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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by surfergirl on June 14, 2009, at 15:48:40
Hi everyone,
I still have not heard back from my former therapist. I feel like I need therapy just to deal with how rejected & depressed I feel over this. Even if he does call me back at some point, I am sure that he will not be able to find time to provide any therapy. He is director of a large rescue mission & in charge of men's groups. Probably not interested in this middle aged broad...(I'm sure that's not the case but this is my sarcasm helping me cope)
I did write my PD an email about needing therapy. He was nice enough to reply & suggested EMDR to deal with my issues. I have a history of depression, anxiety but am being treated now for ADD & sleep disorder. I have recurrent illnesses on anniversaries of traumatic events as well as lupus, asthma, arthritis, yada yada yada...I take way to many meds to control everything. I feel like I am always on the edge of severe sorrow or depression. I think if I could get at the root my issues, maybe, maybe I would get healthy mentally & physically.
I have limited funds so I think that EMDR might work out for me, since it is more short term in nature AND deals with past trauma. Has anyone had experience with this therapy, positive or otherwise? How many sessions until there was a benefit? Was it painful? Did the pain go away?
I am searching on the internet for a therapist who does this in my area. It's amazing to me how the Ts market themselves on line. I found one guy that would be great for longer term therapy but does not do EMDR. He is the only one so far that has responded to my emails. I did email 3 others that do EMDR so I'll see what comes of this.
Looking for a T provokes neediness & anxiety & depression in me. I don't like how I feel now. I don't like feeling so out of place in my life & with my family. I am not looking forward to work tomorrow & must get myself "psyched up" to help others.
thanks for listening,
surfergirl
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.
Posted by Phillipa on June 14, 2009, at 23:33:32
In reply to Re: looking for a new therapist/therapy ?EMDR, posted by BirdSong on June 14, 2009, at 17:26:23
Thanks for all the great info on EMDR as really didn't know what it was. Phillipa
Posted by surfergirl on June 18, 2009, at 23:38:39
In reply to Re: looking for a new therapist/therapy ?EMDR, posted by BirdSong on June 14, 2009, at 17:26:23
Thanks Birdsong for your very informative post. It really did help me move along in my decision making. I am not 100% sure that EMDR is what I need right now. I feel more severe global stress, ADD, some specific griefs & ancient losses, general depression with some anxiety than PTSD specifically, although that might be a possibility. I don't think I am "unstable" in some of the ways you mentioned, but I do want to spend some time talking before diving into something like EMDR & any past trauma. My life has been very complicated & I am not sure I want a simple quick fix just yet. I desire some insight & re framing....
In my search I did find the person who will hopefully be my therapist. I sent out about 6 detailed emails to my candidates...I think that the one I chose will be a good match for my issues & needs. He is interested/skilled in art therapy which is one thing that really has helped me to open up in the past. He has spent about a half hour with me on the phone already & I was able to ask some specific questions re his approach, how long he usually keeps clients in therapy, payment.... I already feel a connection & this is rather helpful right now, in light of the old therapist never calling back. The new T has a busy practice with one spot opening next week so I hope this means he is good.
So I have my first appt next Thursday. Wish me luck.
thanks again,
surfergirl
Posted by Dinah on June 19, 2009, at 0:37:14
In reply to Re: looking for===))now found a therapist!!! :), posted by surfergirl on June 18, 2009, at 23:38:39
Good luck!
It sounds very promising.
This is the end of the thread.
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