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.

I have diagnosed C-PTSD, and have found it to be the only remotely efficacious treatment. It has entirely ceased my panic attacks. I would not try remote EMDR treatment, as the F2F works so quickly.

Another ‘witchcraft’ vote here. I had it privately after a traumatic childbirth experience left me with crippling panic attacks. Did about 8 monthly sessions, was completely unconvinced after the first, but from the second session onwards it really did the business.

It’s a very structured and not entirely ‘conscious’ process - really did feel like it was doing that process of ‘refilling’ memories so they’re not sitting around tripping you up on a daily basis.

Private sessions weren’t cheap (about £100 a pop and I was a student at the time) but I’ve never regretted paying it

Just to add. My DH self referred to IAPT first, saw a psychiatrist as he was assessed as too complex for "just" counselling, psychiatrist put him on the list for EMDR. But it had already taken quite a few months to that point and the additional waiting time for EMDR was 9 months, which is why he went private.

This is all really helpful, thank you.

OP I think you said you were in Gloucestershire? It looks like you can self-refer. The web site says they primarily do CBT, but I would be tempted to contact them and ask if they offer EMDR.

talk2gether.nhs.uk/

NB not my area, but I was referred through a similar service

I had it and it changed my life too. Amazing, difficult at the time and exhausting afterwards - your brain feels like it has been totally run over. But long term - fantastic.

It worked from inside. My anxieties are a lot less C-PTSD.

Expensive though