[Hellion]

So supposed to meet with a therapist about this since its the only thing I know of currently aside from the CBT I have been trying to no avail that is available through medicaid I have access to attempt to adress PTSD. I suppose I am just hoping if the therapist determines I am not in a good place to jump into this therapy(since what I read about it says it can be to triggering and too much for some people if they are too unstable or whatever) so just hope they wouldn't ignore signs it could backfire just to get another client so they get paid more or whatever.

I just don't want to end up attempting this therapy if it will cause too much stress or increase of symptoms..and not sure I can trust the therapist to be honest about if it sounds like a good thing for me or not. Last therapist I have been going to is absolutely useless aside from setting up this appointment which I will maybe still bother going to but maybe not depending on if I get to anxious at the last minute or not, except will have to make 'the last minute' the day before so I can cancel 24 hours in advance if I decide to do that.

I mean past week it has not been an issue, but maybe just too distracted but I have been having issues with suicidal thoughts and probably should not do anything even therapy that would trigger anything like that...I don't know I suppose I am unsure. Thinking its most likely it just won't help and I will get annoyed and quit...but worried it could also just make things worse or force too much up to the front of my mind that I can't deal with at once guess one concern is a lot of times stress can trigger suicidal thoughts for me so being overhwhelmed with it is not a safe thing...Skeptical it would actually help anything though.

[HazelGirl]

Almost all treatments for PTSD initially increase symptoms. The first several parts of EMDR are about skills building and helping you cope. It's not for me, but it can be helpful for a lot of people.

[Hellion]

Originally Posted by HazelGirl

Almost all treatments for PTSD initially increase symptoms. The first several parts of EMDR are about skills building and helping you cope. It's not for me, but it can be helpful for a lot of people.

Yeah I suppose that is the whole issue, don't know if I can handle an initial increase of symptoms without being a danger to myself or something...suppose I will tell the therapist that.

[someone321]

I started (at least in theory) emdr therapy in January but actually I still haven't started... I'm in the long phase I, like learning coping skills, grounding methods and just simple talking and T has said that this is how it works and that we won't process it till we'll both will be sure that even if it becomes worse I will have enough skills to put it aside and not feel too bad... I hope that your T will also take your mood into account and won't go to fast if you are not ready yet...

[Partless]

EMDR is really just a kind of exposure therapy and desensitization. I think the name may scare people off but I don't think anything to worry about.

[Hellion]

Originally Posted by Partless

EMDR is really just a kind of exposure therapy and desensitization. I think the name may scare people off but I don't think anything to worry about.

Exactly why I am concerned, when one has PTSD the terms exposure and desensitization aren't exactly comforting...at least in my experience. I already usually freak out somewhat if something triggers me seems like exposure would be like intentionally doing that in the hopes I'll just eventually get used to thinking about the stupid incident...just don't see that happening at this point.

[Partless]

Originally Posted by Hellion

Exactly why I am concerned, when one has PTSD the terms exposure and desensitization aren't exactly comforting...at least in my experience. I already usually freak out somewhat if something triggers me seems like exposure would be like intentionally doing that in the hopes I'll just eventually get used to thinking about the stupid incident...just don't see that happening at this point.

Yeah I get what you're saying. I thought maybe it was more the EMDR that has you worried but I guess it's just idea of being pushed beyond your limits, be it exposure or EMDR or whatever, facing cues or memories or situations that might get you triggered big time, especially if it's a new therapist or someone who doesn't really know how bad you have it. Like you don't feel stable enough to expose yourself to anything that can be really triggering.

I'm sorry for what you're going through but just go in there and tell them where you're at emotionally. Remind yourself that you are running the show and that all this is about helping you get better. Once you frame it that way, just see how you feel as you go along. Be assertive and share with them how you are doing. As others have said, it does not seem that people go into the main part of it right away. They build up to it. Perhaps yours will be similar too.

[pattijane]

Originally Posted by Hellion

So supposed to meet with a therapist about this since its the only thing I know of currently aside from the CBT I have been trying to no avail that is available through medicaid I have access to attempt to adress PTSD. I suppose I am just hoping if the therapist determines I am not in a good place to jump into this therapy(since what I read about it says it can be to triggering and too much for some people if they are too unstable or whatever) so just hope they wouldn't ignore signs it could backfire just to get another client so they get paid more or whatever.

I just don't want to end up attempting this therapy if it will cause too much stress or increase of symptoms..and not sure I can trust the therapist to be honest about if it sounds like a good thing for me or not. Last therapist I have been going to is absolutely useless aside from setting up this appointment which I will maybe still bother going to but maybe not depending on if I get to anxious at the last minute or not, except will have to make 'the last minute' the day before so I can cancel 24 hours in advance if I decide to do that.

I mean past week it has not been an issue, but maybe just too distracted but I have been having issues with suicidal thoughts and probably should not do anything even therapy that would trigger anything like that...I don't know I suppose I am unsure. Thinking its most likely it just won't help and I will get annoyed and quit...but worried it could also just make things worse or force too much up to the front of my mind that I can't deal with at once guess one concern is a lot of times stress can trigger suicidal thoughts for me so being overhwhelmed with it is not a safe thing...Skeptical it would actually help anything though.

I use EMDR therapy as my primary psychotherapy treatment and I've also personally had EMDR therapy 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 therapy (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 therapy successfully with panic disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, body image, phobias, distressing memories, bad dreams, 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.

One of the initial phases (Phase 2) in EMDR therapy 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.

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 therapy 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 therapy techniques that help make it the gentlest and safest way to detoxify bad life experiences and build resources.

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.

Pacing and dosing are critically important. So if you ever feel that EMDR processing is too intense then it might be time to go back over all the resources that should be used both IN session and BETWEEN sessions. Your therapist can use 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, 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.

And, BTW, The World Health Organization has published "Guidelines for the management of conditions that are specifically related to stress: "Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the only therapies recommended for children, adolescents and adults with PTSD. Like CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR therapy aims to reduce subjective distress and strengthen adaptive cognitions related to the traumatic event. Unlike CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR does not involve (a) detailed descriptions of the event, (b) direct challenging of beliefs, (c) extended exposure, or (d) homework." (Geneva, WHO, 2013)

[Hellion]

^in your experience does it seem to more help people cope with the PTSD better or more seem to rid people of key symptoms entirely or is there a lot of variation. I mean I plan to at least meet with the therapist about it...but another thing aside from being worried about freaking out is, I am hoping 'not being skeptical' isn't a requirement for it to help any.

[ShaggyChic_1201]

I appreciate your concerns Hellion. I did EMDR and it allowed me to expand my mind and find new connections to traumas that were triggering me (so that I could become less sensitive to those triggers) but I couldn't withstand the "gets worse before it gets better" part and had to stop, despite trying to remain grounded.

Hope your T is honest and respectful of where you are now, not where T wants you to be!

[Hellion]

Yeah hope so to, I have the appointment monday...so will see how it goes.

[pattijane]

I use EMDR therapy as my primary psychotherapy treatment and I've also personally had EMDR therapy 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 therapy (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 therapy successfully with panic disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, body image, phobias, distressing memories, bad dreams, 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.

One of the initial phases (Phase 2) in EMDR therapy 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.

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 therapy 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 therapy techniques that help make it the gentlest and safest way to detoxify bad life experiences and build resources.

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.

Pacing and dosing are critically important. So if you ever feel that EMDR processing is too intense then it might be time to go back over all the resources that should be used both IN session and BETWEEN sessions. Your therapist can use 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, 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.

And, BTW, The World Health Organization has published "Guidelines for the management of conditions that are specifically related to stress: "Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the only therapies recommended for children, adolescents and adults with PTSD. Like CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR therapy aims to reduce subjective distress and strengthen adaptive cognitions related to the traumatic event. Unlike CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR does not involve (a) detailed descriptions of the event, (b) direct challenging of beliefs, (c) extended exposure, or (d) homework." (Geneva, WHO, 2013)

[Hellion]

well missed the damn appointment, was last monday...not today apparently, would have been nice to know this before last monday but they gave me the wrong day...so not really my fault but I still get to suffer for it since its up to me to now try and reschedule and set it up again....the staff of the mental health place don't get to enjoy the headache I will have from dealing with them trying to reschedule.