EMDR: 3 things I wish I'd known before I started trauma therapy

In today's video I talk a bit more about EMDR - eye movement desensitisation reprocessing therapy - a NICE approved treatment for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which I underwent in 2018. This follows up on my first video on EMDR and explores it a bit further and also talks a bit more about the ups and downs and how things are going now I've had a bit longer in recovery. Also, general ramblings... sorry...

Here are some things I mention:

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I hope you find this video helpful. Please take a moment to leave a comment about what you did and didn't like or sharing your own ideas or experiences.

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[GentleJungle]

5:28 Reason 1
14:40 Reason 2
15:03 Reason 3 Great metaphor!!
(If you have ADHD, you're pressed for time and 2x speed isn't enough.)

[helenamaartje]

My therapist told me about the ‘window of tolerance’. It was very insightful for me to know why my EMDR session got stuck sometimes.
I tend to get into hypoarousal aka feeling numb during the sessions.
To have the traumatic experiences processed properly, you’d have to sit in the middle of your window of tolerance. So no numbness, but also no anxiety or heavy anxiety reaction.
It helped me to know about this because i often tend to get angry at myself for even messing this up, or getting discouraged that it wouldn’t work.

People with (c)ptss often have a smaller window of tolerance, so that’s something to keep in mind too.

Just be as gentle with yourself as you can.
Try to take care of yourself béfore your EMDR session & after your session.

I hope i make any sense.

[tb-dvzc]

Thank you for posting this video and showing great courage by sharing your experience with the world. Namaste 🙏

EMDR has changed my life. From my experience and understanding, it is appropriate for any negative self belief.
Three things I wish I'd known:
1. If hiding from your feelings was one of your coping mechanisms, it may take a few sessions just to be able to get in touch with the deeper, stronger negative beliefs. This is very much worth the relief that follows
2. The reprocessing has allowed me to access parts of my heart, mind, and soul, that I had only wished to touch before
3. How simple it is. Letting go and giving your mind a chance to heal is as simple as looking left and right. It's simplicity will prove to be reassuring and helpful

Mental health is the path to all other forms of health and prosperity. Peace to every soul on this journey ❤️

[Polished_Soul]

I started my initial session with creating resources today. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I can't let my past traumas control the way I navigate through this life. I want to be happy💫🔮

[yasgym]

1st wish 5:23 ‘it worked, wow’
2nd wish7:43 ‘omg, it’s so bad’
3rd wish 15:02 ‘Shshhh, quite now’

[jenniferkeeling]

I’m a therapist just about to embark on EMDR training. I really appreciate hearing your experiential story of this method of therapy. Well explained!

[Carmelc]

I’ve been an EMDR Trauma Therapist for many many years and have seen such fundamental and wonderful change in my clients! I absolutely love it and the aid it provides. Here’s to your health and healing 🕊

[desibeverage]

Thank you. I started emdr a couple years ago. My symptoms did increase this year. I am not able to function anymore when my super independence is my main coping trait. This whole experience is terrifying. I have become paranoid. I’m unable to work. My self worth is incredibly low. I feel ashamed that I feel so bad. Became obsessed that I must be misdiagnosed.
Suicidal. It’s scary. I have no idea how long this will last or how long I can cope. I plan to ask my therapist what phase we are currently in. Safety plans like you referenced.
My daughter is also struggling. I need to be there for her. Please wish good results for us. I hope anyone reading this has a great month. You deserve it. Be kind to yourself.

[crystalabner]

You’re video is awesome!!! I love watching a ‘real’ person...especially someone whose brain works like mine!! Just listening to you makes me feel better. I’m just now opening up to Complex PTSD and things in my past. I’m ready to finally be able to live my life. Thank you for this video ❤️❤️❤️

[BarbaraHeffernan]

Thank you for sharing your story! It is so helpful for people to hear your experience, and I'm so glad it was helpful for you! I love working with EMDR with my clients, as it can create dramatic change.

[kellyrcecchi]

EMDR was the best thing I EVER did. I have many horrible memories from my childhood when my mother brought our step father into our lives. I didn’t seek therapy until much later in life (48). I had tried so many “self help” therapies and while they did help to ease the painful memories- the memories persisted nonetheless. At 48, I finally (after researching) found a therapist who specialized in EMDR. After 1 month of working on just one memory, my mind was clear. I had that AHA moment that put the rest of the memories into perspective. I was able to put the memory away and I am no longer bothered by it or any other memories because I was able to then use the tools of EMDR on any further memories that crept up. I have to say tho, my therapist did warn me it would get worse before it got better. Wow...he was so right. It was like the lid had been lifted off of Pandora’s box. For a few weeks I was drowning in debilitating sorrow. But then it goes away. I woke up one day and I was okay. After that, I could retrieve the memory if I needed it, but it didn’t cripple me.

[katescreativejourney]

I'm here watching this 5 years later and am so grateful. My introduction to EMDR was 6 years ago at my third session with a new therapist. (She broke out the light and tried to have me jump right in. I flipped out!) I found your videos yesterday as I'm getting ready to enter therapy again. I really appreciate you sharing all this. This time, I'll know that there should be trust established and ground work competed. I had quit smoking in July but I'm considering picking it back up. It was my only coping mechanism for 30+ years and I have nothing to replace it with right now. I go for an assessment tomorrow. I think I'm finally at a place where my body is exhausted from carrying all this shit and it's times to deal with it.

Thank you so much for showing that there is hope! ❤

[BarbaraHeffernan]

Love that you're sharing your experiences - so helpful. Much appreciated - thank you!

[katrinag]

I am currently going through EMDR and really related to everything you are saying. It has for sure gotten worse which is scary when you're in it but I'm glad I found your video. This is very encouraging that things will get better, this is worth it, and that it will work. Thank your for sharing your experiences

[jbjorling]

I really enjoyed this. It is hard to imagine that you may have, at one time or another, not liked yourself. I think you are awesome!

[emilyjanelindquist]

Totally love this whole video. Thank you so much. Very helpful and makes me feel less alone. Love the color coordinated books!

[Rosem]

I LOVE that your books are organized by color! It's so visually soothing and just draws me in - in a good way. 🤗 The clothes in my closet are organized the same way. Thank you for the informative videos. I'm just starting on my journey of EMDR therapy to help me heal from trauma and ongoing grief as a alienated mom. Peace and love to all 🙏

[sarahbeara]

I love that the books r organized by rainbow order. :D

[usernameUNAVBL]

You are so bright and beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I was finally just diagnosed with PTSD and recommended EMDR. Your personal experience is exactly what I wanted to hear!! I love your books too btw. 😍

[paprikaahmed]

Absolutely incredible, powerful, I adore your presentation and love the energy, by which it was compelled; thank you and thank you.