Wondering If Therapy Will Be Successful For My Level Of Trauma

[Lucy KIM]

I recently started EMDR for 12 years of trauma. My big issues have been sexual violence, drug addiction, multiple drug overdoses, sex work, discrimination against me because I'm transgender, multiple suicide attempts, and lack of a good support system to help me deal with any of that.

It's a lot to process and so far I feel like I'm making process with EMDR, but it also feels like my primary method of dealing with the trauma (denial) has been taken from me.

I wondered if anyone had ultimately have had success with EMDR dealing with several traumatic issues at once? I'm kind of hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Dissociation]

EMDR is a tool. As any tool in a complicated situation it needs time.

The situation that you describe is very hard and, above all, long. That's why you will need time to process everything, whatever tool you will use.

I find EMDR useful.
Good luck!

 

[Lucycat]

I had many years of trauma, and EMDR has certainly helped me. Stick with it and see where it takes you.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

EMDR is that it's not recommended for people with multiple traumatic events.

It can help to reduce the negative stigma attached to trauma, but it can also open too many memories at once.

CBT is the most effective treatment for PTSD.

 

[Dissociation]

I have a life of any kind of trauma, my T. uses a lot of different tools, between which EMDR, that is great to remember the things that you forgot.
By myself I use many other strategies to be good, and other tools.

My suggestion is not to say no to something before having tried it.

 

[rightkindofme]

Welcome! You are in the right place. There are people here who understand and can help support you on your journey.

EMDR is sorta contra-indicated for those of us with many layers of trauma. I use it anyway even though I have a trauma list longer than my arm. I don't use it all the time and I have to take breaks because if I start doing it too often with my therapist I spend 48 hours after every appointment hiding in a dark room because I want to kill myself so badly. But in small doses with a lot of structure around it I find it very useful.

Sometimes a hammer is the right tool for the job. Sometimes not so much.

Are you familiar with Kate Bornsteins work? She's trans and has written some very important books (in my opinion). Are you hooked in with any sex worker support networks? I know they exist. I have friends who are sex workers and some of them are very vocal about sex workers needing to support one another because other people *just don't get it.*

There are lots of people in this world who want you alive. They write lots of things. Let's help you find that support network. :)

 

[Leanne1]

I also have multiple traumas.

My therapist explained that treating someone with multiple traumas takes longer using emdr because first you have to take a lot of time focusing on and developing coping skills.

I've been focusing on that, in therapy, for 10 months now, and have had very little focus on the traumas as of yet.

 

[ombm]

I have had decades of abuse with many different abusers. My therapist uses EMDR with me on a limited basis. We worked for many sessions on installing a safe place and a place to leave any unfinished business or thoughts and memories.