EMDR - Am I Doing It Wrong?

[ilandry]

Hi All - My therapist has tried EDMR with me. I hate it. It's too close and I feel a bit trapped. And, it makes me sick to my stomach. I also don't know what to say when she asks me what I remember about the experience "now" each time she puts her fingers down. I feel like I have to get the answer right. Does anyone else feel like this? Maybe I'm doing it wrong? Thanks in advance!

 

[Rumors]

Not sure how much prep work you had before starting but hopefully you have a safe place. EMDR makes me sick to my stomach too... actually sometimes I get really nauseated during and after. It's not an easy process. You should talk to your therapist about how you are feeling and ask them for some help with these questions.

 

[ilandry]

Not sure how much prep work you had before starting but hopefully you have a safe place. EMDR makes me sick to my stomach too... actually sometimes I get really nauseated during and after. It's not an easy process. You should talk to your therapist about how you are feeling and ask them for some help with these questions.

Thanks much for your reply!

 

[Sharon7788]

I also don't know what to say when she asks me what I remember about the experience "now" each time she puts her fingers down. I feel like I have to get the answer right.

Yes! I still struggle some with feeling like I have to say the right thing but as I’ve researched EMDR I’m starting to understand that there is no wrong answer. Sometimes I say I notice that a certain thing is happening in the memory, sometimes I say I notice a sensation or a repeating phrase and then sometimes I just have to say I don’t know. When I say that I don’t know, she is able to ask questions to help me with it. We use tappers so it has a long cord and she is able to sit in her usual spot and not be so close. I think I would feel trapped if she was closer and using her fingers. Maybe ask about EMDR tappers. There are also light bars and headphones so there may be another option other than her being so close. Definitely share your concern about feeling trapped with her. You need to feel safe to be able to do EMDR.

 

[ilandry]

Yes! I still struggle some with feeling like I have to say the right thing but as I’ve researched EMDR I’m starting to understand that there is no wrong answer. Sometimes I say I notice that a certain thing is happening in the memory, sometimes I say I notice a sensation or a repeating phrase and then sometimes I just have to say I don’t know. When I say that I don’t know, she is able to ask questions to help me with it. We use tappers so it has a long cord and she is able to sit in her usual spot and not be so close. I think I would feel trapped if she was closer and using her fingers. Maybe ask about EMDR tappers. There are also light bars and headphones so there may be another option other than her being so close. Definitely share your concern about feeling trapped with her. You need to feel safe to be able to do EMDR.

Oh my gosh, thank you! This is so helpful. I think I'll do a little research on EMDR and on the tappers!!!

 

[Freida]

I use headphones --only way I can do it because I can't stand the tappers or watching her fingers

EMDR can make you physically suck because you are digging up things you had to hide from yourself to survive. My t has people who have puked in her office many times. That's why leaning to ground is so important.

Even with all that it is worth it!!! Best thing I've ever done to clear out my brain. And it does get easier as you go.

 

[ilandry]

Awesome Freida! Thank you. It's good to know that I'm not alone with this and that it does get easier!!!