EMDR struggles and advice...

[aredrosegrewup]

I've been having therapy since January for a few different things - general infertility, traumatic pregnancy loss and general anxiety/health anxiety.

We've tried EMDR a few times with mixed results. The main issue is me and not being able to fully lean into the feelings I need to. I automatically put up a block when we start and my mind does all it can to distract me in the moment.

However, yesterday I feel like I potentially had a bit of a breakthrough, I was a little teary during and after the short session we did but during the EMDR I felt different as though my whole body was feeling it. When I got back to the car I had the biggest cry I've had in what feels like my whole life.

What's confusing me is that in order to get to that point during EMDR I had to focus on something that wasn't actually real but it's something that allowed me to feel how I actually feel about the real stuff.

Will it still work like this? Can anyone share their experience if they feel comfortable to.

Shameless bump incase anyone new is passing by

I do not have answer to your question but it is great that you are getting a breakthrough.

Thank you. I hope it is a breakthrough.

Yes it can work like this as it gives you a window into your feelings about the real stuff and you can then move onto focussing on the real stuff. It takes time but this is an avenue to support your journey through the therapy. Good luck and hopefully this is the breakthrough to help you get the resolution and results to take the blockers down.

Thank you! It's felt really frustrating but my last session didn't.

I had similar. The 'imagined situation' couldn't have ever happened. But it helped me get on board with the process. I found I'd have a few sessions where nothing changed then 'bang' something changed and I really struggled (I was processing), it went on like this for the whole process. It was hard but worthwhile. I spent half my time being sceptical. I started in the may and it wasn't till September that I really saw a difference. In total I had a year of therapy.

Thank you for replying! This sounds reassuring and very similar.

EMDR works best for a very traumatic event
It's not clear why you are having it

Traumatic pregnancy loss