12 replies to this topic

[the171]

I know that EMDR is a form of exposure therapy, but that's all I know. Can someone tell me what it is? I searched, but nothing really told me much.

[Lilllabettt]

its used to treat trauma victims. if a person's memory of trauma is impacting their lives (giving them nightmares, panic attacks, making them irritable, depressed etc.) it helps them face the memory, reprocess it, and reduce that impact.

[the171]

How is it done?

[cmariadiaz]

Did you look at this:

www.emdr.com/general-information/what-is-emdr.html

BTW -- it sounds like the therapist has to be properly trained in the technique. Phase 2 involves making sure that the client is stable and has appropriate coping skills. If I read this appropriately, then a person would not go onto phase 3 unless they are stable and capable of handling a certain level of stress.

[FutureCarmeliteClaire]

http://www.emdr.com/...at-is-emdr.html

Also, I have a huge interest in psychology, and I have a huge belief that EMDR is practically THE best way to treat trauma-related psychological conditions.

If you watch this video, towards the middle she talks about her experience with EMDR. This is the video that made EMDR appeal to me as a psychological treatment.
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=1b-hsRctMo0\

FYI, before I felt God calling me to the cloister, I wanted to be an Fransican Sister of the Eucharist (an active order that specializes in psychology and teaching), and be a children's psychologist. I just love psychology. And children!

[the171]

The thing that scares me is that it is like exposure therapy. And exposure therapy has had so many negative outcomes.

[FutureCarmeliteClaire]

The thing that scares me is that it is like exposure therapy. And exposure therapy has had so many negative outcomes.

Yeah, I know. It would scare me too, but that is only one of the phases if I am thinking of it right. EMDR seems to get right to the root of the problem, though, and I think getting to the root is the best fix or attempted fix.

[Lilllabettt]

When you say negative outcomes of exposure therapy, what do you mean exactly? That it can be scary and uncomfortable for the patient? Or that it has a high quit rate? I always thought exposure therapy was the gold standard.

[Maggie]

Exposure therapy and EMDR in particular have been been studied and are shown to be quite effective. Most mainstream guidelines recommend this type of treatment as standard.

[she_who_is_not]

EMDR is only useful for processing recent trauma. I sought an highly recommended EMDR therapist-who was a fully licensed psychologist- to help me process a violent assault I experienced as an adolescent. She did not believe I would be a good candidate because it had been 10 years since the event, and I was emotionally and verbally abused as a child, so the trauma was "layered." Be careful and vet practitioners of this model carefully. Some are less qualified than others. Be sure the practitioner is both knowledgeable about EMDR and has experience working with other treatment modalities for trauma survivors. EMDR is not a cure-all; it can help reduce the immediate panic reaction to enable you to treat the behavioral consequences of survivorship.

We used an eclectic mix of CBT related therapies and I feel like I've processed everything. I will probably be an over reactor for the rest of my life, but the experiences with anxiety that led me to counseling are gone. Be gentle with yourself and know that God loves you beyond your own comprehension. There is an old saying that the only way out is through. It's not fun or easy, but you can do it. I love you and I praying for you, sweet sister in Christ.

[the171]

I apologize. My view of exposure therapy and EMDR have been based off of the 'horror stories'. My opinion has changed since reading these resources!

[CatherineM]

I have done both CBT and PET for my PTSD. That's all the alphabets I have for now. PET was hard, but helpful. Didn't cure me, but helped in a lot of ways.

[MissScripture]

I have done both CBT and PET for my PTSD. That's all the alphabets I have for now. PET was hard, but helpful. Didn't cure me, but helped in a lot of ways.

I still find it disappointing that PET doesn't mean you get a puppy...