Emdr difficulties--looking fro advice from pros

[Keen]

Hey all, I'm new to EMDR, only had 2 sessions.
We've done my T moving her arm back and forth and we've done tapping, and it is just really difficult for me to shift my eyes back and forth while also trying to hold the image of the trauma, the emotions, the cognitions, etc. Its a lot to try to keep track of at the same time.
Any advice from those who have done it longer?

 

[LizardViolet]

Does your therapist have headphones or vibrating paddles you can hold in your hand? I found it distracting moving my eyes and also they got tired.

It's also totally OK to take it slowly and hold just one thought or image in your mind.

I hope you're able to discuss your concerns with your therapist.

 

[Keen]

Thanks! I'll have to ask about the headphones or paddles.
I did mention this last time that I found the eye movements difficult, but she didn't really respond with alternatives, I maybe didn't explain it as being as big a deal as it actually is. Or maybe I just need more practice with it.

 

[Hopefully]

I found the eye movements difficult to keep up with and also found it hard to keep the dual focus on visually following her and concentrating on thoughts, feelings, images. We moved onto knee tapping which I did with my eyes closed which I found much more helpful. Some people find closing their eyes too much, it puts them too deep in the memory but I am very detached and avoidant so need to be that extra step closer. I am now seeing a new T how uses headphones and vibrating paddles. I have only used it once so not really sure what I think about it.

Many T use different methods, just if there are any alternatives that they could offer.

 

[Keen]

Thanks for your reply,
@Hopefully
It feels validating to know I'm not the only one with difficulty with the dual focus!