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EMDR THERAPY

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Posted 4/18/2012 9:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all! I had my first appointment with my new psychologist yesterday and will be starting EMDR THERAPY with her from next week. I am looking forward to it and trust it will work for me. Have any of you been for this therapy? What was your experience and did you get positive results? I would like to get feedback from you all. Thanx! It will be much appreciated.
Posted 4/18/2012 12:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I just started EMDR at my last appointment, but we just did very preliminary 'stuff' to get me comfortable with the process. I am not quite sure how this is supposed to help my situation, but I am desperate at this point. I have severe OCD (germs/handwashing -- trying to protect family from illness). My mom died when I was in elementary school, and psych says I have PTSD from her loss...hence my trying to protect everyone from getting sick and leaving me like she did.

So, all the therapist did was ask me certain general questions about childhood memories of Mom and have me close my eyes and think, then answer. I felt kind of stupid, but hopefully that will pass.

My mom died 40 years ago, and her death truly still impacts my every day life in some subtle ways. It's really unbelievable, but true. Hopefully this will help.

Good luck to you. I am anxious to see how your therapy goes, too!
Posted 4/18/2012 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi LHA112! Thanks so much for your reply. I am sorry that you lost your mom at such a young age and for the trauma that you still experience because of that, everyday. My therapist also just asked me many questions yesterday but showed me the machine with the moving lights that she uses for EMDR and briefly explained the process. She also gave me literature to read to familiarise me with this type of therapy. Just hang in there, I trust that it will work for you. Obviously it will take quite a few sessions before seeing the results. Try to stay positive. I will be thinking of you and will let you know how it works for me.
Posted 4/18/2012 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again, Charmy! I didn't get to see the machine yet, but my therapist had me hold some sensor things that pulsated in my hands while I answered the questions about my Mom. I did see something there that looked kind of like a telescope, so I am assuming that was it.

Like I said, I felt really stupid sitting there with my eyes closed holding pulsating 'pebbles'...but whatever! My therapist told me people get extremely emotionally overwhelmed sometimes when bringing up the past traumatic memories. I think that is what has me worried. I don't go again until May 3rd, so I just sit here an anxious mess until then I guess - LOL.

Keep me updated. :)
Posted 4/19/2012 7:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi LHA112! I know exactly how you feel. That's the worst for me too, having to go through all those bad experiences again and again. It really sucks, but if it works then it was all worth it. Lets hope and pray it's the last time both for you and I. Hang in there until 3 May, I will keep you in my thoughts.
Posted 4/19/2012 11:32 AM (GMT 0)
LHA112 I have been surfing the net this morning to try and get more info on EMDR. To find out more go to: www.serenebailey.com/EMDR.html OR www.sandiegotrauma-therapy.com/emdr-
I found both sites very helpful. I'm sure everyone interested in EMDR will too
Posted 4/19/2012 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
Correction! www.sandiegotraumatherapy.com/
Posted 4/19/2012 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Charmy,

Thanks much for link. I bookmarked it for when I have more time to sit and read. Today is a busy (anxiety producing - lol) day for me -- lots to do and it freaks me out.

When is your next appointment? I was hoping others would comment on here so we would know what to expect. Oh well, one step at a time I guess.
Posted 4/19/2012 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again LHA112! My next appointment is 24 April. Sorry about all your anxiety. Hope you feel better soon so that you can read info on those 2 links. They tell you exactly how it works and what you can expect.
Posted 4/23/2012 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
You can also get a good understanding of EMDR in a new book called Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy. It also has lots of techniques to change negative thoughts and feelings, and insight into what causes symptoms. You can use them now while you wait for your next appointment.
Posted 4/23/2012 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

I have not heard of EMDR therapy so would be very interested in how you find this type of therapy. It is good that there now seems to be a good selection of therapies to choose from as therapy is quite a personal thing and what suits for one person may not for an other.

I am due to start a mindfulness course in June which I am looking forward to trying. Let us know how you get on.

Hibee
Posted 4/23/2012 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
I agree that it's a very personal thing.

In appendix B of the book Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy there are instructions on how to find a therapist qualified to do EMDR and the kinds of questions to ask to ensure a good "fit."
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