EMDR Therapy Experiences

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

I've recently been advised to have some EMDR therapy. This is based on things that have happened in my life causing flashbacks. I don't have an official diagnosis of PTSD (and I feel a bit ridiculous even considering it) but I'm told that some of the symptoms I've described are on the more serious end of the scale although they aren't ongoing thankfully which lessens it.

So, have people found it helpful? Is it hard from a processing perspective? I've been advised to wait a while because of stuff that's going on at the moment and I agree with that assessment but when I take this on am I going to suddenly fall to bits?

A big feature in my particular issue is the resurfacing of old situations in the present time. I believe (and have had this confirmed by two different professionals) that it's because there's a link between how I felt in the moment. So when I encounter a new event that makes me feel a particular way, it brings up all of the past events that made me feel similar. I absolutely agree with this and I'm relived to have found a reason why this happens!

Anyway, I'm waffling sorry.

Would anyone like to share?

 

[Mysteryy]

With EMDR, they would start you off by building an understanding of the situations, feelings they trigger. They then work on the less severe situations first to help you build a level of distress tolerance, before building up to the more difficult situations.

It's hard but can be life changing.

 

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

With EMDR, they would start you off by building an understanding of the situations, feelings they trigger. They then work on the less severe situations first to help you build a level of distress tolerance, before building up to the more difficult situations.

It's hard but can be life changing.

That's good to know. I've reached a point where I know it needs addressing because there's a lot that's come to the surface recently but I really worry about suddenly being forced to confront things. Also, there's so much stuff to deal with. There are boxes within boxes if that makes sense?

At the moment I also feel like I'm stood on the sidelines of my life querying why I didn't realise these things were a problem. It's a very strange position to be in and I don't like it.

 

[rainbowlemon]

I found it helpful but only did a few sessions and need to go back to it at some point. A good therapist will be okay at going at your pace.
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Wishing you luck.

 

[HumptyDumptyLou]

The psychologist I see specialises in EMDR and it’s been an amazing tool for me. I have PTSD and anxiety issues and use an EMDR app when I feel like I’m spiralling and it helps me identify what’s going on and why.

It took quite a few sessions with the psych to get me to this point and it was scary to me at first. Another thing I found is that when doing it with the psych at first I’d feel really tired and out of sorts for the next 24 hours or so, so be kind to yourself.

If you can persevere with it, it is an incredible tool and I wish you all the best x

 

[Mysteryy]

That's good to know. I've reached a point where I know it needs addressing because there's a lot that's come to the surface recently but I really worry about suddenly being forced to confront things. Also, there's so much stuff to deal with. There are boxes within boxes if that makes sense?

At the moment I also feel like I'm stood on the sidelines of my life querying why I didn't realise these things were a problem. It's a very strange position to be in and I don't like it.

I've been in a similar position. Getting diagnosed with PTSD was so shocking for me, but for those around me they were like "well yeah, we've known for years". It felt like because I hadn't processed the trauma, I just locked it away, that I hadn't made the links myself if that makes sense?

The psychologist/therapist will help you build your insight and understanding into the events, why it triggers the response it does and it helps you make sense of it all. They go at your pace, they are very in tune with when it's becoming too much and will use grounding techniques to bring you back to the here and now. It's definitely daunting but working with someone you have developed a trust in, will be the most supportive tool.