Nightmares

In EMDR therapy this week we were working on my recurrent PTSD nightmares. Both nights since I've been startled awake in the middle of the night by apparitions at my bedside.

Is this sort of thing normal in dreamwork?

[Nathalie99 Partner]

Hi Piobaire,

I haven't experienced exactly that but I had very vivid nightmares for many years and they were realistic.

I might actually not remember if I went through this because there was a lot through my recovery that I really don't remember just how it was and I didn't journal much.

It is possible that your subconscious mind is trying to process and remember and that the nightmares are combined with flashbacks? Or that could be some form of depersonalization/ derealization from processing?

I wouldn't be surprised if it's part of the processing.

It's truly horrible and I am very sorry you are going through this.

I think to me the recovery was tougher than the original traumas. It's just my personal perception/feeling.

Sending you strength and support.

[Dolphin14 Moderator]

I find that after EMDR I am drained and just about anything can happen. We dig deep into ourselves for this therapy.

My therapist always tells me the next 24 hours could be tough with thoughts and feelings having come out.

So, I'm not surprised by your response

Ask when you go back.

It's a great form of therapy. It does work, at least it did for me.