Has Anyone Had Any Success On EMDR Treatment for PTSD

happyman
happyman Community Member Posts: 102 Empowering
in Mental health and wellbeing

Hi, I have PTSD and have been having EMDR for the past three years. I have seen no change and thinking of calling it a day as it seems to be wasting my time.

Just wondering if anyone has had any positive results with it

Comments

  • Albus_Alumni
    Albus_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 11,373 Championing

    Hey @happyman sorry to hear it's not made much of a change for you. I've had a few rounds of twelve session courses of EMDR and it was honestly life changing for me the last time. I found I really had to trust the therapist and just open up to them 100% before it started making any difference. It wasn't fun at all, but it was worth it in the end.

    Have they been using the LED bar, or were they just moving a finger in front of your eyes?

  • happyman
    happyman Community Member Posts: 102 Empowering
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1067679#Comment_1067679

    They are using these two buzzer things that I hold onto and then they tell me to put myself in the situation. I have had 30 sessions and not made one difference. I wished it was working but doesn't seem to be.

  • Albus_Alumni
    Albus_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 11,373 Championing

    Hmm, interesting as I've not heard of the buzzer technique before, but it has been a few years since I last had EMDR. It's worth sticking with it, but maybe ask if they could use a different technique maybe? Not medical advice of course, but it's worth asking if your brain is fighting back.

    Hopefully some other community members will have some wisdom to add soon.

  • StarryEyed
    StarryEyed Community Member Posts: 1,544 Championing

    Hi Happyman and Albus. I've done EMDR too for PTSD, for 1-1/2 years around 2006 then again last year for six sessions. The first time I used ear clicks and the second time finger following. I responded very well - life altering for me too, like Albus.

    But there are loads of other therapies to choose from, many of which I've also done that have helped a ton. Why have you stuck with it so long if it isn't working? Have you tried other therapies?

  • IanHaines
    IanHaines Community Member Posts: 43 Empowering

    How does this therapy work? How is it supposed to make a difference?

  • StarryEyed
    StarryEyed Community Member Posts: 1,544 Championing

    Hi @IanHaines . Here's a super simplified video giving the gist of how it works.

    https://youtu.be/hKrfH43srg8?si=TOmlLAelKwbidxhF

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