Should EMDR be like this?

**Posts:** 83 · by **Jorainbow** » Tue May 16, 2017 7:12 pm

I've had my second session of emdr today. At the initial session we went through my life and some of the things I've been through. I went for EMDR for help with a phobia of taking meds. I was very hormonal at that session and was upset and crying at recalling some things that usually wouldn't get me so emotional! I had a car accident 6mths ago though it doesnt affect me at all - driving fine no flashbacks etc. I was also having relationship issues but after couples counselling theyve by and large been resolved. The first session I was anxious about what would happen - I don't like feeling odd nor did I want to feel worse. Ended up having a panic attack. This session I questioned some things like when asked about my grandad dying (I was very close) such as who told me, where was I when told etc i said i couldnt remember and she assumed I was burying it. No I just can't remember!!! I talked about how when I'm very anxious for a long period of time I become exhausted and switch off feeling derealisation though I function go to work etc. She said this is often from a childhood trauma? Is this normal for EMDR? She thought I was so tired because I have a dialogue constantly going on in my mind though im not conscious of it due to trauma. I Thought maybe it was due to a prolonged period of stress, poor appetite, 2hr daily commute (now stopped thankfully!) plus the joys of perimenopause. I actually came away wondering if I was losing it and not aware!!!!! Has anyone any thoughts?

**Posts:** 12131 · by **Richard@DecisionSkills** » Tue May 16, 2017 8:16 pm

Why do you believe it matters what EMDR should or should not be like? You chose to attend WXYZ therapy with the goal of solving perceived problems in your life. You have had all of two sessions. It could be that EMDR is different for you than someone else, why might that matter?

Point being, maybe the type of therapy is not an issue, rather how you choose to participate in solving your problems is the issue, i.e. regardless if it is ABCD, EMDR, or WXYZ therapy you look to explain why such an approach won't work.

**Posts:** 83 · by **Jorainbow** » Tue May 16, 2017 8:22 pm

But why would I need to delve into the past to deal with a specific phobia? I'm not saying it won't work at all! I dont understand why something that happened 35 years ago is relevant.

**Posts:** 12131 · by **Richard@DecisionSkills** » Tue May 16, 2017 8:29 pm

Jorainbow wrote: I dont understand why something that happened 35 years ago is relevant.

I agree with you, but then consider the following question. Why is something that happened 6 months ago relevant?

**Posts:** 83 · by **Jorainbow** » Tue May 16, 2017 9:06 pm

The only relevant thing is the problem I have gone for help with. So why bring up my childhood. I've mentioned the accident but also that I have no issues around it.

**Posts:** 12131 · by **Richard@DecisionSkills** » Tue May 16, 2017 9:19 pm

Jorainbow wrote:The only relevant thing is the problem I have gone for help with. So why bring up my childhood. I've mentioned the accident but also that I have no issues around it.

I agree, childhood and accident are irrelevant. Why is yesterday not irrelevant? It is in the past.

You are not being specific about your problem, so I will assume the problem is current and has nothing to do with your past.

**Posts:** 2958 · by **quietvoice** » Tue May 16, 2017 9:37 pm

Jorainbow wrote:I went for EMDR for help with a phobia of taking meds.

A phobia of taking pharmaceutical medications? Alleluia, I say! Pharmaceuticals are dangerous, and there are better ways of solving bodily ills than taking a drug that does nothing to fix the cause of the suffering and instead prolongs suffering in the long run.

**Posts:** 83 · by **Jorainbow** » Wed May 17, 2017 3:46 am

Yes the problem is very current - I had no idea what to expect from this type of therapy other than it's supposed to help with phobias. I didn't expect to have to rehash my past. I was asking if anyone knew if this was usual for this therapy. I've been prescribed HRT for severe hormones issues so it's not a helpful behaviour to have!!!

**Posts:** 7 · by **blown bulb** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 2:28 am

Hi Rainbow, thats a very reassuring name.

Putting all the causes and maybes aside, what is clear is that you are not comfortable.
while some healing can (does) take place with some discomfort present, its best to have a foundation of trust and hope and good expectation about any given session, that, almost always only comes with time with your therapist and their healing modalities.

To answer your question "What is normal" there is no normal, its different for all folks.
What is "Good: is that you get to a place where the therapy helps you, knowing EMDR has helped a lot of folks, a lot.

Take your fears to your therapist, tell your self the day before it will be a good session,
Know this is a very good subject to address, I am medically dependent on "Benzo's" from a head injury, took me a long time to understand it, now I like it, I have been pulled out of being just another person in this world, into a world of great self discovery, marvelous self understanding and joy filled fascination.

Tho I use Net, I have not watched TV in 30 years, everything in my head I put there by choice.
And I can never use EMDR, makes me dizzy as a loon. but it is wonderful for most, it can really remove you from a bad place to a clean one, and reveal great things.

I am thankful, and got thankful "My Way" you can be thankful too, find your way, be brave
you are the things stars are made of.

Blown Bulb

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