I have been attending weekly therapy sessions since October of last year, and I had my first treatment of EMDR a couple of weeks ago. Before partaking in this kind of treatment, I wasn’t sure if it would be very effective for me. I had many, many questions and concerns about EMDR therapy. I wanted to know how intense the treatment is and how to receive the most benefit from it. I am excited about the idea of feeling better and becoming well, but I fear the long, dark road ahead. However, I am ready.
My therapist suggested starting with the traumatic memories that are the least distressing. I remember many of my traumatic experiences in detail, but I am dissociated from many of the feelings associated with the experiences. Sometimes I feel that the traumatic experiences weren’t very traumatic at all, although I know my unconscious mind will beg to differ. Despite being dissociated from my past, my life is very negatively effected by the beliefs I have developed of myself and the world because of the trauma. EMDR therapy should help me to process these traumatic memories, which are thought of as being “stuck” in my mind. Once they become “unstuck” I will be able to better access what I had experienced and how I felt about those experiences. With this information, I could develop more positive beliefs about myself and the world while shattering any negative or unhealthy beliefs. It’s much easier said than done. This will be a slow and steady process (although it seems to be going quickly!)
I’m excited! I’m ready to be well and feel good about my life. Anxiety and depression are not the way to live. I’m not sure how it would feel to be well, so all of this is new to me. Actually, EMDR is new to me. I had no idea what it was when I begun treatment. I’ve read many positive stories about the therapy since then, so I’m very hopeful that it will work for me. Wish me luck!
