have is about emdr.
I'm half way through 'treatment' and I'm gone from being distressed and tearful to numb. Literally numb. I simply have no feelings either way.
Is this normal?
Thank you.

 

[BlueOrange]

It's definitely something you should mention to your therapist. My suspicion is that you've been pushing hard and become tired, and that your therapy should be adjusted to take that into account.

 

[Deadman]

Yup. Normal. Lots of people feel that way at some point in their treatment plan.

 

[Fairynuff]

Thank you both.
Yes, I feel really tired. I've found it really hard going and it take me the whole week (or 2 sometimes) to recover.
I've just not felt like this before. It's quite weird.

 

[BlueOrange]

There is nothing weirder than the EMDR experience. The whole finger-looking experience is so silly, and the effect it has is so confusing. It takes energy to experience emotions, and if you're not used to it (in other words, if you need EMDR) then it can be too much.

That's OK, if it's too much for a little while. If you rest and are kind to yourself, you can regain your strength.

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

I think you are on the right track...especially since you've had years of being distressed and tearful. NOT having those feeings would have to feel like numbness. EMDR helped me SO much, but it takes awhile for the benefits to be felt.

"Replacing" such intense emotion naturally leaves a lot of "openness" I think. Try not to have expectations, though I know that is difficult. The brain and our emotions are SOOOO VERY COMPLEX, and PTSD has layer, and layers, and layers. Do your best to treat yourself well! You are working really hard at healing, and good self care is very important. Do things that you enjoy, or even things out of your usual activities. Think of light hearted things...like coloring...painting....going for a walk in nature...a library...a movie. Things that don't require work of any kind.

Oh, how I wish EMDR had been around when I first started having emotional breakdowns! It was PERFECT when I first found it, and it was TRULY a lifesaver, but it took time, and not having specific expectations. Try to enjoy NOT feeling distressed and tearful. It may feel hard to have "fun" as well. I think the main thing is to just "be". Sounds easy, but it's not.

I applaud you for getting help! Be open and honest with your T, and ask questions. Good luck to you, and I hope you benefit as much as I did.

 

[Muted]

Hi, I'm not sure if this in the right place. It's my first post.
After years post trauma I got a diag...

Has your therapist discussed parts with you? I did EMDR for quite some time and then came up against a protective part that was blocking my progress and then I started disassociating etc. Parts serve a purpose and have a job to do. My experience is that my parts are protecting me from trying to deal with things that would be too much with my job and not feeling like I have a dependable safe support person in case I fall apart outside of session. If parts halt progress, there is a reason.

 

[Netsy]

I have read and researched quite a bit on EMDR as was supposed to start treatment in the next few weeks but have decided to not do this. Apparently there is no ??? guarantee how it will change the way your brain will react.. whether you get numb because your process of information is moved from one part to another part of the brain.... so am too scared to even go that way anymore. Everyone copes differently because we all have the same trauma but it is programmed differently ... so at this time ?... I am doing well... anyone else out there who can assure me EMDR is a good thing to do ?