HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

EDMR - anxiety treatment

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/10/2011 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
hello everyone,

    ive started to see a new therapyst, and her specialty is anxiety. she used to have it herself.  she had EDMR done about 17 years ago, and hasnt had anxiety since.  She would like to try this on me, its done in her office, and i think it has to do with eye movement or somthing.   Im wondering if anyone out there knows about this or has tryed it?

   thank you!

Posted 1/10/2011 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Babette. It is my understanding that EDMR works really well for anxiety with roots in PTSD. It has to do with 'unlocking' negative thoughts/memories from deep inside the brain, thus reducing the power they have over you. I am of course simplifying the process, but through patterns (including eye momvement like you said) while also talking to your therapist, you release these fear causing emotions.

I don't know if this is the right choice for you or not. I would also inquire about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and between you and your therapist, do what will best suit your needs.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide, and how it goes!
Scaredy Cat
Posted 1/10/2011 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you! I did bring up CBT also, she seemed to know what it is, but went towards this EDMR first.... so, im just going with it for now, and see how it works. i dont have any tramatic things that have happend to me, just general panic attacks and anxiety, so i'll keep you informed. Thanks agian!
Posted 1/11/2011 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
My therapist does EDMR and for me, i've found it to be frustrating and a bit of a waste of time. that's just my opinion though. As much as I would have liked to have benefited from it, it all just seemed ridiculous and a little too unrealistic for me..
Posted 1/11/2011 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Lululiya, this is all very good and important information for me to hear. it does sound a bit "too good to be true". But, i will give it a shot. If after a few times it doesnt seem like im benifiting from it, i will ask about the CBT. Can any therapyst do that? or do you have to specialize in it, what exactly is CBT?

Thank you all.
Posted 1/11/2011 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
I think that most therapists have training in this, but you'll have to check to be sure.

CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts affect our feelings, and thus our anxiety levels and symptoms. You can't eliminate stress completely from your life, but you can change your reaction to it. Through rational/postive self-talk and other exercises, you gain power over fearful thoughts.

You will do a mix of work both in and out of the therapists office. (homework is usual) It usually takes 10-12 weeks for progress to be seen, so you'll have to be patient, but IMO it is the best long-term treatment for A/P and worth it.

I think you are wise to try your therapist's recommended treatment, why not? Then you will be able to make a decision to stick with that, or try the CBT.

I hope that you are doing well today, and let us know how it goes in your session:)

Take care,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 1/11/2011 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
wow, everyone here is soooo wonderful! thank you all. today seems to be a good day so far, thank you. I do like the sound of the CBT very much, but yes, i will give the EDMR a try. thank you for the detailed explaination of CBT. i will certainly keep you all posted.

:-)
Posted 1/11/2011 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have any advice for you Babette just want to wish you luck with your therapyand i hope it works for you Good luck :)
Posted 1/12/2011 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, and scaredy Cat!!!....
i have my second appt. with my new therapyst on monday the 17th, to try this EDMR treatment. we will see how that goes, im thinking positivley!.... and thank you to Scardey Cat, i have also found a therapyst, that is covered by my insurance that does CBT!!!!... so, i have "back up" plan just incase my current therapyst doenst know how or about CBT, and if the EDMR doesnt work. thank you all wonderful people. even though we all share the same awful anxiety experiance, it sure does make it easier to coap with knowing we all have each other to turn to. thank you all, and Bless you!

Babette.

always dizzy, always nervouse, allways worried, always scared. :-(
Posted 1/12/2011 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
Yes it does help to know that we are all in this together. When I'm having a hard day, I 'picture' our community here all around me and I feel braver, stronger, better!

Great job on finding your back-up plan! It's covered too...fantastic! That was quite a feat finding that so quickly. I know that between the two, you will do really well, and start a great journey to recovery!

Keep up the good work, and talk to you soon,
S.C.
Posted 1/14/2011 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Babbette, I too went through EMDR for several months and hope that you have better results than I did.
the therapist that I was seeing was well known for her treatments of EMDR but I found it to be a waste of time. We were working on grief/shock and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and it is a wierd experience with the lights and all but it did absolutely nothing for me. I truly hope that you have better results than I have had.
Posted 1/19/2011 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
i went to my first session on monday, i must say.. i felt silly and it seems silly...but wow, it certainly made me cry on a dime, and then the next moment i was comforted, then i was okay... and since then... i feel pretty good. i dont exspect a mirical, but, it is interesting. my next session is next Tuesday.

Babette
Posted 1/19/2011 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
A good start! I am glad that you are seeing some benefit already! I hope that it continues, and that you have more good days...yeah!

Continue to let us know how it's going:)
S.C.
Posted 1/19/2011 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thats great babette!!! Even if something feels silly its good to know it has made you feel Good since then!!! I hope it continues to have A good vibe afterwards and you have more and more good days :D

Kitty xxx
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply