Should I do EMDR therapy? 5 questions to help you decide

There's not a huge amount of info out there about EMDR so in this video I talk you through some of the things I think it's helpful to consider if this therapy has been recommended to you and you're considering it.

This is me sharing my personal opinion and experience having gone through a course of EMDR for my PTSD.

You might also like my other videos re EMDR:
My experience of EMDR (personal video):

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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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[hypnotherapist]

I love the way your books are all colour coordinated!

[cherrylattimore]

I know you posted this video years ago and am not sure you still check messages but my therapist just suggested EMDR to work through PTSD from early childhood trauma so I'm just in the getting to know stage. This video truly helped me to understand a few things that the therapist (who's extremely gung ho about this) didn't talk about that I feel she should have. It's given me things to think about and will help me ask better questions of the therapist before once again ripping the bandaid off my trauma (let's just say this is NOT the first thing we've tried and had fail). I'm beginning to think the continual having to revisit it all is almost worse than just leaving it be and shlogging through. Thanks for laying things out so clearly.

[nomade]

I did EMDR. IF something badly traumatic happened to you, it WILL re-traumatise you especially if it’s something you didn’t remember over and above just ‘not exploring it’. You will need to get over that; 2 years on i’m the best I have ever ever ever been, as Rediculously beyond terrible it was to ‘re-live’ my experiences, the truth quite literally set me free. it could put a less strong person seriously in true looney bin if your not rock solid foundation (just finished watching the video, she calls it a ‘coping strategy’ before doing it. I would Personally say, the worse the trauma, the more strong you need to be before you consider embarking on it and definately have a hugely supportive, strong person you have access to around you as there WILL be times ‘you’ aren’t enough to get through it

[jacquietanner]

Just about to embark on EMDR this week. Ive been told its going to be very difficult and my safety has been put in place. Im very anxious about it, but dont want to live with my PTSD and trauma anymore, its all gone on for far too long. Your videos are amazing Pooky, truthful and honest you speak from your heart. Thank you.

[jameshale]

I had to watch this video twice, because the first time I couldn’t get passed what an awesome sense of color and style you have.

[sazzthug]

That’s really badass that you as a therapist is sharing this since most people assume therapists should have all their shit under control. This video is useful to me. I didn’t really consider how much effort as a patient goes into this. I thought it was a more hypnosis thing that you just snap out of. Thank you and good luck

[jameshale]

I showed up to start my first EMDR session today. My therapist started asking questions about my safety plan. She said she wants to work with me refining this plan before we get into the therapy. Your questions dovetail well with the approach my therapist is taking. Thank you.

[sknight]

I am starting with an EMDR therapist next week and I am already feeling like a tidal wave of unresolved trauma is heading squarely at me. This makes me nervous but I am feeling out of options. Your insight is appreciated. I have to find a way to circumvent my thinking so I hope this works... thank you

[robynbarrow]

Thank you very much. I have just started this therapy and nobody mentioned how bad l could feel after these sessions. I feel ok now knowing this is normal. Thank you!

[jaysonmuzuruk]

Pooky, Thank you. I stumbled across your emdr videos after researching for the past year trying to understand myself. Had a therapist that honestly wasted some of my time, but pissed me off enough to do my own research. Found an emdr therapist who specializes in trauma, ptsd, and addictions. Im pretty terrifidd to start but life couldnt be much worse.

[chrisfarrell]

I've been doing talk therapy and meditation for 7 years for zero results. My issues are how I 'feel'. It's physiological. I feel like a child who is about to get in trouble, isn't good enough, something terrible is about to happen. I am one session in and have been told there will probably be 4 planning sessions then up to 8 EMDR sessions. This is my only hope

[breeellerywatral]

This video was so helpful. I'm trying to decide whether or not EMDR would be the best way to approach my PTSD and your video has been super helpful in my process. I feel much less anxious about my initial consultation now that I'm more informed. Thank you so much!

[RainbowKid]

Thank you for this. I felt like I was ready to start trauma therapy but my therapist decided to wait and work on coping strategies first.
Your explanation has helped me understand why my therapist wants to wait. Now, I'm more willing to follow his advice.

[harmonyhope]

Also have an Ed (in recovery) tried every other therapy. Know I need to get over my childhood trauma to fully recover from the Ed, ocd, depression and anxiety. Thank you so much for this video. Really appreciate it, so helpful!! Due to start EMDR on Monday!!!

[lizedbf]

Question 1: yes, i really want my thinking to change. Question 2: i will do everything necessary. I am a hard worker and especially now that i need to work on myself. question 3: i am a real survivor, i will get through this and be stronger after. question 4: yes, i have 2 places to hide, at my daughter and my brother. question 5: the worst that can happen is that i will harm my alcoholic husband. So after viewing your video's i will start with EMDR next week. Than i have my first appointment. Thank you for your advice

[lavender]

It was suggested to me when I was 13, and I was terrified that it would brainwash me. So, this video is super helpful with deciding if I want to do it in the future.

[tajikistan--drnk-]

I suffer from ptsd anxiety depression and trauma. I am starting trauma therapy soon. Thank you for the pointers and information.

[vegaoksana]

Thank you for this. I needed to hear 'I've tried everything' because I haven't tried everything else yet.

[amberjoyc]

I have to say, I love how you have color coded your books!!

[notebookluvr]

You're very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your experience and this video 💝