topic EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences..... in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Idkme — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 06:44:13 GMT

I’ve read a bit about EMDR lately and wondered if others have used it or heard about it with dealing with complex trauma?

My issue I’d be worried about is focusing on one key moment because there were lots of ‘moments’ for me...

curious to know peoples experiences....

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Peppermintbach — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 19:51:51 GMT

Hi Idkme,

Thank you for asking about EMDR therapy. I must admit that I haven’t personally used it or know too much about it.

You sound rather overwhelmed at the moment...that must be hard for you...dealing with all those moments sounds very draining...

Hopefully the other lovely people here will chime in with their EMDR experiences.

In the mean time, i would gently suggest, and only if you want to, that you might like to look up “EMDR therapy” in the BeyondBlue search bar.

Quite a few threads will pop up, such as:

PTSD and EMDR

EMDR for Intrusive thoughts

Etc.

So if you’re interested, maybe give he BeyondBlue search option a go 🙂

Plus of course you’re most welcome to talk here about EMDR plus anything else that you would like to discuss here. Any time you like...

kind and caring thoughts,

Pepper

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Idkme — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 01:28:32 GMT

Thanks Pepper,

So I took your advice and read some of the information on here, mostly the information was in the forums so was a challenge to dig through but I think I'm more informed.

There are heaps of conflicting and supporting things on the internet too but not a lot of information about "how" it works.

I purchased a book and am in the process of reading that... I'm not sure if I can give out titles of books here but it is a VERY good read and has helped me examine a lot of associated memories and try to make sense of them. I still recommend that people see their psychologists as it can dig a lot of connected, or buried, memories. Obviously an EMDR therapist would be best but they aren't so prominent in country areas but there are websites that advertise their locations or identify the closest practitioners.

So for me, so far, it sounds promising... the hope that I can deal with my memories and file them away in a "solved" box will hopefully mean I will get less "flashbacks" and less "connected emotions" to my daily activities.

Now I just have to wait the 4 months to get in to one.... (sad face).... but in the mean time (hopeful face), I can read the book....

Still looking for anyone who has had experience in this therapy and let me know what the process was like and how successful it was for you.

Regards,

I don't know me (idkme), but I'm getting closer.

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

PandorasLocksmith — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 07:28:15 GMT

Hi Idkme,

Basically when serious trauma happens there are high levels of cortisol (stress hormone) flooding the brain. This traps the trauma memory in the amygdala. When memories are stored in the amygdala they are stored as a current event rather than as a past event. That is why when that memory is triggered it manifests as a flashback, as you are reliving it as a current event.

Articulating and talking about and externalising the trauma over an extended time can help shift trauma memories stuck in your amygdala, over to your frontal lobes in your brain where they are stored as a Past event and are much less traumatic to access and be reminded about.

EMDR greatly speeds up this process of shifting trauma memories stored in the amygdala as a current event over to the frontal lobes where they're stored as a past event and are much less painful to access and don't cause flashbacks from.

This is done by repeatedly stimulating both sides of your brain through watching the EMDR therapist's finger waving back and forth or having the EMDR therapist tapping the backs of your hands or tops of your knees, or even through wearing headphones which emit sounds in your left ear then right then left, etc, as you approach a memory in your amygdala however close you are able to safely get to that memory with the support of a well trained EMDR therapist.

I have seen this have amazing, excellent results for people. It has a Very high success rate for PTSD treatment.

If you have multiple traumas, usually the first worked on in EMDR would be those which are most intrusive in flashbacks for you in your present life. By shifting even a handful of the most intrusive traumas from your day to day reliving of them in flashbacks, this can make a huge positive difference in people's day to day lives who have had many traumas which combine to create their PTSD. By decreasing flashbacks it can help people be much more functional with what they want to do and focus on more, even if all flashbacks aren't eliminated. People can go back and do further EMDR as one layer of central flashbacks settle and another layer become more central in their absence.

If you already have a trusted therapist or doctor I'd maybe ask them about it and share your concerns. By knowing you personally they'd be likely to have a more complete idea of how it might work for you, or they could refer you to someone trained to answer any of your qs about EMDR.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Pandora's Locksmith.

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Peppermintbach — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 21:00:12 GMT

Hi Idkme,

I’m so sorry for my late reply. I’m glad reading some of the other threads here helped a little. I’m also glad Pandora’s Locksmith has joined this thread with such an informative and helpful post 🙂

That book sounds fantastic! I really hope EMDR works for you too.

Is it okay if I ask how have things been for you since your latest post here?

Kind and caring thoughts,

Pepper

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Guest8901 — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 21:35:01 GMT

Hi Idkme. We spoke before on your other thread where we spoke briefly about emdr, among other things.

I only just spotted this thread this morning and wanted to post here so I can keep up with any further info on the subject.

Pandora - what a fantastic reply and explanation of how EMDR works, why and how it is impemented. Thank you.

Idkme - how are you getting along since we last heard from you?

Amanda 🌸

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

PandorasLocksmith — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 01:42:44 GMT

Thank you peppermintbach and Mandy8!

Echoing these two, how are you doing, Idkme? Thinking of you!

~Pandora's Locksmith

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Idkme — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 05:56:28 GMT

Hi Mandy, peppermintbach and Pandora.

Thanks for your replies.

Pandora your description has been the clearest explanation I have had to date, thank you.

As to ‘how I’ve been?’... it’s hard to describe.... I just want to get this out of my life and back into the box it came from.... but I also don’t want to ‘know’ it’s in the box either.... ignorance IS bliss.... it’s the weight of all the worries that weighs me down.... but hey.... I only have a few months to wait right......?

Anyway, the best thing is I have ‘the book’ that I’m workinv through and I write in my other blog from time to time.... time will tell.

thanks again for your replies, I hope this thread can offer others encouragement that there is hope....

kind regards

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Peppermintbach — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 20:41:55 GMT

Hi Idkme (and a wave to all),

It’s always great to hear from you. I’m glad some other lovely people here have jumped on board with their thoughts, compassion and knowledge 🙂

It sounds like that book has been enormously helpful. I’m sure this wonderful thread here will be helpful to many, in particular, those are are interested or are currently undergoing EMDR therapy.

kind and caring thoughts,

Pepper

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Idkme — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 07:52:29 GMT

Hi guys...

I thought I'd post some info I've been reading from Francine Shapiro's Book "Getting past your past".....

She starts off by mentioning the phrase " "Roses are red....." most of you unconsciously can finish the sentence in your head without know how or where you heard it... and yet we have trained ourselves to believe that it is true... however not all roses are red, nor are all violets blue so we have learned something that isn't exactly true in all circumstances.

"Basically, many of the feelings and actions that undermine our happiness are symptoms that stem from this memory system that forms the unconscious".p4

"... when negative reactions and behaviors in the present can be tracked directly back to an earlier memory, we define those memories as "unprocessed" - meaning that they are stored in the brain in a way that still holds the emotions, physical sensations and beliefs that were experienced earlier in life". p5

"...identifying the memory connections is just the first step in changing how we think, act or feel. ... also knowing what to do about it that's important". p5.

"EMDR therapy targets the unprocessed memories that contain the negative emotions, sensations and beliefs. By activating the brain's information processing system, ... the old memories can then be "digested." Meaning what is useful is learned, what's useless is discarded, and the memory is now stored in a way that is no longer damaging." p6.

These are just small excerpts from the start of the book that I have read... I'm about half way through now and it reads more like a "self-help" book but still requires the a therapist to "process" the memories... It's an easy read but can be a little "triggering" at times so it's really important to follow the instructions where it tells you that if you are not coping then you need to STOP.

I've had to stop for breaks for a couple of days at times but I've found my "Safe/calm place" and word association "harmony", as well as other coping strategies that can work... there are heaps in the first section.

After that is established you find some touchstone memories and identify negative cognitions that associate with those memories.

There is heaps more but just thought I'd give you a taster for where I'm up to...

sorry for the long read.... I'm not promoting the book just sharing some discoveries.

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Peppermintbach — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 20:27:03 GMT

Hi Idkme (and a wave to all),

Thank you so much for sharing that with us 🙂 It’s great to hear from you again.

It sounds like you’re gaining a lot of insight from the book. There’s some very thought provoking material there...

I like how the author is so caring and understanding with the reminders to take a break from reading if you’re feeling triggered or overwhelmed. I’m glad that you’re being kind to yourself by resting and pausing when needed...some wonderful self care happening there...

Caring and warm thoughts,

Pepper

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Bobbie1982 — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 08:30:02 GMT

Hi Idkme,

I’ve been having EMDR therapy for over a year now (not constant EMDR, I’ve had therapy breaks in between, and also used a range of other therapies to work through my traumas).

I’ve found it to be one of the most beneficial forms of therapy for me (and I’ve had a lot of different therapies). But it’s also been one of the most intense and hardest! The results have really surprised me!

I was initially quite skeptic about the whole idea that moving your eyes could help process traumatic memories in any way!! So I read up about it, researched it like crazy, and eventually found a psych who is trained in EMDR.

My initial expectations were that I would just need a few sessions and that would be enough to “fix” me, but the process has turned out to be a lot longer than what I expected.

I experienced years of significant trauma throughout my childhood, and processing those memories takes time. I wanted a quick fix, and had already spent so many years in therapy.

After processing a particular memory (or cluster of memories), I have found that my triggers, flashbacks and body “memories” are MUCH less in frequency and intensity!!

the first two days after a session of EMDR are usually pretty hard for me though. I struggle with big feelings and lots of nightmares - which is apparently just the processing continuing in my brain. Then it calms down and I feel like something has really shifted.

I would suggest that if you are going to do EMDR (if you haven’t already!), it’s important to make sure that you have plenty of distress tolerance skills up your sleeves, cos like any processing of trauma, it isn’t easy, not a quick fix like I thought it would be.

wich you the best of luck! And happy to chat more about it if you like/need.

Take care,

Bobbie

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Idkme — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 11:41:52 GMT

Thanks Bobbie,

its good to get feedback from someone who has experienced the treatment and it’s also great to get your personal opinion too.

I’m glad it worked for you, but not good that it’s taken so long. It’s so hard when you not get support for 10 psych visit er year... argh,

anyway... only 1 month unti my appointment

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Bobbie1982 — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 20:30:47 GMT

Yeah, the Medicare rebate limit does make things hard! I am actually seeing my current psych under NSW Victims Services support. If you’re in NSW, you can access about 20 counseling sessions at no cost to you..not sure what they do in other states though.

It is annoying that the therapy has been taking so long, but in the scheme of things, and considering how much improvement in my ptsd symptoms I’ve experienced, it’s been worth it so far.

The length of EMDR therapy treatment will vary depending on a number of factors including how old you were at the time of the trauma, the frequency (one off event, or multiple or ongoing, etc), and the individual as well.

My psych has also been suggesting doing some neurofeedback before we return to some more EMDR. I’ll let you know how that goes too! She thinks that the neurofeedback will help me to maintain more stability for when we do return to EMDR...it’s something to do with the pathways in the brain and kind of reprogramming them a bit (I think lol!)

If you’re happy to, keep us updated on your journey with the EMDR. I don’t know anyone else who has done it, only myself! (though I have recommended it to a few people lol)

Bobbie 🙂

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Bobbie1982 — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 20:51:08 GMT

Just read your original post and wanted to comment regarding your concern about the working on one memory at a time bit....

I’ll often start the EMDR therapy by focusing on one particular memory that has been particularly bothering me. It actually usually a series of memories all jumbled together. I experience a lot of ‘body memories’ that trigger a lot of images about a whole bunch of different memories. When we work on that in therapy, the EMDR session is about the whole ‘cluster’ of memories, rather than one in particular. But at the start, I choose just one image or feeling or thought to focus on. Everything else will come up as needed...if that makes sense?

I experienced a lot of sexual abuse from the age of about 3 until I was 10 by a family member, and then again when I was 14 and 17 by other people. When I get flashbacks, it often feels like a lot of the different memories are mashed together. My psych helps me to sort it and pick the most ‘pressing’ memory to focus on at the start. The others usually follow as we do the EMDR.

there are also a range of techniques used in EMDR, not just eye movements. Sometimes we use buzzers. I hold one in each hand, and they vibrate alternatively. There are also times when we use a tapping method, which is where I’ll tap my hands on my lap, or have my arms crossed and tap on each shoulder. It’s all about stimulating different parts of the brain.

sometimes I will feel frustrated during a sessions as I feel like it’s not doing anything and there’s no point, but I just do it anyway. 90% of the time, I will start to feel that things have actually shifted a day or two after the actual EMDR session. So even though I may not feel like it’s working at the actual time, it must be doing something in my brain, as it shows in the following days.

hope this helps answer your question about the one vs many memory thing! Happy for you to ask me anything else you may have questions about 🙂

Bobbie

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Idkme — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 05:57:56 GMT

Thanks Bobbie,

thats a really good explanation of how it works. I’m kind of not sure what I’m expecting yet but will definitely keep you all updated. It’s good to get the advice that it might not happen straight away. That’s something I will definitely keep in mind.

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Bobbie1982 — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 12:54:55 GMT

Good luck Idkme!! Hope it goes really well for you!

be kind to yourself,

Bobbie 🙂

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Idkme — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 12:33:36 GMT

So.... I had my first EMDR visit,

the receptionist called this morning and asked if I could go in early. I am very happy she did because I was starting to stress about the first appointment, so I had less time to worry.

The appointment was handled very professionally and comfortably. We went through what happens when we re- process a memory (which I had read in the book). And just double checked that I had coping skills so I could return to the present if ever I get to deep in the past memory.

We discussed how the memories are mostly lies or beliefs and that looking into those beliefs and placing them in the appropriate time line with the appropriate responses was part of leaving your past in the past and moving forward having left those associated feelings back where they were.

We discussed a lot more including my family associations. And then we decided a memory we can process next visit.

Overall it was a great first visit. I felt informed and now I’m just excited for the next visit. Lets hope they are all as easy as this one.

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Idkme — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 09:58:33 GMT

Hi everyone....

i just had EMDR visit 3. It really is amazing the reactions I get and the things that come up.... last visit I nearly had a panick attack, this visit was a bit calmer and I was starting to think nothing was really happening and that I was blocking the process. But when I got to the car... wow did the emotional flood gates open.... I cried my heart out and then got angry and then blubbered again. But above all was the relief and realisation of some of the things that had been holding me back.... what I thought was the trauma I experienced through teenage sexual abuse was linked to a negative self talk I had established as a small child which had encouraged me to seek out male affection. Unfortunately for me the wrong ones were around at the wrong times... which had led me to the negative mindset that I was stupid. But that’s not the case, I was looking for comfort, for a brotherly love which didn’t happen and my parents had divorced which further separated my brother and I.

So, in my opinion, it works.

EMDR.... what’s your views/opinions/experiences.....

Bobbie1982 — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 06:34:50 GMT

Hi Idkme,

so glad you’re having a positive experience with EMDR!

My therapist and I have taken a break from EMDR for a bit, and are doing some neurofeedback session, which she thinks will really help me to cope with the processing throughout EMDR a bit better.

I have had sessions where I felt like they were pointless, and like I wasn’t getting anywhere, but like you, as soon as I got to my car, it’d hit me...or a while after. Not always so emotional though, sometimes I have just noticed in the days after EMDR that I haven’t been struggling so much with something.

It IS incredible how it actually works! I have been in and out of therapy for half my life (I’m 37 now), and have tried so many different therapies and programs. I think all have helped in some form or another, but nothing like EMDR!

please keep me updated on how you progress! I haven’t known anyone else who has actually been through EMDR before.

Take care,

Bobbie