EMDR therapy what is it and dose it help

[LostNormality]

I'm curious about EMDR therapy and if it's a direction I should go in?

[Downinil]

Everone is unique in how different types of therapy is effective. I listened to some on YouTube but it wasn’t calming for me. I did invest in a year subscription for the meditation site, Calm. I listen to it every time I’m anxious.

[LostNormality in reply to Downinil]

I've tried just about everything so I joined better help and the therapist gave me a trauma work sheet and many treatments and EMDR was on it so I was curious about it.

[Downinil in reply to LostNormality]

You should try it. It’s effective for some people otherwise it wouldn’t be recommended.

[LostNormality in reply to Downinil]

Do you know what it is exactly? I seen eye movement therapy and am curious what that is exactly

[Downinil in reply to LostNormality]

I have only gone on YouTube and listened to audio. I understand that some therapists use it more with a situation where the therapist moves their hands in front of the client/patient while talking to the patient about their traumatic experience then trains the patient to accept it and view it as a positive experience. I don’t know for sure because I’ve never been aware that my therapist has used the technique on me. I’ve heard other patients tell me about their experiences. I don’t think it could hurt if it were me. If it were me I’d be open to trying it.

[LoveforAll41]

I did a session or two of ART, which is supposed to be like EMDR but done in one session vs many. I did it around my anxiety at work and I think that it did work some. I know when I was in inpatient treatment many had done it and I think it was good at getting past traumas to come up, so be ready. I am a fan of trying anything. Anything is better than depression/hopelessness

[blackcat64013]

Hi,I have used EMDR therapy.

The D stands for desensitisation which is for reducing the effect of traumatic experiences on your body and mind.

It works if your therapist is trained in its use and you are prepared to revisit the painful event, gradually becoming less sensitive to it. I found relief after 3 sessions.

I believe that EMDR wouldn't be suitable for meditation or relaxation purposes, at least without a trained practitioner but then everyone is different.

[designguy]

I found emdr therapy to be very helpful for my healing from childhood trauma and bullying. It allowed me to get in touch with and process my dark emotions, shame and anger and desensitize myself of the memories so I was no longer triggered by them. I tried emdr initially with a general therapist and it wasn't helpful but then found a therapist that specialized in treating trauma/c-ptsd who used it and it really helped. So if you have trauma as part of your history it could be beneficial for you.

And no, emdr is not intended for meditation or relaxation it's for healing trauma.