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So Many Questions

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GardenGirl0214

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I'm new to the forums. Thank you to those of you who have responded to my introductory post. I have many questions, so I hope you will bear with me.

I'm currently seeing a therapist who is not trained in EMDR therapy. I was diagnosed with PTSD several years ago due to childhood abuse and abandonment issues. I've been seeing my current therapist for almost 2 years for anxiety issues, and she is terrific! She knows an EMDR therapist and has recommended that I see her. She also felt that I should continue seeing her, as a source of familiar and additional support while doing EMDR therapy. At first, I was hesitant about having two Ts, but after reading some previous posts, I'm thinking it might be helpful. Plus, my current therapist has been a lifeline for me, and I'm not ready to stop working with her just yet!

One of my concerns about EMDR is the intensity. Is it very intense? I've read articles on other sites that say it's a good idea to not have anything crucial planned after EMDR sessions. To those of you who have done this type of therapy, do you find that to be true? If EMDR isn't talk therapy, then how do I work through any upsetting issues that might arise in between sessions as a result of EMDR therapy? Or would that be something to discuss with my current therapist? Do EMDR therapists do phone consultations prior to schediting a first appointment?

My current therapist has offered to call the EMDR therapist on my behalf and offer some background info and then I can call the EMDR therapist to schedule an appointment. I agreed to this and will find out what transpired when I see her this week.

I know I'm filled with questions (and confusion ), so thank you to those who have read this post.
 
Welcome. I started EMDR in December with the Pdoc I have been seeing for a number of years just for meds. I also have a trauma therapist I've been seeing for 2 years. They have my permission to speak to each other, which I think is a good idea, and it works for me.

I'm usually quiet and kind of aloof after my EMDR sessions and then the following day I call my T. We do those sessions by phone.

The EMDR sessions can be taxing. In fact after the first one my brain took a 6 day vacation. After it returned I found that I had given myself and my dog a haircut. Oops.

Before you actually start the therapy you will spend some time getting to know each other and will learn relaxation exercises and other coping skills. Practise these a lot - they'll come in handy.

I too questioned (alot) how it worked. Doc told me to stop wondering "how" and just "accept" that it does. I'm also constantly told that I set the pace so we take frequent breaks during each session to do some relaxations and to "check in" with what I'm feeling. We will also, occasionally spend a session that is more of the traditional therapy and only process for 5 minutes or so. It all depends on how I am and how my week has been. If anything arises (and it usually does) I can call her during office hours. When she's not in her office I call my T. I can call her anytime. Day or night. Just knowing that, helps me.

It's not easy and you should expect symptoms to increase in the beginning. Personally I have been rebelling everything these past 3 or 4 weeks. Doc told me to "try" to try to allow myself to do my homework. So that's what I am trying to do right now.

My T and I are currently working on recognizing and naming emotions. Being able to do that helps my anxiety during the EMDR sessions. We also talk about all the other "life" stuff.

During the rest of the week I'm usually lurking around here, reading posts and occasionally commenting. I'll also start a thread if there's something I need advice on or just a pat on the back. These people are great. Lots of good info here.
 
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