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EMDR therapy... I think I'm going to do it

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Posted 6/1/2011 7:55 AM (GMT 0)
I've been researching EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) therapy and am thinking I'm going to do it.  Only problem is...

I'm scared to do it. 

I had called my "consultant" that Health Partners (my insurance company) assigned to me this week and she suggested it.  (I guess Health Partners has a new program to help people meet their "behavioral health goals" and to be your advocate, nice to have)

I've had several psychiatrists and a couple therapists suggest doing it but I've been hesitant.  I don't want to RELIVE those frightening moments that caused my panic disorder.  The thought of it makes me want to throw up.  Literally.

The only positive is that the EMDR can be done rapidly in 1-3 sessions plus pre and post work.  I'm just scared I'm going to get more screwed up than I already am.

I am having flashbacks now from the PTSD and I can't stand it.  I get confused sometimes too for instance one TV show will roll into another and I'm feeling hyper vigilant again.  (On my monthly friend so my anxiety intensifies)

Has anyone done EMDR? I have met some war vets that have done it but some couldn't handle it because of how intense the memories were.

I've researched this therapy for months but the what if's come into play.  Typical anxiety. 

But if it works... if.... what if I could get on a plane again? Go to Florida for vacations in the winter? Drive myself out of state? I haven't left the state since 2006.  It's getting tiresome to be in this state and state of mind.

I don't know.  They say it's more helpful than SSRI's which I'm on for PTSD and all my other diagnoses. 

I guess I'm sort of venting and asking for... help? Thoughts? Comments?

Twiggygal~

Posted 6/1/2011 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
TG,

If you have researched and talked with your Physician re this treatment then toss the "What Ifs" overboard and give it a try.


Research shows that EMDR is rapid, safe and effective. EMDR does not involve the use of drugs or hypnosis. It is a simple, non-invasive patient-therapist collaboration in which healing can happen effectively.

Information indicates this powerful short-term therapy is highly effective for a wide range of disorders including chronic pain, phobias, depression, panic attacks, eating disorders and poor self-image, stress, worry, stage fright, performance anxiety, recovery from abuse and traumatic incidents.

Supposedly many patients who have made slow progress in the past, or who have not benefited from more traditional therapies say that with EMDR they have finally found something that works for them!

My insurance company has the same service - call and talk to someone who can advise you. It is a good service.

Sending good vibes your way.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 6/1/2011 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
TG, it looks like you have done a good job at weighing your options and looking at the pros and cons of both sides...now maybe you just need to ponder the questions:

'Could the EMDR experience be any worse than what I am alrready going through?'

and...

'Even if it is difficult to go through the treatment, in the long run will it be worth it?'

Best of luck with your decision:)
S.C.
Posted 6/4/2011 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
I do EMDR often with my Psych.
I can tell you it works very well for me. They do say not everyone responds the same. I have had both positive and negative results after sessions but the positive are 100 to 1 against the negative.

I think you should give it a try.

If you have any questions let me know.
Posted 6/4/2011 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
Ok so I set up an appointment with an emdr therapist. He has been doing emdr for 12 years and does five or more sessions a week. He's also a member of the emdr international association. I looked into other therapists but they didn't have his credentials. I'm going to see him on Monday at 2:30. I also recommended emdr to my sister. She's also agoraphobic like me so she's going on Monday to see the same therapist at 10 am. Wish me luck!

TG
Posted 6/4/2011 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Glad your gonna give it a try.
Just remember it can have only positive effects.

Good luck
Posted 6/5/2011 7:24 AM (GMT 0)
Anxious- thanks. How is emdr working for you? How many sessions have you done and how many more do you have to do? Is it weird or scary? Do you actually experience memories you couldn't remember or picture before? Sorry, lots of questions but I'm just curious.

TG
Posted 6/5/2011 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi TG I am new to this board, but have done EMDR and it really helped me out a lot :)
Posted 6/5/2011 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
TG,

Go for it my friend.  I will be waiting to hear what you learn from the Dr. at you appointment.

Be well,

Kitt

Posted 6/7/2011 8:24 AM (GMT 0)
Twiggy,

It has worked great for me. I have done it between 20-30 times.
Not sure how many more sessions I will have. I am kinda a mess..lol
I would say sometimes weird and sometimes scary but most of the times pretty normal.
Depends what thoughts you are processing and where your mind takes you.
I have a little bit of everything going on so it usually an adventure.
There are memories that come up from it that I have not thought about, Sometimes good sometimes
not so good. The main thing is you being able to just let go and let your mind go where it wants to
while doing it. The more relaxed you can be and the stronger the emotions are the better
the session will go. I have had to deal with some pretty disturbing stuff over the years.
Is your PTSD military based?
Posted 6/24/2011 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
Twiggy,

So how did it go?
Posted 6/25/2011 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm new here. I tried Emdr a handful of times. Sometimes I felt good when I left, sometimes I didn't. Each person is different on how they will respond . I had to stop going because my insurance doesn't cover mental health. I got a bill for $1000 which caused me more anxiety. Lol! Hope it works for you.
Posted 6/30/2011 8:48 AM (GMT 0)
EMDR is going OK.  I hit some rough patches with my fiance so we skipped the past couple of sessions.

I don't mind some of the memories but I don't know if it's helping.  I still freak out if I drive too far which makes me irate because we supposedly "worked through" that memory of my PTSD.  Maybe I need a few more shots at it.  I don't know.

anxious in cleveland- my PTSD is not from the military.  It's due to an issue that occurred when I was 20 years old and sent down to FL for work and was roomed in a condo with a drug addict and I basically had to barricade myself in a room for two hours while he was trying to get into the bedroom.  I don't want to get into the rest of it.

I don't feel like I've had any "breakthroughs".  UGH

LOOKING FOR A CURE!

TG~

Posted 7/3/2011 6:33 AM (GMT 0)
Well done for trying it TG... you've at least got over your fear of EMDR, if nothing else. Well done for facing that fear. Very courageous of you :), LW x
Posted 7/4/2011 6:53 AM (GMT 0)
Not sure it's working but I'm in a huge transition right now with kicking my fiance out of the house. I'd rather be working on EMDR. UGH
Posted 7/4/2011 8:54 AM (GMT 0)
Oh Dear Twiggy, that is a huge upheaval. How are you coping with everything that is going on???
Posted 7/4/2011 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
TG,

Hey there, I am sorry to hear your going through a bad time. The breakup of a long-term, committed relationship can turn your whole world upside down and trigger all sorts of painful and unsettling feelings. Romantic relationships begin on a high note of excitement and hope for the future. When these relationships fail, we experience profound disappointment, stress, and grief. I know this was how I felt in the past. 

Give yourself permission to feel and to function at a less than optimal level for a period of time. Also, TG, I think our PTSD is always with us - we just have to keep practicing staying in the moment.  I know for me, I will have triggers that overpower me when I least expect it so give yourself a hug and know we all care.

Gentle Hugs,


Kitt

 

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