EMDR Therapy

[sunflower54322]

Hi, I've been having therapy and my counsellor suggested I give EMDR. I'm 34 dealing with child hood issues from my dad committing suicide when I was 8.

I'm a couple of weeks in to it. I find it fascinating. I just wanted to know has any one completed it. How did it help. Ive read lots of reviews that it's life changing. I'm really hoping so.

I've had it, mostly for PTSD but also emetophobia. It's amazing. No longer have PTSD and emetophobia is massively improved. Used to be pacing the floor each night with anxiety, now I can't remember the last time I felt like that.

Sorry for the trauma you've faced

That's wounderful to hear. Yes I'm being treads for PTSD
I'm glad to hear it's changed things for you so much. I suffer with crippling anxiety I can already see a difference.

Nice to hear it's helping

Hi op

I had EDMR for PTSD after a really serious car accident (I was too terrified to drive after this). This therapy got me back on the road and many years later have not thought about it much. It worked like a miracle, I can see how it works.

Can you do EMDR on your own, ie learn the techniques without having to go a therapist and, if so, what resources are there for teaching yourself?

I've also had EMDR for PTSD after a car accident. I was very sceptical initially but have had extremely good results. I noticed some difference after the first 2 or 3 sessions and was pretty much sorted after about 7 or 8. Hope it works well for you OP.
Maggiesfarm I don't think you could do it on your own as you talk to the therapist about what you're remembering during the therapy so I can't imagine how you could do it alone sorry.

@maggiesfarm Read "The Body keeps the score" - it talks a lot about EMDR therapy - basically you don't have to talk, just thinking about the trauma is as effective. I think the book mentions people doing it themselves - I'm sure I've seen YouTube videos for it etc.
I'd just be careful though as you could do yourself more harm than good accessing traumatic memories without a good "anchor" in the form of a therapist or further support should you need it.

@Maggiesfarm fgs don't attempt do this yourself.
A psychologist has to go through really intensive training before using this technique.
Each session begins with accessing a terrible memory and would be absolutely traumatising
without that expert talking to you and monitoring your response all the time as you go through it.
Sometimes I've needed to go through a long "grounding" exercise before my psychologist even begins on the EMDR because of the panic it brings up.
I'm finding it incredibly effective although it's going to be a long haul for me as I have bipolar as well as ctpsd.
I was a sceptic as it seems so bizarre but now I'm firmly convinced it's the only thing that's going to finally help me.
If you can access this treatment from someone properly qualified @sunflower54322 I would really recommend it.

I have had it for driving anxiety after a car accident. It is actual magic. I would recommend to anyone.

Thanks for your help, MrsA, Eekay and Tammy.

I have had counselling and accessed memories, traumatic events, etc, so think I could cope. If I give it a try and find it too difficult, I'll stop.

I haven't but my counsellor has mentioned it and I'm curious to know what it involves and whether you feel it helps you?