[TerriLynn]

Is it possible to recover memories in EMDR? My dad has told me about an incident from when I was 2 or 3, which I don't remember, but, I remember the location where we were living, in the desert, I have a vague impression of a man and I remember a rattle snake.

Is it possible I could recover the full memory of the incident?

[A18793715]

Originally Posted by TerriLynn

Is it possible to recover memories in EMDR? My dad has told me about an incident from when I was 2 or 3, which I don't remember, but, I remember the location where we were living, in the desert, I have a vague impression of a man and I remember a rattle snake.


Is it possible I could recover the full memory of the incident?

I really think EMDR depends on the person. My old NP told me she was trained in it but didn't see any effectiveness in the number of patients compared to CBT. I don't think it would work for me because I would resist it too much and I can't close my eyes and sit there if someone tells me to close my eyes. I get extremely paranoid.

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[A18793715]

Originally Posted by Ellahmae

I do EMDR with my eyes open.

Hm. That's interesting.

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[junkDNA]

There's different ways to do it. I've always been too scared of this exact reason!!

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[Mygrandjourney]

OTOH it can be very effective, provided you are otherwise in a stable place in your life. There is a lot of preparation prior to getting into the traumatic reprocessing.

[pattijane]

Originally Posted by TerriLynn

Is it possible to recover memories in EMDR? My dad has told me about an incident from when I was 2 or 3, which I don't remember, but, I remember the location where we were living, in the desert, I have a vague impression of a man and I remember a rattle snake.

Is it possible I could recover the full memory of the incident?

Neither EMDR nor any psychotherapy should go digging for memories. Memories are gone - may be buried/held in different parts - for good reasons. That said, sometimes memory does become more clear, and related memories emerge which can then become targets of their own for EMDR processing. Such memories might surface with enough preparation and when the timing is right. 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 complex PTSD, as well as advanced training in EMDR therapy. Always talk with your therapist at the beginning of your work about what you already know is grounding for you.

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 (acute and chronic), anxiety, social 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.

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 phases (Phase 2) in EMDR psychotherapy 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 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. During EMDR processing there are regular “breaks” 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. YOU can decide to keep the lights (or the alternating sounds and/or tactile pulsars, or the waving hand) going, or stop them, whichever helps titrate – measure and adjust the balance or “dose“ of the processing. Again, and I can’t say this enough, YOU ARE IN CHARGE so YOU can make the process tolerable.

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.