[East17]

I've only had one practice session of EMDR so far where we picked a not-so-traumatic memory to work with, so I realise it's early days yet. But the recent change from Schema Therapy which I was just getting used to, to EMDR has left me feeling like I've been 'shut down'.

I had been writing stuff down and taking it in for the Therapist to read, to help her get an idea of some of the issues I am dealing with. So in ST there was more talking about and around these issues. In EMDR there's just a brief description of one 'scene' from an issue and that is all that is concentrated on.

I'm confused. She was encouraging me to try to express, describe, verbalise - all the stuff I couldn't say.... and now it feels like 'you don't need to talk about all that anymore, just a brief description will do'. Is that all it's going to be every week, until we've gone through all the really distressing stuff? Like, once it's been filed away in the correct place in my brain it doesn't need to be talked about any more?

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by East17

I've only had one practice session of EMDR so far where we picked a not-so-traumatic memory to work with, so I realise it's early days yet. But the recent change from Schema Therapy which I was just getting used to, to EMDR has left me feeling like I've been 'shut down'.

I had been writing stuff down and taking it in for the Therapist to read, to help her get an idea of some of the issues I am dealing with. So in ST there was more talking about and around these issues. In EMDR there's just a brief description of one 'scene' from an issue and that is all that is concentrated on.

I'm confused. She was encouraging me to try to express, describe, verbalise - all the stuff I couldn't say.... and now it feels like 'you don't need to talk about all that anymore, just a brief description will do'. Is that all it's going to be every week, until we've gone through all the really distressing stuff? Like, once it's been filed away in the correct place in my brain it doesn't need to be talked about any more?

I would say give it a shot. They may have been using the ST to get you ready for EMDR. One practice session is really not enough to know if it's what will help you. Try a couple more and then decide. Express these feelings with the therapist and maybe your questions can be answered.

[Carmina]

I think you are right to question this, I would too. I'm not convinced of the reasoning behind EMDR, schema therapy at least seems based on somewhat firmer foundations scientifically (although tbh I'm skeptical of a lot of therapy 'techniques').

[Fuzzybear]

I’d be confused and questioning this too. But I suggest giving it a go..

[Astrada]

That's basically what I've been told too. I don't understand why it works (EMDR) but apparently it's the thing to do for PTSD.