EMDR therapy experiences

[CouldYouPassTheButterPlease]

One of my DC had a life changing accident about a year ago. It was extremely traumatic and I'm still badly affected by it. I experience intrusive thoughts and physical body reactions.

I think I have PTSD. Having had psychotherapy in the past to explore my childhood, I'm pretty sure talking therapy is not what I need. I'm wondering if EMDR might help.

Has anyone done it? In person or virtually? Does anyone have any advice or recommendations? Thanks.

My husband had it in person locally. He had 4 sessions costing £500 in total (the first session cost double). It completely worked for him. He was having intrusive thoughts and flashbacks from his (awful) childhood, triggered by his step dad dying. It was stopping him sleeping and starting to affect him through the day too.

We did look for the most qualified person locally rather than just someone with a certificate in it - though they may have been just as good. By the end of the 4th session he had nothing left troubling him. They did say it might take longer but it had done the job.

I hope that helps. I can ask him if you have any more questions. Hope you find someone and sorry to hear what you went through.

Where are you based? I saw a lovely woman.

@earlydoors42 thank you for taking the time to reply. I'm glad it's been so effective for your DH.

@ArseInTheCoOpWindow I'm in Gloucestershire.

I bloody loved mine. Bit pricey but worth it. I did mine via Zoom and it worked well.

I've just finished my emdr sessions through NHS I'm in Leicestershire and circumstances around my trauma sound similar to yours.
My sessions were virtual I think they have been helpful and my reactions seem less dramatic now and I can cope better with my triggers. Its not been a magic wand but it a marked improvement to how I was before and following cbt.
Feel free to pm Happy to chat through further op.
And good luck to you

Very pricey but work paid for it. Excellent results. I thought it was Witchcraft at the time but it was very effective.

My friend is doing weekly EMDR and therapy sessions via Zoom with a fabulous psychologist. She's had it before with a counsellor, but this is apparently much much better and she'd already had some excellent results with the less qualified lady. It could just be a difference in personality rather than their different qualifications as she gets on better with the current practitioner.

Can't sing it's praises enough as a therapy and treatment - she's gone from suicidal to coping well in the last 6 weeks as her flashbacks etc are so greatly reduced. Like once a week instead of umpteen times a day level of reduction.

Incredible stuff, but very hard to do as it's confronting everything you're trying to avoid.

I’m undergoing EMDR on the NHS and it’s been life changing. It’s hard work and the “reprogramming” can be stressful but it’s totally worth it.

I had EMDR on the NHS.
At the time I thought it was a complete waste of time but a couple of weeks after the sessions I felt like my mind was more ordered in issues surrounding my trauma and memories were not so raw. I was also able to see my trauma as something that was a part of my past instead of feeling like I was living my trauma in the present (if that makes sense).

I had it through my local NHS trust. I was struggling after witnessing a fatal accident and had some really intrusive thoughts and hallucinations for about two years afterwards. My sessions took place through lockdown so it was all over the phone. The person who described it as witchcraft southeast is spot on - it was such a quick fix I couldn't believe it would work at the time (I had 5 sessions) but I've not had a single issue since. Would totally recommend it.

I was under nhs services and tried at 18, it was really hard for me and after a couple of sessions, was told my brain was blocking the treatment and reprogramming and there was no way around it, but I would benefit from talking therapy. She gave me her card for her private talking therapies that she runs independently and discharged me from EMDR.

I had it after my daughter died suddenly and traumatically. It was awful at the time and I hated reliving the trauma in great detail each week but really helped. Happy to discuss if you have specific questions.

There's a great book called 'the body keeps the score' worth reading.

I had EMDR therapy and it changed my life.

I'm on my 3rd lot of sessions, I have alot of issues. It's been life changing. I'm always amazed at how well it works!

Oh wow! Thank you for all the responses ❤️

For those who had it on the NHS, how did you do this? Through your GP?

Any recommendations of skilled online practitioners welcomed.

I had it with the NHS. I managed 4 sessions but had to stop. I Had panic attacks for days afterwards. It was literally like the serial abuse was happening again. However I dont think I was actually ready to deal with it at the time.

I think it does bring the emotions to the surface. I was really really anxious after mine, and quite emotional. But it wears off.

I had some sessions afew years ago and was absolutely life changing! I would 100pc recommend it. Luckily I was having some nhs counselling at the time and she suggested I try it as I was having flash backs from my childhood. It really helped me in a very difficult time.

Another fan here - had it for a car accident that impacted my driving confidence. Noticed a major difference after one session and only ended up needing two.

It's freakily effective.

I wonder how this actually works? What is the science behind EMDR?

It was life changing for a relative of mine. They had to pay for it privately but it has been priceless. It’s truly amazing how effective it can be. I wish you well.

I've had it but unfortunately it hasn't worked for me. I guess it's good for some but not everyone... I think it depends on the trauma. Probably better for one off trauma than complex long lasting trauma like mine

Echo all the above comments.

Have pm you details of my therapist