EMDR

[Anonymous]

Another therapist here. The machine works. EMDR works. I agree that finding someone qualified is important. Check out the EMDRIA website for a referral. A trainer would be an excellent choice. There is some risk of "flooding" or overwhelm when processing, but a properly trained clinician will be able to slow things down and not leave you in a state of overwhelm or dissasociation.

[Anonymous]

Here is the link:
www.emdria.org

[Anonymous]

Thank you, 18:56 and other therapists who posted as well. I know ethical, effective therapists exist. It just took me about 10 years to re-initiate therapy after my experience. I'll reconsider EMDR.

[Anonymous]

I've read the stats and it doesn't seem to be as effective for childhood onset C-PTSD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've read the stats and it doesn't seem to be as effective for childhood onset C-PTSD.

Regardless, directly attempting to rebuild neural pathways is far more effective than popping endless pills and pretending your conditioned responses are going to go away on their own. Having a safe place to visualize when under stress is very powerful for many.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, Definitely pick your therapist carefully.

I sought someone specifically for EMDR but she kept putting off using the treatment a few years ago. I think her practice was faltering and she held off on using the actual machine. It was about 8 sessions and having used the machine once, I called it quits. It was an expensive, useless experience and made me less trustful of therapists.

I hope you have better luck than I.

PP, I had a similar experience with two therapist who kept putting off using EMDR. They both insisted that they required extended (75 minute) sessions and that my insurance wouldn't cover it. My insurance covered the extended sessions, yet, all they did was talk therapy. I provided them with more than enough background info to evaluate me during my first session. Neither explained the 8 phase process that the therapist in this thread described. They didn't talk about EMDR at all unless I brought it up. Both agreed that I had experienced childhood trauma. I assumed that they may not have been very experienced with it. One was certified, the other claimed she used it a great deal. I made it perfectly clear that I was only interested in EMDR sessions. It was a huge waste of my time and I now feel very leery of therapists.

Ug. Can I add I am a psychologist (though don't do EMDR) and please allow me apologize for all the crap that is being done in the name of treatment. It's scary and seems more often the case than not. I'm sorry.

Thank you for your kind words. After reading this thread, I will definitely revisit EMDR. I see a regular therapist now and while talking is great, I need something else to deal with my "ts" from childhood that seem to continue to effect my relationships and quality of life overall.