[Indie'sOK]

T told me today she actually enjoys talking to me...yay

Today I brought up doing EMDR therapy for my anxiety issues...she has had experience with it and positive results as well. Since I believe my problem stems from past issues with bullying that snowballed into complete social anxiety, she told me that she thought this sort of therapy could help me. We started the early parts of the process, like using it for relaxation, and next session we'll start the actual "reprocessing" part. When I left, I didn't feel tired much, as I hear many people do. I felt...good. Kind of like how I usually feel when I come out of a session. Like lighthearted and very greatful to T for everything she's done. I love my session days (every two weeks) because they make me feel better, if only for the time being. I seem to be able to write better and more clearly in the days following my sessions, too, so that's a plus.

Does anyone have experiences with this that they'd be willing to share? I really hope this works for me.

[rainbow8]

There have been some threads about EMDR, but not too many. My T is a big believer of EMDR but somehow we've only done it about 4 or 5 times. Sometimes it's been been very intense, sometimes not. I always gain something from the experience and I know she wants to do it more. I don't know why I'm a little afraid of the experience, and I tell her I'm doing it wrong. She says there is no wrong way to do EMDR!

If you can focus on the past issues, it will probably be helpful. The incidents I bring up are vague in my mind, so I get frustrated when I can't remember enough. But my T says my brain is processing it anyway!

Good luck and keep us posted how it goes!

[Indie'sOK]

Originally Posted by rainbow8

There have been some threads about EMDR, but not too many. My T is a big believer of EMDR but somehow we've only done it about 4 or 5 times. Sometimes it's been been very intense, sometimes not. I always gain something from the experience and I know she wants to do it more. I don't know why I'm a little afraid of the experience, and I tell her I'm doing it wrong. She says there is no wrong way to do EMDR!

If you can focus on the past issues, it will probably be helpful. The incidents I bring up are vague in my mind, so I get frustrated when I can't remember enough. But my T says my brain is processing it anyway!

Good luck and keep us posted how it goes!

Thank you Rainbow The thing I'm worried about with it is that I won't be able to make it intense...that I will have a hard time focusing on the emotions that the memories bring up.

I've heard somewhere that EMDR is for those who aren't able to remember their memories because of the pain associated with them. I can remember mine perfectly well, they just bring about a dark, sad feeling with them. Is what I heard true?

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by Indie'sOK

I've heard somewhere that EMDR is for those who aren't able to remember their memories because of the pain associated with them. I can remember mine perfectly well, they just bring about a dark, sad feeling with them. Is what I heard true?

EMDR can be used for people who remember. That is how I have heard it most used. You have a specific target in mind that you focus on for that session. So it sounds like a flexible technique. I did it some with my T for trauma. He likes to say it is helpful to people in getting unstuck. I felt very stuck and used that word with him, so immediately he thought of EMDR for me. It can help break things loose in your brain so you can process them and get unstuck.

Originally Posted by Indie'sOK

The thing I'm worried about with it is that I won't be able to make it intense...that I will have a hard time focusing on the emotions that the memories bring up.

You don't have to focus on the emotions and deliberately try to create intensity. Just tell your story of the memory while doing the alternate stimulation. Just let it happen. Don't do anything special. Just remember. Your T will help guide you.

It seems like people's experiences are so different with EMDR. I hope it helps you.

[Indie'sOK]

Originally Posted by sunrise

It can help break things loose in your brain so you can process them and get unstuck.

Really? That's great, because that's kind of what I'm having trouble with now. I feel like I cannot reach the reasons for the troubles I'm having, like my extreme lack of motivation, for example, no matter how hard I try. Does this sound like what you meant?

Thanks so much for your post...very informative!