EMDR

[Lumlo]

Hi, I am considering EMDR therapy at the moment. Has anyone had EMDR therapy? Can you tell me if it was effective? Was it distressing? How many sessions it took? How did you feel afterwards?

Thanks f o r any insights you can share with me?

[Guest_7403]

Theres been a few people on here post about there experience.

Its supposed to reset the brain impulses that control mood etc

I spoke to my gp about it, for me he said it wasn't worth the risks and that in each persons case it can make them worse rather than better

It's best to discuss with your gp on its benefits (if any) and suitability to your own condition

[Jackson85]

Hi Lumlo,

I've not personally participated in EMDR therapy, but like Theborderline said, it's worth considering that there are risks involved. It's a form of exposure therapy in a way, and it can be quite upsetting reviewing whatever it is that is giving you trouble.

Have you discussed this treatment with a psychologist, or just your GP? Considering it's a relatively contemporary branch of therapy, I personally would recommend discussing it with a psychologist to see what's involved before going ahead with it, and asking why exactly they think that therapy method is the most appropriate for you right now. Your GP should be able to help refer you to speak to a psychologist with a mental health care plan.

Jackson85

[Lumlo]

Hi Jackson85

Its my physcologist that has recommended this therapy. I have googled it to find out more but first hand experience can be helpful.

I am concerned that it may bring up traumas from the past and that will that be in the short term worse for me, for maybe some benefit longer term. I have been offered other therapys for my ptsd before but declined as I felt I had little support and I would be feeling worse initially.

Since then lifes been very stressful and I began getting panic attacks and suffering from anxiety. There is still little support for me, but I think maybe I do need to do something to help my anxiety.

Lumlo

[Jackson85]

Hi Lumlo,

I understand, suffering from PTSD must be just awful, and so I totally get the desire to give these treatments a go if there's a chance of relieving the pain. Like I said, unfortunately I've not had experience with EMDR, but maybe there are others who can offer more on this topic.

Perhaps, like you say, there could be something less risky, like CBT, to help with your anxiety, and maybe get you in a more relaxed headspace to make the decision about EMDR.

I'm sorry that you're in such pain, and that I can't be of more help.

Jackson85

[FxZIONZ]

Hey Lumlo,

So i personally have tried EMDR therapy. Depending on your scenario, it can either be very distressing or very helpful. For me, my underlying issues that caused my anxiety weren't too impactful when brought to attention.

When being tested prior to the sessions, my psych was able to identify that i could be pushed harder because of the answers to the test. You should definitely try to do the test and consultation session as they explain a lot. For me they trialled a happy memory to see how it works. And so the happy memory just slowly vanished over a few minutes, and i was smiling but not for any reason.

Watch on youtube the lady who discovered it/created it. As its meant for PTSD patients so its quite interesting and surreal how it works. I cant remember the name of the lady sorry.

Overall, i believe EMDR is good. I would recommend to try it or atleast the consultation session.

CBT is a less intense therapy. But because its less intense the results might not be as great. Due to the desensitisation of the negative thoughts and then teaching the brain how to reprocess thoughts, i think makes the EMDR therapy better.