Posted by BirdSong on June 14, 2009, at 17:26:23
In reply to looking for a new therapist/therapy ?EMDR, posted by surfergirl on June 14, 2009, at 15:48:40
EMDR is a very effective treatment for certain people. It consists of 8 phases with phases 3-6 focusing on processing the traumatic memories.
BUT, BUT, it may not be as quick as you think..
A good therapist WILL NOT proceed to stages 3-6 of EMDR if a client can not pass stage 2.
Stage 2 is basically ensuring that the client is (a) relatively stable and (b) has appropriate coping mechanisms to deal with the emotional distress that stages 3-6 will bring up.So, for example if you self-harm, are suicidal, are engaging in substance abuse, are engaging in eating disordered behavior, therapy will focus on learning better coping skills and learning to regulate your emotions before doing EMDR. And this can take time.
Similar to any type of therapy...stabilize the client before dealing with traumatic memories or events.
Phase 7 is basically where you continue the work at home and keep journals of your continued processing as well as any self-soothing mechanisms you have used.
Phase 8 is closure of the issue and occurs at the next session.If you are stable and have good coping skills and are a candidate for EMDR:
Two studies conducted in 1997 and 2002 have indicated an elimination of diagnosis of PTSD in 83-90% of civilian participants after four to seven sessions. Other studies done in 1995, 1998 and 2002 have found significant decreases in a wide range of PTSD symptoms after three-four sessions.
I would like to suggest that you ask people you know for a reference to a therapist who specializes in EMDR or contact your local VA or VA hospital. The VA should know people in the community doing EMDR because the VA leads the way for this work.
The reason.....EMDR obviously brings up extremely upsetting material. You want to make sure you have the best "T" possible and those usually come by reference.
poster:BirdSong
thread:900988
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090614/msgs/901000.html