[hezaa82]

I had my first session of EMDR last night, well the pre-session where you practice calming techniques and choose a safe word, etc. I really hope EMDR can be helpful for me. I've been in therapy for years and I've learned a lot and my awareness has gotten really good, but still no change in my feelings or my behavior. I had a traumatic childhood, not one specific event but just an ongoing bad situation where I didn't get my emotional needs met. I'm not worried about revisiting the past, the past doesn't feel that painful when I think about but it is painful when people in my adult life trigger me with abandonment or not meeting my needs. I'm just worried that EMDR might not work because I noticed in the first session that I was really self-conscious and I have a fear of letting go or being out of control. Also we're doing it over Skype so I hope that doesn't affect anything.

[Daeva]

I always was curious what is EMDR?

[hezaa82]

It stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. The therapist moves her finger back and forth in front of your eyes and you follow the finger with your eyes, which mimics REM sleep. Then you talk about your past trauma and it's supposed to help your reprocess your trauma. We have PTSD because we were never able to fully process the trauma and this is supposed to accomplish that. My T says experts still don't know completely why it works, but it does show to reduce trauma.

[Daeva]

Thank you! I have to look into this, or ask my T about this, that's interesting. I hope it helps you <3

[hezaa82]

Thank you and good luck to you too!

I really like that Edgar Allen Poe quote btw

[Daeva]

Thanks I am getting it tattooed on my inner right arm, well I just called my T cause I'm studying to be a T and I have seen some of her tattoos and was wondering what the rule is so I can plan my placing based on whats best for my career <3

[Asiablue]

I'm really concerned that you are doing this via Skype, EMDR isn't something to be f*cked with and is a really intense process, and i don't know that not having the therapist in the room with you is a great idea?

I did some EMDR with my previous therapist and it was really really tough and scary, it made me feel physically ill at times and dissociative despite being with a very well trained therapist. I stopped it because i was finding it too much.

[hezaa82]

She went to training for it recently and was told that it was ok to do through Skype. My therapist before her had wanted to try it with me over Skype too, but then he got sick. I live in Japan so Skype is my only option for therapy. I'll see how it goes and trust that my T can handle what might come up.

[Bill3]

Some research says that the eye movement task distracts the working memory so that full attention is not on the traumatic images. This seems to allow the mind to revisit and process images that might otherwise be too painful to revisit and process.

[GeorgiaGirl413]

I have been doing EMDR for over 2 years. I thought it a lot of "hooey" at first. but have found it to be very helpful. Don't worry about being self concious. I was too. It gets easier over time. Also. be sure to be honest about what is going on with you during the session. Remember, there is no right or wrong as far as you are concerned. I'm not sure I'd want to do this over Skype. I have become very emotional during some sessions, and needed to have my T there with me in order to get back to my safe place.

[GeorgiaGirl413]

Originally Posted by hezaa82

I had my first session of EMDR last night, well the pre-session where you practice calming techniques and choose a safe word, etc. I really hope EMDR can be helpful for me. I've been in therapy for years and I've learned a lot and my awareness has gotten really good, but still no change in my feelings or my behavior. I had a traumatic childhood, not one specific event but just an ongoing bad situation where I didn't get my emotional needs met. I'm not worried about revisiting the past, the past doesn't feel that painful when I think about but it is painful when people in my adult life trigger me with abandonment or not meeting my needs. I'm just worried that EMDR might not work because I noticed in the first session that I was really self-conscious and I have a fear of letting go or being out of control. Also we're doing it over Skype so I hope that doesn't affect anything.

I have been doing this over 2 years and I would NEVER do it over Skype. Also, if your T is only recently trained in this technigue, does she have someone supevising her who is well versed in EMDR. This isn't something to play with.

[hezaa82]

Well I'm desperate for some help and talk therapy hasn't been getting me results so I'll take my chances over Skype. If its too much I guess I'll have to stop and see what else I can do

[pattijane]

I am concerned about Hezaa82 getting EMDR therapy via Skype, but more than that, by a newly trained therapist.

One of the initial phases (Phase 2) in EMDR involves preparing for memory processing or desensitization (memory processing or desensitization - phases 3-6 - is often what is referred to as "EMDR" which is actually an 8-phase method of psychotherapy). In this phase resources are "front-loaded" so that you have a "floor" or "container" to help with processing the really hard stuff, as well as creating strategies if you're triggered in everyday life. In Phase 2 you learn a lot of great coping strategies and self-soothing techniques which you can use during EMDR processing or anytime you feel the need. There is a special EMDR protocol for dissociative disorders and complex PTSD. The treatment of trauma and dissociation with EMDR (or any therapy) requires special/extra training. Be absolutely certain the therapist has specialized training in DD, as well as advanced training in EMDR therapy. Neither EMDR nor any psychotherapy should go digging for memories. Memories are gone - may be buried/held in different parts - for good reasons. It's really a brilliant protection. Always talk with your therapist at the beginning of your work about what you already know is grounding.

In phase 2 you learn how to access a “Safe or Calm Place” which you can use at ANY TIME during EMDR processing (or on your own) if it feels scary, or too emotional, too intense. One of the key assets of EMDR is that YOU, the client, are in control NOW, even though you weren’t in the past, during traumatic events. You NEVER need re-live an experience or go into great detail, ever! You NEVER need to go through the entire memory. YOU can decide to keep the lights (or the alternating sounds and/or tactile pulsars, or the waving hand, or any method of bilateral stimulation that feels okay to you and your parts) going, or stop them, whichever helps titrate – measure and adjust the balance or “dose“ of the processing. During EMDR processing there are regular “breaks” and you can control when and how many but the therapist should be stopping the bilateral stimulation every 25-50 passes of the lights to ask you to take a deep breath and say just a bit of what you’re noticing, anything different, any changes. (The stimulation should not be kept on continuously, because there are specific procedures that need to be followed to process the memory). The breaks help keep a “foot in the present” while you’re processing the past. Again, and I can’t say this enough, YOU ARE IN CHARGE so YOU can make the process tolerable. And your therapist should be experienced in the EMDR techniques that help make it the gentlest and safest way to detoxify bad life experiences and build resources. Your therapist should also be using a variety of techniques to make painful processing less painful, like suggesting you turn the scene in your mind to black and white, lower the volume, or, erect a bullet-proof glass wall between you and the painful scene, or, imagine the abuser speaking in a Donald Duck voice... and so forth. There are a lot of these kinds of "interventions" that ease the processing. They are called "cognitive interweaves" that your therapist can use, and that also can help bring your adult self's perspective into the work (or even an imaginary Adult Perspective). Such interweaves are based around issues of Safety, Responsibility, and Choice. So therapist questions like "are you safe now?" or "who was responsible? and "do you have more choices now?" are all very helpful in moving the processing along.

Grounding exercises are essential. You can use some of the techniques in Dr. Shapiro's new book "Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR." Dr. Shapiro is the founder/creator of EMDR but all the proceeds from the book go to two charities: the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program and the EMDR Research Foundation). The book is an easy read, helps you understand what's "pushing" your feelings and behavior, helps you connect the dots from past experiences to current life. Also gives lots of really helpful ways that are used during EMDR therapy to calm disturbing thoughts and feelings.

For DID, as with any complex PTSD/trauma, the "front-loading" of resources, and a phased treatment plan is essential. Please read the 2011 revision of International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) guidelines for treating adults with dissociative disorders available for free public download.
Also good to read:
"Amongst Ourselves: A Self-Help Guide to Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder" by Tracy Alderman
"Healing the Heart of Trauma and Dissociation with EMDR and Ego State Therapy" by Carol Forgash
There are other kinds of Resource Development strategies that can be used depending on the skill level and experience of your therapist (Google "Resource development and installation" and find articles by Janina Fisher, Debbie Korn, and/or Andrew Leeds, ask about John Omaha's AMST - Affect Management Skills Training, or the Imaginal Nurturing protocol).

I'm a therapist who uses EMDR as my primary psychotherapy treatment and I've also personally had EMDR for anxiety, panic, grief, and “small t” trauma. As a client, EMDR worked extremely well and also really fast. As an EMDR therapist, and in my role as a facilitator who trains other therapists in EMDR (certified by the EMDR International Association and trained by the EMDR Institute, both of which I strongly recommend in an EMDR therapist) I have used EMDR successfully with panic disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, body image, phobias, distressing memories, and bad dreams, DID, and many other problems. It's a very gentle method with no significant "down-side" so that in the hands of a professional EMDR therapist, there should be no freak-outs or worsening of day-to-day functioning.

In addition to my therapy practice, I roam the web looking for EMDR discussions, try to answer questions about it posted by clients/patients, and respond to the critics out there. It's not a cure-all therapy, however, it really is an extraordinary psychotherapy and its results last. In the hands of a really experienced EMDR therapist, it's the most gentle way of working through disturbing experiences.

[pattijane]

Also, there are many highly trained EMDR therapists in Japan. Google EMDR Japan and you will find the Japan Society for EMDR which has a listing of therapists throughout Japan!

[GeorgiaGirl413]

Originally Posted by pattijane

I am concerned about Hezaa82 getting EMDR therapy via Skype, but more than that, by a newly trained therapist.

One of the initial phases (Phase 2) in EMDR involves preparing for memory processing or desensitization (memory processing or desensitization - phases 3-6 - is often what is referred to as "EMDR" which is actually an 8-phase method of psychotherapy). In this phase resources are "front-loaded" so that you have a "floor" or "container" to help with processing the really hard stuff, as well as creating strategies if you're triggered in everyday life. In Phase 2 you learn a lot of great coping strategies and self-soothing techniques which you can use during EMDR processing or anytime you feel the need. There is a special EMDR protocol for dissociative disorders and complex PTSD. The treatment of trauma and dissociation with EMDR (or any therapy) requires special/extra training. Be absolutely certain the therapist has specialized training in DD, as well as advanced training in EMDR therapy. Neither EMDR nor any psychotherapy should go digging for memories. Memories are gone - may be buried/held in different parts - for good reasons. It's really a brilliant protection. Always talk with your therapist at the beginning of your work about what you already know is grounding.

In phase 2 you learn how to access a “Safe or Calm Place” which you can use at ANY TIME during EMDR processing (or on your own) if it feels scary, or too emotional, too intense. One of the key assets of EMDR is that YOU, the client, are in control NOW, even though you weren’t in the past, during traumatic events. You NEVER need re-live an experience or go into great detail, ever! You NEVER need to go through the entire memory. YOU can decide to keep the lights (or the alternating sounds and/or tactile pulsars, or the waving hand, or any method of bilateral stimulation that feels okay to you and your parts) going, or stop them, whichever helps titrate – measure and adjust the balance or “dose“ of the processing. During EMDR processing there are regular “breaks” and you can control when and how many but the therapist should be stopping the bilateral stimulation every 25-50 passes of the lights to ask you to take a deep breath and say just a bit of what you’re noticing, anything different, any changes. (The stimulation should not be kept on continuously, because there are specific procedures that need to be followed to process the memory). The breaks help keep a “foot in the present” while you’re processing the past. Again, and I can’t say this enough, YOU ARE IN CHARGE so YOU can make the process tolerable. And your therapist should be experienced in the EMDR techniques that help make it the gentlest and safest way to detoxify bad life experiences and build resources. Your therapist should also be using a variety of techniques to make painful processing less painful, like suggesting you turn the scene in your mind to black and white, lower the volume, or, erect a bullet-proof glass wall between you and the painful scene, or, imagine the abuser speaking in a Donald Duck voice... and so forth. There are a lot of these kinds of "interventions" that ease the processing. They are called "cognitive interweaves" that your therapist can use, and that also can help bring your adult self's perspective into the work (or even an imaginary Adult Perspective). Such interweaves are based around issues of Safety, Responsibility, and Choice. So therapist questions like "are you safe now?" or "who was responsible? and "do you have more choices now?" are all very helpful in moving the processing along.

Grounding exercises are essential. You can use some of the techniques in Dr. Shapiro's new book "Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR." Dr. Shapiro is the founder/creator of EMDR but all the proceeds from the book go to two charities: the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program and the EMDR Research Foundation). The book is an easy read, helps you understand what's "pushing" your feelings and behavior, helps you connect the dots from past experiences to current life. Also gives lots of really helpful ways that are used during EMDR therapy to calm disturbing thoughts and feelings.

For DID, as with any complex PTSD/trauma, the "front-loading" of resources, and a phased treatment plan is essential. Please read the 2011 revision of International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) guidelines for treating adults with dissociative disorders available for free public download.
Also good to read:
"Amongst Ourselves: A Self-Help Guide to Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder" by Tracy Alderman
"Healing the Heart of Trauma and Dissociation with EMDR and Ego State Therapy" by Carol Forgash
There are other kinds of Resource Development strategies that can be used depending on the skill level and experience of your therapist (Google "Resource development and installation" and find articles by Janina Fisher, Debbie Korn, and/or Andrew Leeds, ask about John Omaha's AMST - Affect Management Skills Training, or the Imaginal Nurturing protocol).

I'm a therapist who uses EMDR as my primary psychotherapy treatment and I've also personally had EMDR for anxiety, panic, grief, and “small t” trauma. As a client, EMDR worked extremely well and also really fast. As an EMDR therapist, and in my role as a facilitator who trains other therapists in EMDR (certified by the EMDR International Association and trained by the EMDR Institute, both of which I strongly recommend in an EMDR therapist) I have used EMDR successfully with panic disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, body image, phobias, distressing memories, and bad dreams, DID, and many other problems. It's a very gentle method with no significant "down-side" so that in the hands of a professional EMDR therapist, there should be no freak-outs or worsening of day-to-day functioning.

In addition to my therapy practice, I roam the web looking for EMDR discussions, try to answer questions about it posted by clients/patients, and respond to the critics out there. It's not a cure-all therapy, however, it really is an extraordinary psychotherapy and its results last. In the hands of a really experienced EMDR therapist, it's the most gentle way of working through disturbing experiences.

Pattijane,

Thanks for this well stated, professional advice. Hopefully He will take your advice and look for someone to work with other than a newbie on Skype.

[bassrunnin]

Yes thanks for that insight. That was very good. With complex ptsd can you explain how's it is handled differently? Thanks