Emdr???
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I did EMDR.
I didn't find that it did a single thing or changed a single thing about my life or emotional well-being. I paid a lot to see a private psychologist and I feel the money would have been better spent by talking. We only did about 15-20 minutes at the end of each session. There is a possibility that it was my fault, I just wasn't getting it or I couldn't express myself fully (it was done in my second language although I am nearly fluent). I don't know.
I hate to give negative feedback, particularly if you were excited about it. Maybe give it a few tries and see what you think?
I didn't find that it did a single thing or changed a single thing about my life or emotional well-being. I paid a lot to see a private psychologist and I feel the money would have been better spent by talking. We only did about 15-20 minutes at the end of each session. There is a possibility that it was my fault, I just wasn't getting it or I couldn't express myself fully (it was done in my second language although I am nearly fluent). I don't know.
I hate to give negative feedback, particularly if you were excited about it. Maybe give it a few tries and see what you think?
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Originally Posted by Meraviglioso 
I did EMDR. I didn't find that it did a single thing or changed a single thing about my life or emotional well-being. I paid a lot to see a private psychologist and I feel the money would have been better spent by talking. We only did about 15-20 minutes at the end of each session. There is a possibility that it was my fault, I just wasn't getting it or I couldn't express myself fully (it was done in my second language although I am nearly fluent). I don't know. I hate to give negative feedback, particularly if you were excited about it. Maybe give it a few tries and see what you think?
I'll be curious to see if anyone else has tried it. Thx Mera!
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Originally Posted by KiKi0615
Has anyone here ever done EMDR or DBT for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Just wondering about any experiences people have had?
I've heard positive things....
Thx!!!
Just wondering about any experiences people have had?
I've heard positive things....
Thx!!!
EMDR therapy is considered a first-line treatment for trauma by organizations such as ISTSS (International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies), the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Departments of Health in Northern Ireland, UK, Israel, the Netherlands, France, and other countries and organizations. There are 35 randomized controlled (and 20 nonrandomized) studies that have been conducted on EMDR therapy in the treatment of trauma to date. A randomized controlled study is the gold standard for evidence-based therapy, and for any research. And more excellent research now on the role of eye movements, mechanism of action, and other Randomized Controlled Studies, not only on trauma and PTSD, but also on the use of EMDR therapy with generalized anxiety disorder, treatment of distressful experiences that fail to meet the criteria for PTSD, dental phobia, depression, body dysmorphic disorder, chronic phantom limb pain, panic disorder with agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and peer verbal abuse.
The World Health Organization published Guidelines for the management of conditions that are specifically related to stress: Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the only therapies recommended for children, adolescents and adults with PTSD. "Like CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR therapy aims to reduce subjective distress and strengthen adaptive cognitions related to the traumatic event. Unlike CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR does not involve (a) detailed descriptions of the event, (b) direct challenging of beliefs, (c) extended exposure, or (d) homework." (Geneva, WHO, 2013)
One of the initial EMDR therapy phases (Phase 2) involves preparing for memory processing or desensitization (memory processing or desensitization - phases 3-6 - is often what is referred to as "EMDR" which is actually an 8-phase method of psychotherapy). In this phase resources are "front-loaded" so that you have a "floor" or "container" to help with processing the really hard stuff, as well as creating strategies if you're triggered in everyday life. In Phase 2 you learn a lot of great coping strategies and self-soothing techniques which you can use during EMDR processing or anytime you feel the need.
In phase 2 you learn how to access a “Safe or Calm Place” which you can use at ANY TIME during EMDR processing (or on your own) if it feels scary, or too emotional, too intense. One of the key assets of EMDR therapy is that YOU, the client, are in control NOW, even though you weren’t in the past, during traumatic events. You NEVER need re-live an experience or go into great detail, ever! You NEVER need to go through the entire memory. YOU can decide to keep the lights (or the alternating sounds and/or tactile pulsars, or the waving hand, or any method of bilateral stimulation that feels okay to you) going, or stop them, whichever helps titrate – measure and adjust the balance or “dose“ of the processing. During EMDR processing there are regular “breaks” and you can control when and how many but the therapist should be stopping the bilateral stimulation every 25-50 passes of the lights to ask you to take a deep breath and say just a bit of what you’re noticing, anything different, any changes. The breaks help keep a “foot in the present” while you’re processing the past. Again, and I can’t say this enough, YOU ARE IN CHARGE so YOU can make the process tolerable. And your therapist should be experienced in the EMDR therapy techniques that help make it the gentlest and safest way to detoxify bad life experiences and build resources.
Grounding exercises are essential. You can use some of the techniques in Dr. Shapiro's new book "Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR." Dr. Shapiro is the founder/creator of EMDR but all the proceeds from the book go to two charities: the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program and the EMDR Research Foundation). The book is an easy read, helps you understand what's "pushing" your feelings and behavior, helps you connect the dots from past experiences to current life. Also gives lots of really helpful ways that are used during EMDR therapy to calm disturbing thoughts and feelings.
I can't say enough good things about EMDR therapy. It's changed my life both as a person/consumer, and as a therapist. It has been so satisfying to have someone come in for help and then to witness them get through their issues and finish therapy relatively quickly (compared to regular talk therapy, it's like night and day). I am both humbled by and grateful for this wonderful method that heals suffering.
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^^ Well that's a plug if I ever saw one, sign me up! Give it a shot Kiki, why not? Like you said, anything is worth a try. But again, coming strictly from the receiving end, I didn't have anything near to the experience described above, despite a nearly word for word (although in Italian) description on my psychologist's website.
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I have tried it Kiki. My Psy is "reknowned" (did I just make that word up? I can only find the French word in my head) as a specialist in the field.
I did not get anything out of it at all. I felt a bit stupid as well. But tbh I was very sceptical from the outset and maybe it is something you need to be receptive too right from the outset, a bit like hypnosis.
From the discussions I have had with my Psy, and some friends who have had more positive results with this therapy, I personally think the success of the method dépends on what you are trying to treat. It seems more adapted to people who have a specific trauma(s) that they would like to work on (which is your case as I understand it) as opposed to people like myself who have a lot of complicated issues all muddled up.
Not explaining myself well here am I. I know that a lot of use have lots of issues but take the example one of my friends who was traumatised from a young age by having found her Mum who had committed suicide. She had been in counselling and therapy for years and made little progress but the emdr she finally did helped her so much it is amazing to see.
I did not get anything out of it at all. I felt a bit stupid as well. But tbh I was very sceptical from the outset and maybe it is something you need to be receptive too right from the outset, a bit like hypnosis.
From the discussions I have had with my Psy, and some friends who have had more positive results with this therapy, I personally think the success of the method dépends on what you are trying to treat. It seems more adapted to people who have a specific trauma(s) that they would like to work on (which is your case as I understand it) as opposed to people like myself who have a lot of complicated issues all muddled up.
Not explaining myself well here am I. I know that a lot of use have lots of issues but take the example one of my friends who was traumatised from a young age by having found her Mum who had committed suicide. She had been in counselling and therapy for years and made little progress but the emdr she finally did helped her so much it is amazing to see.
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Fabat makes a good point. I should clarify that I was dealing with the trauma of an emotionally abusive relationship, which encompassed years of all kinds of stuff. It may be that it is most effective for dealing with a precise event.
Fabat- I do that all the time, I can't remember if a word actually exists in English! It is "renowned" you were thinking of
Fabat- I do that all the time, I can't remember if a word actually exists in English! It is "renowned" you were thinking of
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Thanks guys. I don't know what will help me deal with my past trauma! It's frustrating & I often feel hopeless.
The trauma I experienced was:
1. A LOT of emotional abuse from my mother thru age 18
2. Physical abuse from my mother thru age 18
3. Psychological abuse from my grandmother thru age 18.
4. Maternal alcoholism & abuse from that
5. My mother's attempted suicide as a young child
6. Rape as a teenager
7. Seeing things I should have never seen when I was a child...
The list goes on & on & on...
Not sure EMDR would work for me because it's sooooo much trauma all thrown together. It's not like it was ONE single event like a plane crash or something. It was a thousand things from ages 0-18.
Ugh...
Thx for trying to help!
The trauma I experienced was:
1. A LOT of emotional abuse from my mother thru age 18
2. Physical abuse from my mother thru age 18
3. Psychological abuse from my grandmother thru age 18.
4. Maternal alcoholism & abuse from that
5. My mother's attempted suicide as a young child
6. Rape as a teenager
7. Seeing things I should have never seen when I was a child...
The list goes on & on & on...
Not sure EMDR would work for me because it's sooooo much trauma all thrown together. It's not like it was ONE single event like a plane crash or something. It was a thousand things from ages 0-18.
Ugh...
Thx for trying to help!
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Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 748
Originally Posted by KiKi0615
Thanks guys. I don't know what will help me deal with my past trauma! It's frustrating & I often feel hopeless.
The trauma I experienced was:
1. A LOT of emotional abuse from my mother thru age 18
2. Physical abuse from my mother thru age 18
3. Psychological abuse from my grandmother thru age 18.
4. Maternal alcoholism & abuse from that
5. My mother's attempted suicide as a young child
6. Rape as a teenager
7. Seeing things I should have never seen when I was a child...
The list goes on & on & on...
Not sure EMDR would work for me because it's sooooo much trauma all thrown together. It's not like it was ONE single event like a plane crash or something. It was a thousand things from ages 0-18.
Ugh...
Thx for trying to help!
The trauma I experienced was:
1. A LOT of emotional abuse from my mother thru age 18
2. Physical abuse from my mother thru age 18
3. Psychological abuse from my grandmother thru age 18.
4. Maternal alcoholism & abuse from that
5. My mother's attempted suicide as a young child
6. Rape as a teenager
7. Seeing things I should have never seen when I was a child...
The list goes on & on & on...
Not sure EMDR would work for me because it's sooooo much trauma all thrown together. It's not like it was ONE single event like a plane crash or something. It was a thousand things from ages 0-18.
Ugh...
Thx for trying to help!
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Location: USA
Posts: 5,250
Originally Posted by Fabat50
Have you discussed EMDR with your current Dr Kiki? What does he think?
Side note: I'm a DEEP thinker & I am skeptical about EVERYTHING! I would never be able to be hypnotized, don't believe in psychics or "people that talk to the dead". I over analyze everything & always need to know WHY? Lol!
She describes me as a "highly intelligent, strong woman who is a triple trauma survivor with PTSD who has used alcohol to numb the painful memories for years". (her words, not mine! Lol) I would have added "gorgeous with buns of steel" to that! Hahahaha
Anyway....I don't think EMDR would work for me but I'm desperate to find a way to heal from that trauma even if it means banging my head against a brick wall! Lol
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Can't recommend it enough. DrPatti's response was spot on.
I did it to heal from some repressed abuse memories as well as an ex-husband's betrayal via sex addiction. My daughter recently went thru it as well (she's 12) to deal with some panic issues. It changed both of our lives in countless ways and consequently the lives of everyone around us.
You must have an open mind going into it and it's crucial to go to a therapist who has been properly trained/certified.
Please PM me for additional details.
In short, it helped me save my life.
I did it to heal from some repressed abuse memories as well as an ex-husband's betrayal via sex addiction. My daughter recently went thru it as well (she's 12) to deal with some panic issues. It changed both of our lives in countless ways and consequently the lives of everyone around us.
You must have an open mind going into it and it's crucial to go to a therapist who has been properly trained/certified.
Please PM me for additional details.
In short, it helped me save my life.
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Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: UK
Posts: 113
Hi Kiki,
I've tried EMDR for PTSD and can't recommend it. As has been mentioned, you need to focus on specific events and feelings. EMDR is an exposure therapy so if you have PTSD then you and the therapist have to be very careful you don't get overwhelmed, triggered or retraumatised by recalling apects of the trauma.
Personally, I found EMDR too much of a blunt instrument. I hear people talking about having to deal with very difficult EMDR side effects, a kind of a collateral damage, which I think can be avoided or minimised with other treatments.
Have you looked into somatic experiencing or craniosacral therapy? These are somatic therapies - they work directly with body and central nervous system to release stored trauma energy. Peter Levine has written books about it (Waking the Tiger and others) that explain the scientific basis.
I had craniosacral therapy and don't think I could have healed without it. I experienced years of various kinds of trauma (neglect, physical, sexual, psychological), as a child and as an adult, and I found craniosacral therapy seemed to tackle it generally. I didn't need to choose a particular thing to work on.
A general point - be really careful choosing any kind of therapist. Make sure they're knowledgeable about PTSD and the risks of retraumatisation, that they're properly trained and that they belong to a reputable professional association.
I think a combination of things are needed in order to heal. As well as craniosacral therapy I had psychotherapy with a trauma specialist, and did a lot of work using imagery (eg visualisation and art therapy - which both have an evidence base for effectiveness). And you need a ton of grounding, coping and safety skills.
I've also done some DBT, which I love and am still working with, but in the hierarchy of what helps I have to put somatic therapy, trauma psychotherapy and imagery work above DBT. For me DBT is to help deal with my poor coping skills, like drinking, and my poor emotion regulation that has resulted from trauma. It isn't a therapy for the trauma itself.
I can say more here or by PM if you want.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck and know that healing is possible. (I no longer have a diagnosis of PTSD.)
I've tried EMDR for PTSD and can't recommend it. As has been mentioned, you need to focus on specific events and feelings. EMDR is an exposure therapy so if you have PTSD then you and the therapist have to be very careful you don't get overwhelmed, triggered or retraumatised by recalling apects of the trauma.
Personally, I found EMDR too much of a blunt instrument. I hear people talking about having to deal with very difficult EMDR side effects, a kind of a collateral damage, which I think can be avoided or minimised with other treatments.
Have you looked into somatic experiencing or craniosacral therapy? These are somatic therapies - they work directly with body and central nervous system to release stored trauma energy. Peter Levine has written books about it (Waking the Tiger and others) that explain the scientific basis.
I had craniosacral therapy and don't think I could have healed without it. I experienced years of various kinds of trauma (neglect, physical, sexual, psychological), as a child and as an adult, and I found craniosacral therapy seemed to tackle it generally. I didn't need to choose a particular thing to work on.
A general point - be really careful choosing any kind of therapist. Make sure they're knowledgeable about PTSD and the risks of retraumatisation, that they're properly trained and that they belong to a reputable professional association.
I think a combination of things are needed in order to heal. As well as craniosacral therapy I had psychotherapy with a trauma specialist, and did a lot of work using imagery (eg visualisation and art therapy - which both have an evidence base for effectiveness). And you need a ton of grounding, coping and safety skills.
I've also done some DBT, which I love and am still working with, but in the hierarchy of what helps I have to put somatic therapy, trauma psychotherapy and imagery work above DBT. For me DBT is to help deal with my poor coping skills, like drinking, and my poor emotion regulation that has resulted from trauma. It isn't a therapy for the trauma itself.
I can say more here or by PM if you want.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck and know that healing is possible. (I no longer have a diagnosis of PTSD.)
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Originally Posted by HeartsAfire
Can't recommend it enough. DrPatti's response was spot on. I did it to heal from some repressed abuse memories as well as an ex-husband's betrayal via sex addiction. My daughter recently went thru it as well (she's 12) to deal with some panic issues. It changed both of our lives in countless ways and consequently the lives of everyone around us. You must have an open mind going into it and it's crucial to go to a therapist who has been properly trained/certified. Please PM me for additional details. In short, it helped me save my life.
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Originally Posted by Zeroine
Hi Kiki, I've tried EMDR for PTSD and can't recommend it. As has been mentioned, you need to focus on specific events and feelings. EMDR is an exposure therapy so if you have PTSD then you and the therapist have to be very careful you don't get overwhelmed, triggered or retraumatised by recalling apects of the trauma. Personally, I found EMDR too much of a blunt instrument. I hear people talking about having to deal with very difficult EMDR side effects, a kind of a collateral damage, which I think can be avoided or minimised with other treatments. Have you looked into somatic experiencing or craniosacral therapy? These are somatic therapies - they work directly with body and central nervous system to release stored trauma energy. Peter Levine has written books about it (Waking the Tiger and others) that explain the scientific basis. I had craniosacral therapy and don't think I could have healed without it. I experienced years of various kinds of trauma (neglect, physical, sexual, psychological), as a child and as an adult, and I found craniosacral therapy seemed to tackle it generally. I didn't need to choose a particular thing to work on. A general point - be really careful choosing any kind of therapist. Make sure they're knowledgeable about PTSD and the risks of retraumatisation, that they're properly trained and that they belong to a reputable professional association. I think a combination of things are needed in order to heal. As well as craniosacral therapy I had psychotherapy with a trauma specialist, and did a lot of work using imagery (eg visualisation and art therapy - which both have an evidence base for effectiveness). And you need a ton of grounding, coping and safety skills. I've also done some DBT, which I love and am still working with, but in the hierarchy of what helps I have to put somatic therapy, trauma psychotherapy and imagery work above DBT. For me DBT is to help deal with my poor coping skills, like drinking, and my poor emotion regulation that has resulted from trauma. It isn't a therapy for the trauma itself. I can say more here or by PM if you want. Whatever you decide to do, good luck and know that healing is possible. (I no longer have a diagnosis of PTSD.)
Sometimes I think removing part of my brain would be the easiest. Lol
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Kiki, it sounds like it is a really mixed bag but I'm of the opinion that anything is worth a try. With the great results it brings to some, you could be on that side of things and be so thankful you tried. I was slightly suspicious of drpatti, all due respect to her, only because she provided what appears to be a copied and pasted response as one of her only 3 posts on the site (all 3 having to do with EMDR). I don't like the idea that one type of therapy must be "advertised" by practitioners, I would personally find the positive experiences of our trusted members here more valuable.
Another thing I have heard of is tapping. My mother's partner swears by it. She uses it in her practice and says she has had good results. She words mostly with children. I don't' know anything about it other than it involves.. wait for it… tapping parts of your body.
Lastly, I am so sorry for what you have been through, it sounds like a lot to deal with. I'm glad you are actively searching for solutions. Best of luck.
Another thing I have heard of is tapping. My mother's partner swears by it. She uses it in her practice and says she has had good results. She words mostly with children. I don't' know anything about it other than it involves.. wait for it… tapping parts of your body.
Lastly, I am so sorry for what you have been through, it sounds like a lot to deal with. I'm glad you are actively searching for solutions. Best of luck.
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Originally Posted by KiKi0615
Wow! Great info & a lot to process! I wish I knew which one was best for me. I see a psychologist who has her PHD in trauma/PTSD etc. I am going to talk to her about all these new options next week. I've never heard of somatic therapy or craniosacral therapy, sounds like brain surgery! Ha!
Sometimes I think removing part of my brain would be the easiest. Lol
Sometimes I think removing part of my brain would be the easiest. Lol
I guess the only way you are going to find the best for you is research (as you are doing here), a lot of patience and tenacity and lets be honest a fair bit of trial and error and dare I even say it , a touch of luck along the way.
I worked my way through a list of treatments, thérapies, some standard tried and tested and some ground breaking over the years before realising that in my case the classic once a week counselling , a meditation class plus the right combi of meds is what I need!
We are all so different. I would say though when you have decided which route to go down... give it enough time before deciding if it is helpful. I tended to jump to a " well that was useless" conclusion too quickly. Or go the other way " well this is really finally going to make be better" and then end up disillusioned.
Another key is to have an excellent Relationship with your therapist. If you have any doubts whatsoever about his or her capabilities, experience and qualifications then steer clear. I don't know what its like where you live but here "Practioners" can hide behind some nice fancy door signs if they are smart enough. Here a psycologist does not have the same training as a Psychiatrist and our healt system covers you for seeing a qualified Psychiatrist but not a psychologist. Yet I have learnt that there are some excellent psycologists (who cost me a lot of money).
I have worked with my current Psy for nearly 5 years. As I have mentioned in other posts he has literally saved my life, probably several times and we work in a constructive and collaborative way to develop well being strategies. (Looking back I am glad he rejected outright my request for electric shock treatment!)I started out in quite intensive therapy with him but recently the sessions are more about fine tuning, keeping on track and planning for the future. I go once a week without fail, flu or no flu, snow or sunshine, feel that I need to or don't need to, I go. The first few months I used to think, big sigh ,what am I doing. I remember sometimes he would sit there peering over the top of his glasses just looking at me not saying anything and I wanted to jump up and smash his computer on his head!! Anger Management in progress. But I am so so happy that I gave it time!
Keep us posted. Big hugs. We want you to be happy xxxxxxxx
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