EMDR experience?

AngelMikeysMum

Hi I was 8 sessions into a 14 session cbt counselling block when the counsellor (on discussion with her seniors) felt my PTSD was too complex for the type and length of therapy she could offer. She has referred me instead for EMDR which I’m really nervous about. I’m already devastated to have to try to rebuild another trustful relationship with the EMDR specialist and essentially start from the beginning but I also read about EMDR and it feels like it might be really embarrassing/awkward for someone like me (I struggle with anxiety obviously but also really, REALLY hate looking daft 🙄). Can anyone reassure me that it’s not so bad? Thanks for any help you can give x

Alex_Alumni

Hi @AngelMikeysMum and thanks for reaching out last night. I'm sorry to hear that your therapy is going to change, and how this has made you feel.

It can take a long time to build up trust, especially when we put ourselves in a vulnerable place, so it can feel pretty tough having to start again from square one as you say.

I'm not too familiar with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, can you explain what's worrying you about looking daft? I'm sure the therapist won't mind, as they'll have been working with lots of people in the same boat as you.

Hopefully someone with experience of EMDR will be able to share their thoughts with you, and to help with that I've marked your post as unanswered.

If there's anything further we can help with, please do let us know, and we'll do what we can to help

Alex

AngelMikeysMum

Thank you Alex. From my own research I’m led to believe that eye movement and tapping whilst going over traumatic memories is the way it works (that’s a very basic level explanation!). I find it hard enough just facing the counsellor let alone attempting either of those things. I suppose I was just hoping someone may have been through the same but found it to be more simple than I’m imagining. Not having much luck though! No matter, I’ve been through worse 🤪 It’ll work out somehow… 

Alex_Alumni

I'm sure you will @AngelMikeysMum Thanks for explaining, hopefully it is more simple than it sounds!

Even asking your question here shows that you are curious about it, and perhaps open to seeing if it will work for you, which is very positive. 

Let us know how things go, and as always, ask if you need anything.

forgoodnesssake

Interestingly it was mentioned by my son's GP and I think it may well be useful to him, BUT as someone with athetoid CP he just can't do the eye or other movements required..

AngelMikeysMum

forgoodnesssake said:

Interestingly it was mentioned by my son's GP and I think it may well be useful to him, BUT as someone with athetoid CP he just can't do the eye or other movements required..

Oh that’s a shame! I really hope there’s an alternative that would help him just as much? 

Woodlands53

I have attended EMDR sessions weekly and had 5 sessions, wherein I utilise the butterfly hug, whereby I link my two thumbs and tap each hand left to right just under the collarbone. I have noticed my worries are now less intense and have been from the first session.