How many EMDR sessions have you had? I've had several different traumas, some smaller and some more severe and longer lasting. So far, I've had 5 EMDR sessions, but feel like I'll be doing it forever. I've read up on different sites online, and it almost seems like most of them say you should be done/better after a couple sessions. :/
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How Many Emdr Sessions?
- Post starter Hopeful85
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Deleted member 18510
Most research studies are based on 3 - 10 EMDR therapy processing sessions, but that's because of research design and funding, for the most part. EMDR therapy can have a generalizing effect, in which different traumas become neutralized while targeting one or more specific traumas. So the answer to "how many EMDR sessions" is - it depends! Marf is right, it depends on the traumas, how many, how early in life, how complex, and also how resourced you are (which is why EMDR therapy begins with Resource Development and Installation).
I'm a psychologist who uses EMDR therapy as my primary treatment psychotherapy and I've also personally had EMDR therapy for anxiety, panic, grief, and “small t” trauma. As a client, EMDR therapy worked extremely well and also really fast. As an EMDR therapist, and in my role as a facilitator who trains other therapists in EMDR therapy (certified by the EMDR International Assoc. and trained by the EMDR Institute) I have used EMDR successfully with panic disorders, childhood sexual/physical/emotional abuse and neglect, single incident trauma and complex/chronic PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, body image, phobias, distressing memories, bad dreams and more...
To understand more about EMDR therapy, it's really crucial that the therapist spends enough time in one of the initial phases (Phase 2) in EMDR therapy that involves preparing for memory processing or desensitization (memory processing or desensitization - phases 3-6 - is often referred to as "EMDR" which is actually an 8-phase psychotherapy). In this phase resources are "front-loaded" so that you have a "floor" or "container" to help with processing the really hard stuff. In Phase 2 you learn a lot of great coping strategies and self-soothing techniques which you can use during EMDR processing or anytime you feel the need. You learn how to access a “Safe or Calm Place” which you can use at ANY TIME during EMDR processing (or on your own) if it feels scary, or too emotional, too intense. So if you start feeling overwhelmed or that it's too intense, you can ground yourself (with your therapist's help in session, and on your own between sessions) and feel safe enough to continue the work. In my practice, after the Phase 2 work lets us know that my patient is safe enough and able to cope with any emotion and/or physical sensation both during and between EMDR processing sessions, I often suggest we try a much less intense memory first if there is one that happened BEFORE the trauma(s). If there isn't one, then I suggest we start developmentally with the least disturbing memory and work our way "up" to the most disturbing event(s).
Grounding exercises are indispensable in everyday life, and really essential in stressful times. Anyone can use some of the techniques in Dr. Shapiro's new book "Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR." Dr. Shapiro is the founder/creator of EMDR therapy but all the proceeds from the book go to two charities: the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program and the EMDR Research Foundation). Anyway, the book is terrific. It's an easy read, helps you understand what's "pushing" your feelings and behavior, helps you connect the dots from past experiences to current life. Also teaches readers lots of helpful techniques that can be used immediately and that are also used during EMDR therapy to calm disturbing thoughts and feelings.
One of the key assets of EMDR is that YOU, the client, are in control NOW, even though you likely were not during past events. You NEVER need re-live an experience or go into great detail, ever! You NEVER need to go through the entire memory. YOU can decide to keep the lights (or the alternating sounds and/or tactile pulsars, or the waving hand, or hand/knee tapping - all forms of bilateral stimulation that should be decided by the client for the client's comfort) going, or stop them, whichever helps titrate – measure and adjust the balance or “dose“ of the processing. During EMDR processing there are regular “breaks” and you can control when and how many but the therapist should be stopping the bilateral stimulation every 25-50 or so passes of the lights to ask you to take a deep breath and to say just a bit of what you’re noticing. The breaks help keep a “foot in the present” while you’re processing the past. Again, and I can’t say this enough, YOU ARE IN CHARGE so YOU can make the process tolerable. And having a therapist who is experienced in the EMDR techniques helps make it the gentlest and safest way to neutralize bad life experiences and build resources.
Pacing and dosing are critically important. So if you ever feel that EMDR processing is too intense then it might be time to go back over all the resources that should be used both IN session and BETWEEN sessions. Your therapist can use a variety of techniques to make painful processing less painful, like suggesting you turn the scene in your mind to black and white, lower the volume, or, erect a bullet-proof glass wall between you and the painful scene, and so forth. There are a lot of these kinds of "interventions" that ease the processing. They are called "cognitive interweaves" that your therapist can use, and that also can help bring your adult self's perspective into the work (or even an imaginary Adult Perspective). Such interweaves are based around issues of Safety, Responsibility, and Choice. So therapist questions like "are you safe now?" or "who was responsible? and "do you have more choices now?" are all very helpful in moving the processing along.
In addition to my therapy practice, I roam the web looking for EMDR therapy discussions, try to answer questions about it posted by clients/patients, and respond to the critics out there. It's not a cure-all therapy. However, it really is an extraordinary psychotherapy and its results last. In the hands of a really experienced EMDR therapist, it's the most gentle way of working through disturbing experiences
I'm a psychologist who uses EMDR therapy as my primary treatment psychotherapy and I've also personally had EMDR therapy for anxiety, panic, grief, and “small t” trauma. As a client, EMDR therapy worked extremely well and also really fast. As an EMDR therapist, and in my role as a facilitator who trains other therapists in EMDR therapy (certified by the EMDR International Assoc. and trained by the EMDR Institute) I have used EMDR successfully with panic disorders, childhood sexual/physical/emotional abuse and neglect, single incident trauma and complex/chronic PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, body image, phobias, distressing memories, bad dreams and more...
To understand more about EMDR therapy, it's really crucial that the therapist spends enough time in one of the initial phases (Phase 2) in EMDR therapy that involves preparing for memory processing or desensitization (memory processing or desensitization - phases 3-6 - is often referred to as "EMDR" which is actually an 8-phase psychotherapy). In this phase resources are "front-loaded" so that you have a "floor" or "container" to help with processing the really hard stuff. In Phase 2 you learn a lot of great coping strategies and self-soothing techniques which you can use during EMDR processing or anytime you feel the need. You learn how to access a “Safe or Calm Place” which you can use at ANY TIME during EMDR processing (or on your own) if it feels scary, or too emotional, too intense. So if you start feeling overwhelmed or that it's too intense, you can ground yourself (with your therapist's help in session, and on your own between sessions) and feel safe enough to continue the work. In my practice, after the Phase 2 work lets us know that my patient is safe enough and able to cope with any emotion and/or physical sensation both during and between EMDR processing sessions, I often suggest we try a much less intense memory first if there is one that happened BEFORE the trauma(s). If there isn't one, then I suggest we start developmentally with the least disturbing memory and work our way "up" to the most disturbing event(s).
Grounding exercises are indispensable in everyday life, and really essential in stressful times. Anyone can use some of the techniques in Dr. Shapiro's new book "Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR." Dr. Shapiro is the founder/creator of EMDR therapy but all the proceeds from the book go to two charities: the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program and the EMDR Research Foundation). Anyway, the book is terrific. It's an easy read, helps you understand what's "pushing" your feelings and behavior, helps you connect the dots from past experiences to current life. Also teaches readers lots of helpful techniques that can be used immediately and that are also used during EMDR therapy to calm disturbing thoughts and feelings.
One of the key assets of EMDR is that YOU, the client, are in control NOW, even though you likely were not during past events. You NEVER need re-live an experience or go into great detail, ever! You NEVER need to go through the entire memory. YOU can decide to keep the lights (or the alternating sounds and/or tactile pulsars, or the waving hand, or hand/knee tapping - all forms of bilateral stimulation that should be decided by the client for the client's comfort) going, or stop them, whichever helps titrate – measure and adjust the balance or “dose“ of the processing. During EMDR processing there are regular “breaks” and you can control when and how many but the therapist should be stopping the bilateral stimulation every 25-50 or so passes of the lights to ask you to take a deep breath and to say just a bit of what you’re noticing. The breaks help keep a “foot in the present” while you’re processing the past. Again, and I can’t say this enough, YOU ARE IN CHARGE so YOU can make the process tolerable. And having a therapist who is experienced in the EMDR techniques helps make it the gentlest and safest way to neutralize bad life experiences and build resources.
Pacing and dosing are critically important. So if you ever feel that EMDR processing is too intense then it might be time to go back over all the resources that should be used both IN session and BETWEEN sessions. Your therapist can use a variety of techniques to make painful processing less painful, like suggesting you turn the scene in your mind to black and white, lower the volume, or, erect a bullet-proof glass wall between you and the painful scene, and so forth. There are a lot of these kinds of "interventions" that ease the processing. They are called "cognitive interweaves" that your therapist can use, and that also can help bring your adult self's perspective into the work (or even an imaginary Adult Perspective). Such interweaves are based around issues of Safety, Responsibility, and Choice. So therapist questions like "are you safe now?" or "who was responsible? and "do you have more choices now?" are all very helpful in moving the processing along.
In addition to my therapy practice, I roam the web looking for EMDR therapy discussions, try to answer questions about it posted by clients/patients, and respond to the critics out there. It's not a cure-all therapy. However, it really is an extraordinary psychotherapy and its results last. In the hands of a really experienced EMDR therapist, it's the most gentle way of working through disturbing experiences
I've had had multiple traumas and have been doing EMDR for right at year on a weekly or bi weekly basis. Im still peeling layers of this trauma off and processing things. I hope at some point there is an end but at this point, im still finding major stuff to work on after probably 45 sessions. I do ebb and flow also, I'll have series of really tough sessions and then will have a while where I dont feel like I'm really getting into anything. About the time I think, "Well maybe Im done", here comes the next flood of hard ones. Funny thing is, I do the same thing in general, I'll have a series of good days and If I'm ever foolish enought to think, "I've got this thing beat", then here comes the bad days. I Dont think there is anything to it, just the ebb and flow of fighting this.
- Admin
- #5
anthony
Founder
The sites are full of crap... as therapy sessions depends on many factors, such as trauma type, quantities, personality type, duration of trauma's and so forth. 12 sessions is stated as the recommended normal for basic traumatic events, such as maybe a car accident that you're struggling to let go off or dealing with the death of someone in that accident. Even then, it could go longer. More violent acts can take years of sessions to completely piece together and learn to heal.
- Post starter
- #6
T
Taboo
Thanks for sharing the knowledge and experiences.
orchidbird
New Here
I've been doing EMDR for almost 2 years now. It's been a struggle and we haven't 'completed' a single issue as yet, sometimes due to some in built mechanism that refuses to go any further, other times due to new issues arising that we switch to. I also feel like I'm going to be doing it forever, and in all honesty, I am so bored of it.
Whilst I haven't recovered a single lost memory and still get triggered/stressed by things I have been able to function much better on a daily basis.
I'm not sure EMDR is right for everyone, or maybe it's down to the therapist, but it's definitely worth trying for as long as you can.
Good luck!
Whilst I haven't recovered a single lost memory and still get triggered/stressed by things I have been able to function much better on a daily basis.
I'm not sure EMDR is right for everyone, or maybe it's down to the therapist, but it's definitely worth trying for as long as you can.
Good luck!
V
Vit
If it takes alot of session to get better or no progress means its time to change therapist not every therapist is competent so find a good one.
L
LynnC
I had EMDR a few times but after the 3rd or 4th treatment, I couldn't handle it so I never went back. I would like to know if anyone else out there feels like they are always walking a fine line between Sanity and Insanity and if dredging up all that trauma is only going to make me insane....
I feel like at any time- if I let my guard down, I will lose my mind and never come back. I am always right at the edge but fighting to keep from falling into that dark nightmarish abyss-if only by a thread
I was diagnosed with PTSD when I was 21-(27 years ago)-
When I was pregnant with my second child(husband left when I was 5 mos.pregnant and never came back) and the reality sunk in that I had two kids to raise by myself-I chose to stop therapy because I couldn't risk falling apart. I was the only person my boys could depend on and I had to put them first. Over the years it has been excruciating and I have had to take medication every day to be able to keep it together but now that my sons are adults (21 and 23), my mind has started to unravel again-Flashbacks, lost time, nightmares-waking up soaked in sweat, I grind my teeth so bad when I sleep that I have broken the caps off my teeth dozens of times-even with a mouth-guard. I guess my question here is whether any of this really works....the first time I told a therapist about my cutting and what happened to me as a child-she had me put in a mental hospital-where they doped me up and strapped me down when I got angry (age 18)-since then I have had EMDR, I spent a year in a sexual trauma and recovery group-which was brutal (I would become physically sick (vomit) during the sessions), I have done art therapy etc... but no matter what I do---for some reason---as soon as I think I am finished dealing with it--something or someone will remind me or trigger a memory and I fall back into that hellish abyss---Does anyone know if there is someone out there who lived through chronic trauma as a child and got over it?
I feel like at any time- if I let my guard down, I will lose my mind and never come back. I am always right at the edge but fighting to keep from falling into that dark nightmarish abyss-if only by a thread
I was diagnosed with PTSD when I was 21-(27 years ago)-
When I was pregnant with my second child(husband left when I was 5 mos.pregnant and never came back) and the reality sunk in that I had two kids to raise by myself-I chose to stop therapy because I couldn't risk falling apart. I was the only person my boys could depend on and I had to put them first. Over the years it has been excruciating and I have had to take medication every day to be able to keep it together but now that my sons are adults (21 and 23), my mind has started to unravel again-Flashbacks, lost time, nightmares-waking up soaked in sweat, I grind my teeth so bad when I sleep that I have broken the caps off my teeth dozens of times-even with a mouth-guard. I guess my question here is whether any of this really works....the first time I told a therapist about my cutting and what happened to me as a child-she had me put in a mental hospital-where they doped me up and strapped me down when I got angry (age 18)-since then I have had EMDR, I spent a year in a sexual trauma and recovery group-which was brutal (I would become physically sick (vomit) during the sessions), I have done art therapy etc... but no matter what I do---for some reason---as soon as I think I am finished dealing with it--something or someone will remind me or trigger a memory and I fall back into that hellish abyss---Does anyone know if there is someone out there who lived through chronic trauma as a child and got over it?
C
Casie
Hi there,
I have been doing EMDR therapy targeting several traumatic memories. One, I have processed completely and I can think of the most disturbing part and not get triggered or affected at all, I am at a 0. The current target, I have felt like I have been going in circles with some things coming up and then I push them back down due to fear of letting the memories be "real" but with all the progress of my last target and how less anxious and triggered I have been, I know if I keep working with this target I will eventually feel calm and at a 0 with it too. It can often feel overwhelming but you need to make sure you feel safe with your therapist. I am currently on the brink of a breakthrough because I know I am at a point in my memory where I feel like I can't handle the truth, but I know that processing it is what I need to get rid of it's power and finally have my life back. It might not be for you, but it has really helped me.
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