Did EMDR work for you?

Question

I had it done a while ago -- it worked - pretty much right away -- but it only helped for a few months then everything came back -- I have heard of NET therapy -- does anyone know what that is? I have also heard people have taught EMDR to themselves - where can I get info on that?

thanks so much!

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing).

Answer 1

I underwent 8 weeks of intensive (3 days a week, 2 hours a session) EMDR. It was pure living Hell, but it worked wonderfully for the specific problem that triggered my breakdown. I can now look back on the event as if watching a black and white movie, not reliving the event viscerally.

HOWEVER, I would also say this: there were literally years worth of layered trauma that I am still sifting through. EMDR is great for undoing the damage of a single event, particularly if your therapist is seting you up to emotionally go to a safe place while you relive the experience. But, after EMDR therapy, often the "real work" begins. The defenses we build up to protect ourselves often come down during therapy, and we are left with having to recreate our method of dealing. Could you think of anything worse? I am not aware of NET, nor do I have any experience with it. I did go through CBT afterwards, for 2 years, in an effort to better understand myself and distill my actual feelings. I may not be anywhere near pefect, but at least I react to events in real time now. I would suggest that you try a guided meditation to the "safe place" from your EMDR, and go back and work some more with a professional on understanding and overcoming your internal response to fear. I am very sorry you are again reliving whatever it was that triggered you to seek therapy. My heart goes out to you. I do not know that I would try EMDR without guidance, as you are dealing with such powerful emotions that it just seems like having someone else there to ressure you would make sense.

Answer 2

EMDR only has limited success rates and really is a questionable form of treatment as far as i am concerned. The evidence in the clinical research suggests that CBT is the therapy that has the greatest success rate for your type of problem.

Answer 3

I tried it, but didn't get far, because recalling painful memories was too upsetting and I would "freeze". I would have LOVED to find out if it could really work for me, though. I've heard wonderful things about it.

Maybe your counselor could teach you some EMDR techniques to do youself to prevent everything from coming back?

Answer 4

Would love to help but I have NO idea what that is.. maybe you could spell it out please?