EMDR for non-PTSD (and who can do it)

Can EMDR be used to treat anxiety, depression, etc? Or is it only for PTSD?

Also, can any therapist practice EMDR?

I use EMDR for my social anxiety disorder. This is because my anxiety started after being bullied in elementary school. My therapist says that this is considered a traumatic experience of sorts and can be treated with EMDR. I think a lot of it depends on where your issues began, though, so you'd probably get a better response from your therapist.

yes it is used for any situation that causes someone anxiety/ panic/ phobia and many more things too.

around here all the mental health treatment providers use all kinds of therapy approaches.

you can find out what your therapist or another one in general uses for their treatment options of their clients is by asking them what therapies they offer. in general most if not all know how to use CBT, DBT, EMDR and a few other commonly used approaches.

but you wont usually know if yours or those around your location use what until you ask them.

My T has a certificate to practice EMDR and is seeking further certification. I don't know what the laws are but it's probably best to go to someone with certification or at least experience with doing EMDR.

I don't have PTSD or any major trauma yet my T wants to do it with me all the time! She says it's for anything I'm stuck on, or really, any experiences that bother me. I'm not sure it's meant for anxiety, but often I'm very relaxed after an EMDR session. I know the opposite happens for some, though.

My T recently gave me some tracking logs to fill out when I have a triggering experience and says we will use the sheets for EMDR sessions. You just need an event, a negative feeling about yourself, your emotions, and where in your body you feel them.

EMDR started out being a treatment just for trauma but according to my T's current training in it, it's use is expanding.

I hope this helps you!

I did EMDR at my last session, and I noticed something interesting when my T asked where in my body I could feel my emotions. I said I felt them in my stomach, which is where my anxiety is concentrated most of the time. I also have IBS - I wonder if they're related?

Thanks for the great info Rainbow!

There are different levels of training, I think 3 different ones, but I could be wrong. I have always heard it said that if you want to do EMDR, to try to find a therapist who has at least level 2 training. (My T practices at this level.)

My T first got into EMDR because trauma is one of his specialties, but he has come to use it for other things too.

do you hate that question? because i do! the ONLY thing i ever notice "in my body" is when i am nervous/anxious. I can get very nauseous and shaky. But she asks that for every emotion and i'm like....UMMMM I DONT KNOW. How do you feel about that? (your experience, not mine )

Yes! I can easily feel my anxiety, but everything else and I'm just like "ummm...here?"

EMDR is a very intense therapy and you definitely want someone who is certified in it. My T has been through all 3 levels of EMDR certification.

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