My first EMDR session on Monday

What am I in for!

Didn't your T explain the process to you? There are some utube videos of it being done.

Yeah she did. What kind of questions will she be asking? Like the CBT type "how did that make you feel" and such?

It depends on what kind of therapy she normally does. Have you seen her for long? T's who have been doing EMDR, usually make it an extension of what they normally do. There are also different trainings or modes of teaching EMDR, and each can be different. There are so many variables in how a T incorporates it into therapy. Good luck!

I can tell how my sessions went. I had to think about a difficult situation that had happened and describe what happened, how I see it in my mind, how I felt. I had to grade it how bad it made me feel. Then i had to think about the picture (the situation) and she would move er fingers and I had to follow them with my eyes. And then she'd stop and ask me what I'm thinking, what goes through my head. And she repeated that a few times. And then she would ask again to look at the picture and give it a grade and why that number. And then the whole thing get repeated again until the number was 0. And she would ask if I learned anything positive from the session.

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 and/or panic/anxiety. 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) 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, 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.

You might want to take a look at a description of EMDR therapy: EMDR Network

Assuming the number trends downward (the number being a measure of distress?)..

Yes. 10 is very high and at 0 that situation, the picture that you have of it in your head, gives you no distress anymore.
(English isn't my first language, so I'm not always that good in explaining things.)

My t uses a small box with wires out the sides attached to grab handles that vibrate in an alternating pattern. Did you find that specific procedure effective?

I've been reading a bit about EMDR and my skepticism is building.

Third session; first "official" EMDR sesh according to her coming Monday.

My T has suggested emdr for processing childhood trauma. I've been reading a bit, done a literature review, I don't know, I can't find much long term evidence, most studies seem to measure quite short term results. I also seem to be able to pick about a zillion holes in every study I've come across so I'm also becoming more sceptical, perhaps without foundation, who knows.

It just feels a bit like quackery to me, and I will feel highly stupid while she is wafting her hands around, perhaps this is the real core of my problem

Yes, hit the nail on the head! Has all the indications of a wonder-cure.

I've had 3 sessions now and we'll do a few more. It's just for small trauma. To me it sounded so weird, just moving a finger in front of you. It does kind of help. Following the finger weirdly has a calming effect on me. Though the sessions aren't easy.
I don't think it's a wonder cure. My T also said it doesn't solve anything. But that it brings the foundations to falter (?). The foundations of my low selfesteem an other things. And don't know how it works for other trauma and such.
I'm not doing only EMDR, also CBT therapy. But I was so stuck in my depression and my automatic thoughts, she thought it was a good idea to try EMDR. And I think it might be helping.

I think you could try it. For some people it helps, and for other people it doesn't. Just like with most therapies.

Gosh, it seems you haven't checked the actual research behind EMDR therapy!

EMDR has been around since the late 80s and is NOT an experimental treatment or some kind of woo-woo thing. However, ask the hundreds of thousands of people who've been helped significantly around the world and they may tell you it is indeed a wonder-cure. It is considered a first-line treatment by organizations such as ISTSS (International Society Traumatic Stress Studies), the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Departments of Health in Northern Ireland, UK, Israel, the Netherlands, France, and other countries and organizations. I can't say enough good things about EMDR therapy. It's changed my life both as a person/consumer, and as a therapist. It's so satisfying to have someone come in for help and then to witness them get through their issues and finish therapy relatively quickly (compared to regular talk therapy, it's like night and day). I am both humbled by and grateful for this wonderful method that heals suffering.

There are 35 randomized controlled (and 20 nonrandomized) studies that have been conducted on EMDR therapy in the treatment of trauma. And more excellent research now on the role of eye movements, mechanism of action, and other Randomized Controlled Studies, not only on trauma and PTSD, but also on the use of EMDR therapy with generalized anxiety disorder, treatment of distressful experiences that fail to meet the criteria for PTSD, dental phobia, depression, body dysmorphic disorder, chronic phantom limb pain, panic disorder with agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and peer verbal abuse.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This national registry (NREPP) cites EMDR therapy as evidence-based practice for the treatment of PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms. Their review of the evidence also indicated that EMDR therapy leads to an improvement in mental health functioning.

The World Health Organization published Guidelines for the management of conditions that are specifically related to stress: Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the only psychotherapies recommended for children, adolescents and adults with PTSD. “Like CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR 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, p.1) I was a member of the review committee for the World Health Organization (cited above) which examined evidence on a number of "standard" treatments for trauma, so I know how rigorous they were in making their determination for these guidelines.

Anyway, I hope all of this clarifies the reality of EMDR therapy!

My T used the hand buzzers. I have done hand buzzers, sounds, and the finger movements. I haven't done the light machine yet. I prefer the buzzers because you don't have to follow anything with your eyes to get the bi lateral stimulation. It works great if you are crying your head off and can't see or want to look up. The buzzers as opposed to the fingers to me feels less intimate with the therapist and I like that .

I thought it was some kind of voo doo too almost 10 years ago when I first heard of it, until I tried it. It has virtually changed my life.

Thanks for this. I'm going to give it a fair try. However, I'm not sure why I was directed to see a trauma counselor. The counseling services provided by my university are rather inadequate so I feel they just directed me to the next available counselor

EMDR is what brought about relief from my suffering. Coupled with other therapy Modalities and a very dedicated therapist, I am functioning on a higher level then I ever thought possible.

What I see as the "gentle" part of EMDR is that regular talk therapy is like diving into the ocean (of memories) and trying not to drown. EMDR is like staring at the surface of said ocean and watching what comes to the surface.

EMDR has helped me some and I'll continue treatments some time in the future. I had a therapist that was confident enough to deviate from the standard protocol to accomodate to what worked for me (for example, intervals of 90-120 seconds instead of the regular 30-60 seconds) and that was a great plus.

So I just got out from my first session - feeling a little light headed and tired.

I guess it went alright.

After a few more sessions - yeah, it's completely useless.

Why do you say that? I haven't started yet, but will be soon.

It didn't help me deal with my distress or issues.

Side note: love your user name!

i didnt find anything gentle about emdr. I didn't realise my T had to sit that close to me or that waving a hand in front of my face was the most terrifying thing about it. I felt threatened by the proximity of my t and the hand waving. I did give it a decent go.

Dear kray_bray_may and Bipolarartist,

PLEASE let your T know EXACTLY how you felt about the session!!! 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 and/or panic/anxiety, or whatever disturbance(s) on which you’re working. 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) 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. If your T is sitting too close for comfort, there are EMDR therapy "mechanical" helpers that can be more comfortable, such as a Light Bar, or Thera-Tapper that allow the T to sit further away. And if by "the first session" you literally meant the very first time bilateral stimulation is used, it should NOT have been used to work on old memories! You need the grounding and containment of Phase 2, and lots of it, until YOU feel ready to start EMDR processing.

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.
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.

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.

As a recently retired psychologist, I used 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 (now retired) role as a facilitator who trained 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.

pattijane, I know how EMDR works - I've been through several sessions and the eight stages. At this point, I'm just going to say it's not "worked" for me and that's my experience. I'm not speaking for anyone else so that's not to devalue anyone else's experiences.

pattijane my T does know how i feel. I think at that stage I wasn't ready to face things and the trust in my t was not there then.