[Kathleen83]

After many years of multiple diagnoses of various things....new counselor said PTSD. Moving towards beginning EMDR therapy - and really struggling to get thru each day, now, and again, because even lightly touching upon anything is causing tears and rages. Has anyone here done this type of therapy?

[puzzclar]

I have and it did help until t said since I dissociate it wouldn't be wise. But it did jump start things.

[Kathleen83]

Thanks for the response. Uhm, I also dissociate; a point not yet discussed with counselor. Can you share any info on what how that might be a problem for me with EMDR?

[puzzclar]

It is an issue due to the fact that you are in a different state of mind. But that was also said by a t that did it a lot. It was t's practice. As a result I never went back. But EMDR isn't always the only one thing that works. But it does help to get things into place to talk about or to access different parts of the mind.

[Open Eyes]

EMDR uses eye movement to help process traumas that have not been processed. In a study of the brain of someone who experienced trauma they noticed that all the activity resulting from trauma is in the back part of the brain. Our brains process during "rem" sleep where the brain processes our daily activities and experiences and connects them to the area of the brain that has skills to file and process. The reason they use therapy that involves eye movement is it reduces the impact an unprocessed trauma experiences in the brain. We do not forget these events, yet, what this therapy helps with is greatly reducing the affects of these experiences that tend to continue to keep troubling the individual in their lives.

I am engaging in a therapy that is using eye movement that is like EMDR but includes more than just recalling events and the therapy I am taking is called Accelerated Resolution Therapy. I do get tired doing it and am tired for a day or two, however, I have noticed how this therapy reduces these traumatic event's causing me to be much LESS stressed and uncomfortable discussing them. I have noticed improvement. Doing this therapy along with some talk therapy is better than just talk therapy alone.

[Silver_Eagle]

Originally Posted by Kathleen83

After many years of multiple diagnoses of various things....new counselor said PTSD. Moving towards beginning EMDR therapy - and really struggling to get thru each day, now, and again, because even lightly touching upon anything is causing tears and rages. Has anyone here done this type of therapy?

Hi Kathleen,

I was diagnosed with PTSD relating to years of abuse by my father who was later identified as a sociopath. I have been doing EMDR therapy and it has helped a lot. It can be hard work at times, though.

I have had associative episodes during therapy sessions and the therapist was not alarmed. They said it was not unusual. They made sure that I was settled down and safe to drive before I left their office.

I am happy to telly you more about my experiences if you want.

Luke

[Kathleen83]

Thanks, all, for the input. After two sessions with the therapist...and feeling disgruntled that we were still just talking (and not doing the eye movement part) - I ended up with the realization that the therapy HAS all ready started. This is a very different experience from all the various other things I've experienced. Which is kind of a good thing - leaves me with half a hope things might improve.

[puzzclar]

Kathleen, life continues and does improve if we make it happen. You got this!!