Emdr Worked!!!!

[KP the nut]

Blondie, I wish you well. EMDR worked for me. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. My T advised me to clear my day after sessions and I am so pleased I did. I always had a nap after sessions.

I wish you well, please keep us updated.

((HUGS))

 

[Iam]

What KP said is true, emdr is exhausting. We've started on traumas that I thought would be fairly easy to process. It's been very rare that happens. It's amazing where emdr takes you, the things that come up out of the blue and broadside you. As negative as that sounds it really isn't, because those are the deep seated things that need to be wrestled out into the light.

 

[Incendiu]

I will soon start with the real EMDR-sessions, still preparing for them but my T is impressed over how well it goes. My main problem to do it is my lack of being able to relax and give up some of my controle...so we work with that at the moment. But the other stuffs is going great. But I get really tierd afterwards...it takes a lot of energy even now so I guess I'll be almost dead when it comes to the issues I go EMDR for.

Any one have any tips how to gain the energy again afterwards?

 

[Iam]

HI Incendiu. I'm so glad to hear that you are preparing with your T for EMDR. I'm not surprised about relaxing enough to give up control....To those of us with PTSD letting go of control is very hard. Your T will be very aware of what is going on during your sessions and will help keep you grounded. And remember, you can stop the session at anytime you feel overwhelmed. My T and I have done that on several occassions, either because I (actually one of my ego states) puts the wall up or because I am getting overwhelmed. She's usually the one that sees that and gently brings the session to a halt. A couple of weeks ago I was the one who stopped the session. I guess all that to say that you do still have control.

Yes it is draining. Bring water with you to drink afterwards as the EMDR, much like massage, releases toxins from your muscles. The water will help flush them out and help wake you up. When it has been an especially tough session I sit in my truck for a bit and just kind of gather myself back together or take a walk before driving home. If at all possible, plan to have time at home afterwards just to relax and rest. When I suspect that I am going to have a rough session sometimes I will make plans to do something I really love such as bring my camera and go to a beautiful area to take some shots. It helps me to separate myself from the emotional exhaustion.

Good luck with your EMDR.....it really is amazing what it can do!

 

[jka37]

I've had four sessions now...took a few weeks off between the 3rd and 4th session and we just did talk therapy. Taking that time was incredible, it gave me a chance to catch my breath, and I was actually FUNCTIONAL for those two weeks! My housemates even noticed. Before I started EMDR, I had episodes almost every day. Then I started, and it got even more intense (of course). After about 3 sessions I realized I needed to take a breather, and during those few weeks, I lived a normal life! Yes, still inhibited...the boyfriend and I can barely make out, and he can't even kiss me on the cheek most of the time because it startles me so much...but no episodes, no lengths of time being gone and scared and flashed back.

Started EMDR again on Wednesday, and suddenly I'm back to my triggered self, but that window of a few weeks without episodes showed me that things have already changed in three sessions. I still have a lot to work through, but if I were to quit now for some reason, this would have been enough to get me by for a while.

The coolest thing...and I'm hesitant to even share this because it is so precious to me and many people would not see it this way...but in my EMDR, my soul often prays...I'll be "trapped" in a frantic place, and I start praying, "God, can you get me out of here? Can you help me?" ...and He answers me. His answers come up clearly, just like the rest of the things that surface in EMDR. This has been extremely comforting, as he re-assures me that He loves me, is protecting me, and is in control.

My T told me, God is always talking, but we aren't great at listening...in EMDR, you make yourself extremely vulnerable, so it is much easier for us to hear what He has to say. I am grateful and challenged by this.

 

[cat]

Well done jka37! I'm so pleased you are finding EMDR beneficial.

I found it amazing & now consider myself in recovery, its tough therapy but worth every moment.

 

[KP the nut]

Your T will be very aware of what is going on during your sessions and will help keep you grounded. And remember, you can stop the session at anytime you feel overwhelmed. My T and I have done that on several occassions!

I only stopped my sessions a couple of times. I was, I am going to do this. My T was brilliant, he watched me v closely and could read my body language, he knew when I was pushing to hard and would stop and bring me back to the room.

He often told me it was not an endurance test as to who could hold out the longest.

 

[KP the nut]

My T told me, God is always talking, but we aren't great at listening...in EMDR, you make yourself extremely vulnerable, so it is much easier for us to hear what He has to say. I am grateful and challenged by this.

(((HUGS))) I am so pleased for you. It is amazing what comes through during the sessions.

In one of my sessions, we had been doing some intensive work. T did an exercise with me and asked what I was feeling. It was totally bizarre but I felt a huge warmth spreading through my body, it was warming and felt really good as if it were healing me.

Wishing you peace

 

[James B.]

Hello Iam!

Congratulations on all the progress, so happy this type of therapy made a positive difference in your life.

Take care and best wishes always...

 

[Iam]

Awww thanks James :rolleyes:

 

[Scaredy Cat]

Wow, I'm so glad I read this thread!! I have had some sessions of EMDR, and have had to take a break for a while. You're so right in your advice that, at the start of EMDR your symptoms/triggers can worsen, this has been so true for me. But I am so inspired to pick up the treatment again in the New Year, and take it on the chin!
I'm new to this forum, and hope you don't mind me butting in on this!
I have tried to read some of the other stuff on here, but my poor old brain can't take in too much information at one time. But it gives me strength to know, I'm not on my own here! I thought I was the only one that suffered from certain symptoms!! Now I know I'm not completely bonkers! :)

 

[Iam]

LOL Scaredy Cat.....no you're not bonkers ;) and no, you're not butting in. The threads here are for everyone. I'm sorry the EMDR was so rough, but as you now know that is ALWAYS the case. So glad to hear that you are resolved to work thru it all.

I've been doing it for a year and virtually symptom free, anxiety still gets me and I still have intrusive thoughts. I just need to practice my skills more. I am still doing EMDR and am still amazed at what it brings up. You might be interested in the book "Mindsight" by Daniel Seagel MD. It really explains how new neuropathways can be created as well as some awesome techniques in how to kind of sit back and just observe your thoughts and feelings.

I know the information here can be overwhelming. It sounds like you are really strong and determined. Take your time as it's all a learning process and really can't be rushed. I so often want to do just that and both my Ts have to remind me to slow down and be patient. I go back to re-read the articles here frequently and almost always find a new nugget. I've done the same with books my T's have recommended. In fact I am re-reading "Mindsight" right now. My trauma T is going to one of his seminars on Friday and I am betting we'll incorporate more of his strategies in my "homework".

Anyway......welcome to the forum SC...Glad you're here!