EMDR?

[forthecats]

Greetings! I have suffered auto-related PTSD for a number of years and I am looking into EMDR as a possible tool. I'd love to hear thoughts and experiences from anyone here who has used this therapy. Thank you!

[Alpakka123]

Hello! I had success with EMDR. It wiped me out for 6 days afterwards, but it was worth it.

[forthecats in reply to Alpakka123]

That's great to hear! if you don't mind me asking, is it the physical process itself (e.g., eye movements, tapping) that makes you tired? And how long are sessions?

[Alpakka123 in reply to forthecats]

Apparently, it seems to be different depending on who does it. I read up about it in preparation for it, and I saw a video of it done with a tapping machine. Mine was eye movements following her fingers.

You are put back into the trauma. That is what wiped me out. I felt like I had bad jetlag. I remember grabbing the sides of the chair at the first flashback. It was that intense. I don't remember how long my session was since this was a bit longer than 2 years ago. I think it was 30-45 minutes.

[Alpakka123 in reply to forthecats]

The effects are just now starting to wear off, which is amazing (that is lasted that long -- we are talking since Oct. 2022)! I'll be asking for another session in the new year. I was hoping to avoid it since I don't really want to go through it and be exhausted again, but it seems to be necessary.

[forthecats]

The amount of time that this lasted for you is impressive! It does sound intimidating, but definitely worth the challenge. I will continue looking for therapists that are certified. Because of where I live, I may need to try it remotely. Thank you so much for your helpful response!

[Alpakka123 in reply to forthecats]

Yes, I have been pleasantly surprised! You're welcome.

[Carnationlove]

I am currently enrolled in a therapy program online with Pathlight. You can look into their treatment plan online at pathlightbh.com. Also, this was under their treatment section - "Our goal at Pathlight is to help you experience relief from harmful behaviors through mindfulness-based therapies, with all treatment rooted in evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We work with you to create an individualized treatment plan, including skills-based resources and coping tools.

We additionally offer specialized programming tracks for trauma and OCD, using Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) -- in addition to neuropsychiatric services for those who require more specialized care. Our team is dedicated to helping patients learn to manage their conditions and live full, rewarding lives."

I want to say for me I enjoy it, at it seems to be helping me - I have chronic PTSD, general anxiety disorder with psychotic features and major depressive disorder. I just wanted to share with you, although I unfortunately don't have any experience with EMDR. I understand the struggle, anger, pain, depression and everything, although I'm not in your shoes. For me personally I have outpatient psychiatrist on top of the online therapy sessions - I have it three times a week for three hours each day. I also have a personal therapist along with the group therapy. They teach in depth skills on DBT, ACT and CBT. I find it serious helpful, but then again I don't know your personal situation and if you have already tried these methods. I hope the best, and I just wanted to share with you hoping but might help 🙏 best wishes