EMDR Lashback - When EMDR Goes Wrong

[anthony]

One must remember that this is a very old thread started back in 2007, when EMDR was not as efficacious or well delivered for people back then, especially those with multiple trauma. It has come a long way since then, refined significantly, and now extremely good when implemented correctly for multiple trauma.

 

[cherryblossom]

EMDR worked for me but it took 2 years of establishing trust with my therapist and center for me to decide to take this route to therapy.

And this is why EMDR went horrible wrong for me several years ago. I was just expected to trust a complete stranger with my emotions. It was horrendous. No Therapy of any sort, just straight into EMDR.

I do agree with @anthony , an old thread, and maybe if it was introduced to me newly now, I might consider it. But as is the nature of PTSD, having had such an horrendous experience, it would take me a hell of a lot of time and trust to ever consider this therapy again. Something I don't have the £££ for.

 

[heidimaria]

Hi Everyone,
I know this thread is from 2007 but I just want to say I had a very similar experience as the original poster bec did when I tried EMDR in 2009. I also had flashing in my brain! She says, "the whole room was flashing as if a bulb was going off." Yes - a strobe light was going off for me as well. For me it went on very noticeably for about 3 days and more subtly for another week or so. As it tapered off during the day it still stayed on during the night. In addition to mental flashing I experienced nightmares, anxiety, dissociation and instability. I think this is really important information. People should understand that for some people EMDR is harmful. We both experienced very similar responses to EMDR. Maybe we are a minority. But we were very harmed and our voices should be heard.

 

[Abilene]

A friend of mine is prone to exagerrating and making up things to get attention as a PTSD sufferer. I'm not saying she hasn't had some crap in life (who hasn't?), but nothing that would lead to a PTSD diagnosis. Most people don't know much about PTSD, so immediately offer there sympathies once she tells them she has PTSD "really, really bad". She now is telling us that she is going to have EMDR. Does anyone know if this would hurt her, since she probably wouldn't be truthful with the T? She is very creative with her stories so people don't always see through her. I wouldn't want it to mess her up brain.

 

[anthony]

An experienced therapist will quickly determine whether she is lying or not with memories during EMDR.

 

[Abilene]

An experienced therapist will quickly determine whether she is lying or not with memories during EMDR.[/QUOT...

.

Would they discontinue EMDR at that point? Do they gently "call her out" on her stories and then continue some sort of treatment to determine the underlying reasons why she might be using her supposed PTSD for attention? She definitely needs some help, but my immediate concern would be that there might be some sort of psychotic break if she is suddenly having to deal with what she has created.

I really appreciate your insight.

 

[anthony]

There is a mental health condition related to being a hypochondriac. That is for a therapist to ascertain though, not myself, nor yourself.

 

[Todd PA-C]

There is a mental health condition related to being a hypochondriac. That is for a therapist to ascertain t...

After one session with a 'counselor' who states she has many years with EMDR- I think I may try it for a truamatic event with a TBI that happened to me 30 yrs ago. I think it still bothers me.
I"ll try once or twice. Some scary cacca on this thread though.

 

[anthony]

I'm not sure a counsellor is qualified for EMDR. Ask to see their EMDR certification. EMDR is typically an isolated qualification for psycho-therapist qualifications, not counsellor ones. They may be a psychologist doing a counsellors role, which would answer that question for the affirmative.

 

[SAP]

From what I hv been reading here.It sounds like everyone wants the quick fix. My therapist has been trained by Dr Shapiro. My therapist explained everything to me to the fulliest. She said it takes about 6-8 session before you feel the uplift and relief. She also told me you can feel very tired after and emotional ,plus headaches. Things very from person to person. So I recommend you find someone properly trained and not give up so quickly on the therapy. That could change you life. Whenever you deal with anything emotional it is always hard and exhausting in the beginning. I hope you all give it the time and chance to do it. Im looking forward to hving a better life!

 

[jenny2682]

I did not know it shouldn't be used if there are multiple traumas.

 

[anthony]

It can be now. Old content. Things change, and emdr has progressed as one of the most effective treatments for trauma.