[Myrto]

My therapist has recommanded I try to do some EMDR therapy with someone else because of some trauma that she can't treat.
I will keep seeing my T once a week while doing EMDR maybe once a month.
I can't afford to go more often as it's quite expensive and I pay out of pocket for all my therapy.

I haven't yet begun but I'm a bit suspicious of EMDR to be honest and was wondering whether some people here could shed a light on the practice by recounting their experience: what did you do? for what? did it work? how often did you go? did you find it useful?

I've read the wikipedia page on EMDR and well, the results are not always there apparently according to Wiki but perhaps I'm wrong and should just embrace the whole thing and see how it goes.

Thanks in advance.

[Argonautomobile]

Here's a recent thread about EMDR

http://forums.psychcentral.com/psych...r-therapy.html

I've always thought it sounded like total BS! But I don't understand how airplanes stay up without magic, so I'm not exactly an authority. A lot of people here seem to like it, a lot of T's offer it, and I'm given to understand there's good science behind it though it's nothing I've personally researched. You can always address these questions with your current T or the EMDR T.

[atisketatasket]

I have not done it. But the No. 2 I saw in the fall did do it (and occasionally used some techniques from it in her traditional talk therapy, which seemed useful).

We discussed EMDR once when I needed a break from talking about other issues. It was her very firm opinion that there are a lot of therapists out there doing EMDR who have no idea what they're doing. What I remember specifically is that you want someone who is at least Level II in EMDR training (I don't know how many levels there are, but II indicates intensive training). And you want someone whose training has been as close as possible to the founder - Francine Shapiro - and the EMDR Institute she presides over. Ideally trained by Shapiro herself or by someone Shapiro herself trained. The reason she gave for this is that there's a lot of misunderstanding of EMDR, even among the therapists that practice it, and it is not a procedure without risk anyway - it is possible that the traumatic experience can get worse after an EMDR session.

On my own, by the way, I don't know that there is good science behind it. No one really knows why EMDR works, when it works.

[Myrto]

Originally Posted by Argonautomobile

Here's a recent thread about EMDR

http://forums.psychcentral.com/psych...r-therapy.html

I've always thought it sounded like total BS! But I don't understand how airplanes stay up without magic, so I'm not exactly an authority. A lot of people here seem to like it, a lot of T's offer it, and I'm given to understand there's good science behind it though it's nothing I've personally researched. You can always address these questions with your current T or the EMDR T.

Thanks I'll check it out.

[Myrto]

Originally Posted by atisketatasket

I have not done it. But the No. 2 I saw in the fall did do it (and occasionally used some techniques from it in her traditional talk therapy, which seemed useful).

We discussed EMDR once when I needed a break from talking about other issues. It was her very firm opinion that there are a lot of therapists out there doing EMDR who have no idea what they're doing. What I remember specifically is that you want someone who is at least Level II in EMDR training (I don't know how many levels there are, but II indicates intensive training). And you want someone whose training has been as close as possible to the founder - Francine Shapiro - and the EMDR Institute she presides over. Ideally trained by Shapiro herself or by someone Shapiro herself trained. The reason she gave for this is that there's a lot of misunderstanding of EMDR, even among the therapists that practice it, and it is not a procedure without risk anyway - it is possible that the traumatic experience can get worse after an EMDR session.

On my own, by the way, I don't know that there is good science behind it. No one really knows why EMDR works, when it works.

I think the therapist I'm going to see is well trained so that's not a worry. It's just the whole thing doesn't seem supported by a lot of science, hence my suspicion. Thanks.

[Out There]

Hi Myrto , I've had EMDR in conjunction with talk therapy for trauma as well and found it very effective. I was open minded about it , I knew it was a recommended treatment for trauma. My T was a consultant EMDR specialist with 10 years experience. He told me he was sceptical when he started ( what's that going to do?! ) , but all that time applying and refining the techniques. Feel free to PM me about this , as several members have.

I had EMDR for CSA trauma but totally freaked out because I didn't realise my T had to sit so close and I found the waving of his hand in front of my face really distressing. I gave up for now. I may try it again down the track.

[Out There]

My T used a machine ( headphones and vibrating paddles ) so sat back from me with no proximity or touching. He was fully aware that people with trauma don't always like to be approached or touched ( I don't ).

[SingDanceRunLife]

Originally Posted by Out There

My T used a machine ( headphones and vibrating paddles ) so sat back from me with no proximity or touching. He was fully aware that people with trauma don't always like to be approached or touched ( I don't ).

Mine too.

I've done EMDR, and even though it seems like this big scary giant, it's not. I actually found it to be helpful with my trauma...and the cool thing was we'd start with me thinking about the trauma, but as the things in my hands buzzed and the headphones beeped, my mind would wander, and we'd talk about that stuff too.

[Out There]

Yes , the free association comes from psychodynamic. Your brain / mind will go to where it sees the same incidences.

Originally Posted by Myrto

My therapist has recommanded I try to do some EMDR therapy with someone else because of some trauma that she can't treat.
I will keep seeing my T once a week while doing EMDR maybe once a month.
I can't afford to go more often as it's quite expensive and I pay out of pocket for all my therapy.

I haven't yet begun but I'm a bit suspicious of EMDR to be honest and was wondering whether some people here could shed a light on the practice by recounting their experience: what did you do? for what? did it work? how often did you go? did you find it useful?

I've read the wikipedia page on EMDR and well, the results are not always there apparently according to Wiki but perhaps I'm wrong and should just embrace the whole thing and see how it goes.

Thanks in advance.

I tried it almost 19 years ago with a Jungian analyst that was trained by Shapiro, and could not tolerate it. My last therapist was trained in it, but did not feel it was appropriate for what I was dealing with. I had major attachment issues.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[pattijane]

Originally Posted by Myrto

My therapist has recommanded I try to do some EMDR therapy with someone else because of some trauma that she can't treat.
I will keep seeing my T once a week while doing EMDR maybe once a month.
I can't afford to go more often as it's quite expensive and I pay out of pocket for all my therapy.

I haven't yet begun but I'm a bit suspicious of EMDR to be honest and was wondering whether some people here could shed a light on the practice by recounting their experience: what did you do? for what? did it work? how often did you go? did you find it useful?

I've read the wikipedia page on EMDR and well, the results are not always there apparently according to Wiki but perhaps I'm wrong and should just embrace the whole thing and see how it goes.

Thanks in advance.

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.

EMDR therapy is considered a first-line treatment for trauma by organizations such as ISTSS (International Society for 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. There are 35 randomized controlled (and 20 nonrandomized) studies that have been conducted on EMDR therapy in the treatment of trauma to date. A randomized controlled study is the gold standard for evidence-based therapy, and for any research. 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 World Health Organization 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)

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

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 has been 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.

[monkeybrains21]

Very likely triggering so be warned!!



I just started EMDR and it is a bit of a weird thing. I do the headphones and vibrating paddles. I fully trust my T and she is well trained. We started with what I considered a lesser trauma and she was surprised how low I ranked it on affecting me. Sorry but I don't find beatings as that high on my scale of traumas do to others.

Anyways it was strange and I did think about those times( we did 2 instances). Before we finished I felt absolutely nothing regarding those instances. I acknowledged them but they didn't create the same tension. Instead now I have questions like where the hell was my mother and why the hell did she just stand by as her husband beat me?