Emdr And Psychotherapy

[billie]

Hi guys, I have been going through psychotherapy for almost a year now and I have found it quite a challenge. I will be starting EMDR shortly. I was wondering if anyone had any input to compare what the two are like for you in the coming days after your treatment. I am worried what EMDR will do to me as psychotherapy makes me quite fragile.

 

[Deleted member 20280]

Hopefully you will have gone over grounding techniques with your T before you start EMDR. it is really important that you can ground safely after each session.

EMDR can be an exhausting therapy in the early days, it was for me but I am so glad I stuck at it.

Wishing you every success with your therapy.

Laurie

 

[TimeToHeal]

I reiterate what @laurie71 said. I have recently started EMDR myself, we've done 2 sessions so far. We spent quite a bit of time beforehand going over grounding and self soothing methods, as well as developing and reinforcing my "calm or safe place." Hopefully you and your therapist have also gone over similar such methods.

As far as the EMDR sessions themselves -- the first one I did left me pretty exhausted and a bit overwhelmed. But I was able to use the aforementioned techniques and "recovered" in a few days. The second session wasn't nearly as rough on me. I remain hopeful that these sessions will be helpful! I hope you have a good experience as well! Let us know....:)

 

[macca]

Hi @billie . I found both to be pretty rough, in different ways. If you're prone to dissociation, you may find it happens more, or more intensely, after EMDR. I agree with the others, grounding and self-soothing are really important afterwards. Try to have a quiet couple of days if you can. You might dream a lot too. EMDR really worked for me, though it took some time. I hope it works for you too!

 

[billie]

Thanks guys, I am quite affraid of bringing up these traumas I have been working hard on grouding myself, but my dissasociation can be very strong sometimes. I a bit scared, but I guess I am always affraid anyway......

 

[Deleted member 20280]

@billie my advise would have to be, however corny this may sound as follows.

After your sessions,
a) take time off from the normalities of life and have time for 'you'

and,

b) remember that this forum is here 24/7, not an hour a week whilst in session.

Your T will work 'with' you on sorting the trauma's out in therapy. 'We' are here to offer whatever support we can when you need us. I am more than happy for you to Private message me day or night.

I think I speak for a lot of us who have had successes with EMDR, it can be a lonely, scary recovery few days after a particularly heavy 'session' but it doesn't have to be that way. You have a lot of fellow sufferers on here who I firmly believe will gladly support you after session without a second thought.

Massive :hug:

Laurie

 

[billie]

wow @laurie71 thankyou, that would be awesome. Yes I do like this forum and the people on it!!

 

[Deleted member 20280]

Just remember, I have probably had different trauma's to yourself and I may live on the other side of the planet, 'but'..... we are fellow sufferers of PTSD and I can honestly say without this forum and the people I have interacted with on here I would 'Not' be in the safe place mentally that I am now. I owe so much to @anthony and @Nicolette for setting this site up.

My own experience is that there are no where near enough PTSD support groups available for 'between therapy' times, no matter where we live in the world.

When I offer hugs I really do mean just that, a warm friendly virtual :hug:

 

[macca]

I second what Laurie said - I know I leaned on this forum in the days after EMDR, and it helped me so much.

 

[TimeToHeal]

I also agree! This is exactly where I turned following EMDR, and received much support and encouragement.

It is completely natural to feel nervous and scared....I felt the same way! It's the fear of the unknown, fear of the "what ifs!" You're not alone, remember that. :) And :hug: