Emdr and scared

[Fayne Jane]

I have had several sessions of EMDR and now have memories of being hit that I didn't remember previously. I was camping alone attacked in the face and head raped and left for dead, resulting in TBI, PTSD. I am now to the point in therapy where I may or may not remember the rape. I have told my therapist I don't want to remember and am thinking of taking a break. I am struggling between wanting a break and wanting to push forward. So far EMDR has helped me in so many ways but it is so rough not just on my mind and emotions but my body. I get so tense that I have headaches, shoulder and back aches way beyond anything I have ever had. My T let's me have total control. I am just wondering what you all think having been through trauma? Is it ok to take a break or should I push on and get past this?

 

[Leighlee87]

Hmmm...that's a tough one. The sooner you get through the EMDR process the better you are going to feel. I have managed to extend the emdr process for 6 months because I kept needing breaks. The only reason I opted for the breaks was because I could only handle a few sessions before it started negatively impacting my job performance to a level I wasn't comfortable with. So, I guess if you are still able to continue your other responsibilities relatively well, I'd probably continue. At the same time, if you really want that break, one or two weeks isn't going to prolong things too much.

 

[No Gravity]

I'm currently in the actual EMDR phase. I've spent a loooong time learning self care and how to tolerate intense emotions in preparation. My therapist is taking a slow approach, so we work on one small part of a memory at a time. The sessions vary. My last one was difficult and the first reaction after was "I don't want to do this anymore!" It's important to have a plan for after your sessions that is healthy and supportive. It's been two days and I feel so much better. Each session ultimately has that affect. I know it's working, so I keep going to therapy and won't take a break. We don't do EMDR every week. I've always been afraid that if I take a break I won't go back.

I believe in the tortoise philosophy: slow and steady wins the race. Good luck.

 

[Fayne Jane]

EMDR has worked for me and changed my life