Emdr- Dissociation

[Jen12]

Hi,

I had a very hard therapy session today working through trauma. we worked on some relatively easy stuff, but my reaction completely shocked me. Is this normal? Does anyone else have any expereience with with this type of reaction?

My T asked me to think of the memory, and i literally got sucked into a full blown flash back. I felt like i was back there in time, i had no idea i was in the therapy room. After a while i could hear my therapist telling me i was safe and she was there, and could feel her touching my hand. As during flash backs i claw at my hands & knuckles, i have no idea why.
My T once id come back to the present said id dissociated and was literally staring, and she couldnt break my gaze, i was shaking violently and i was unresponsive. She said she tried to stand me up but every muscle in my body was tense and rigid. Even after coming back to the present i was struggling to communicate with her, i knew she was asking me questions but it was asif my mouth wouldnt work & all the energy had been zapped out of me.
Are theses reactions normal?

 

[Ronin]

Yep, these reactions are fairly normal. Trauma, PTSD, normal at least.

It gets harder before it can get easier and smoothen out. Give yourself time.

 

[Kailani]

I've been doing EMDR also and had a similar reaction yesterday. It wasn't like i was there but had the same feeling as after the event and massive dissociation. Still in progress work I think. It sure is scary! Just not well but hopefully it's helping!!! Safe place helps and distraction I found. Hope that helps!

 

[Jen12]

Thank you for your reply, it was really helpful! Im glad (in the loose sense of the word) that i reacted wuite normally in the circumstances. Im still so worried and curious to how i look or what i did, i hope it was nothing bad, as ill be so embarrased!
Thank you again for your reply i greatly appreciate it.