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EMDR - Anyone?

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 2/23/2006 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

My husband is going to be starting EMDR therapy in about 2 weeks and I'm curious as to how I can help him when he is not in the session. I know that he is going to have some possible night terriors and there could be a great deal of new information that we didn't know about his past. The new information I am actually rather excited to hear about, because I want to know more about what is happening with him. :-) This new therapy is very exciting, but scary. I'm worried about him being able to handle all this new information and the possibility of having to face old problems. I just want to do the most I can to help him. I know to expect a call after the sessions are over from him. But what am I going to say to offer him support. I do my best now, but this will be even a larger heartache on me.

For those who are curious as to what EMDR is, check out this website for a full description: www.emdr.com

Here is a general description:
"Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)1 integrates elements of many effective psychotherapies in structured protocols that are designed to maximize treatment effects. These include psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, experiential, and body-centered therapies2. EMDR is an information processing therapy and uses an eight phase approach."

Post Edited (SeaHTuon) : 2/23/2006 5:00:16 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/24/2006 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome SeaHTuon

I'm afraid I can't be of any help to you. I had actually no idea what EMDR was until I followed the site address you posted. It sounds very challenging.
Hopefully someone well be on later or tomorrow that can give you some advice.
Take Care
Ellie
Posted 2/24/2006 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for replying anyhow though, good to know that it isn't going unnoticed :) Hope you are well today.
Posted 2/25/2006 12:05 AM (GMT 0)

I have been through a couple of EMDR sessions.  They were fairly mild because my therapist had just been trained in EMDR and did not want to delve right away into any severe traumas from my past.  They were fascinating sessions and I came away from them feeling very positive.  Basically, there is a screen set in front of you with lights that move back and forth across the screen.  The therapist will ask pointed questions about a particular trauma.  It's important to keep your eyes focused on the lights during the process and to listen to the instructions s/he gives you carefully.  If the person is trained correctly, they will be able to guide you through the process fluidly.

There were a couple of points during the process when I either a) suddenly had tears streaming down my face, seemingly out of nowhere or b) started giggling.  My therapist said this is very common and actually means things are progressing well.

I did not experience any negative thoughts/dreams after the sessions.  On the contrary, I felt quite light after them.  This could be because we processed mildly traumatic events rather than big triggers, and that's definitely the way to start the process in order to get used to it and feel comfortable.

I hope your husband has a good relationship with his therapist; this will help minimize any feelings of anxiety about the process. 

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