Help Have you tried EMDR?

[Caspers]

My psychologist does EMDR (eye movement desensitisation processing) and I was just wondering if it's worth a try? I have memory issues due to a friend walking in on an attempt so the majority of my childhood is nearly blank. I've heard it can help with repressed memories, but I was wondering if any of you have tried it and what your opinions are? Also if you don't know about it, here's some info-> What Is EMDR

 

[lyles]

I tried EMDR, I think that it was really helpful during the time! I think it would be worth a try, assuming your psychologist is good at it. I have a lot of heavy childhood memories and it did help me cope with those. It isn't necessarily a cure to the issues but helps you process them better, I think. I hope if you decide to try it out it goes well for you!

 

[RetroChaos]

I'm currently doing it with my therapist. I like it, but she thinks I'm still holding back. Looking forward to her helping me through it. It's allowed me to confront some of my past memories and try to recontextualise them so I view them without such a strong emotional attachment. It does often cause a cascade effect where one memory will trigger something else, but that's not necessarily bad, helps dig up painful things that you've been holding back.

 

[Moonchildx13]

I started with a therapist who specializes in EMDR, but haven't started EMDR process yet. We've been working on IFS therapy and grounding exercises in preparation for EMDR. From what I've been told/understand you have to be able to regulate your emotions and have ways of grounding yourself/working through anxiety. If you're not able to do that it can send you into panic attacks or have some negative affects on your mental health, some cases even a mental breakdown.

I don't want to dissuade you or anyone, because I know people who have had success with it. But I think it's important for people to understand that it's a complicated process (like most therapy) and may not be something you can just jump in and do right away.

 

[UpandDownPrincess]

It worked really well for my husband. He needed some help with adult ADHD and letting go of some very bad experiences from his first marriage.

He was able to shake off some of those memories. He can still remember those times, but they have lost the ability to rattle him like they used to. I suppose I should say that he is able to handle them differently now, this giving him the credit.

His dealing with these things made a really good impact on our marriage.