[Crook32]

So the main thing we are going to work on in therapy is lessening the effect of my triggers. I have nightmares and flashbacks because I can’t get away from my triggers. I just don’t know how to make the triggers have less of a hold on me.

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[zoiecat]

I have been working with a trauma therapist for about 4 years now doing EMDR and DBT/Mindfulness. I don't think it is actually possible to eliminate the triggers but the path to healing is changing our response to the triggers. Although I am extremely slow making progress with EMDR (my T says that is because I have DID plus so many things to work through) I am starting to feel less bad feelings when I experience triggers. I have noticed the biggest changes in my emotion regulation through mindfulness. With the help of breathing exercises I can control and reduce my fear and anxiety; it actually comes naturally now. When I am telling my T about something and I am freaking out, I find my self automatically exhaling slowly which helps me calm down a bit. By paying attention to my body sensations, feelings, and thoughts I am more aware of what triggers me...how I react...what I can do to lessen the pain...how to control my pain the best I can at this point in time. While I still have so far to go, I am making improvements. My T says the purpose of EMDR is not to make you forget your past traumas. He says you will always remember them, but with the help of EMDR...remembering will not longer come with the pain it once did. Trauma memories will be just that, a memory without the negative feelings once associated with them.