EMDR Success Share

[D.]

So I had my first session w/EMDR and I am so impressed by how it diminished one of my recent painful memories.  Before, I would feel slightly shaky and push the memory away.  Now, I am just not even really interested in the memory...it's like it's there but far away where it belongs.  Just another thing that happened.  And I've been able to focus today more fully in the moment.  Enjoying the details of my day and ready for potential challenges that might arise at work.  For anyone looking for ways to move beyond the triggers I recommend this strategy.  I feel like it is a tool to really re-train my brain.  It's like I am pulling away the "trauma" and discovering the real me underneath.  Hopefully more compassionate and aware for the experience, but no longer carrying as much anxiety or sadness if that makes sense.

[Amadahy]

This is great, D!!  I experienced similar, with memories being intact, but no longer emotionally devastating.  Such a wonderful tool!  I'm very happy for you!

[JustKeepTrying]

I am so happy for you!  It was the same for me and what a wonderfully freeing feeling to no longer have those intense emotions surrounding the events.

So very very happy for you!

[Justanotherlostgirl]

I am really glad to hear it was a success.

I am not sure if anyone reading has somatic symptoms from their abusers. I believe I do. I used EMDR because I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I have childhood trauma, as well as my ongoing situation with my husband. It could be because he left the home as well, but I did start the EMDR before he left and now I have no symptoms of fibro.

There have been a few recent studies showing the EMDR can work to reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia. Essentially, in cases where the disease is mixed with trauma, EMDR basically cures them. The studies were small. Participants were asked to rate their baseline/areas of pain and all fell within a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. After 10 sessions of EMDR, everything was measured again and all participants no longer had the disease according to their pain scale ratings.

I'd be happy to provide the study if anyone is interested. Sorry to hijack the topic a bit. EMDR has helped me recover from my childhood trauma and fibromyalgia. It's been great for me. I'm so happy you've seen positive results!

[D.]

justanotherlostgirl,  I think this is on topic, it's a way that EMDR helped you.  Yes, please feel welcome to share the article, but maybe on the Other Media Resources section?  That way people can most easily find the info.  One of the things that seems so useful w/EMDR for myself and others is how it focuses on paying attention to the feelings in the body like you mention.  I feel like it is helping learn to notice and respond to those cues appropriately.  Like, if my throat feels tight it means I have something I need to say.  As a child I learned that cue in me meant nothing to those who were supposed to be caring for me.  But now, I am learning to recognize to that and similar cues.  Very empowering.  It's quite encouraging to hear how it helped you with fibro.

[1footouttadefog]

I have always seen fribromyalgia related to sleep quality.

Trauma certainly impacts sleep quality so this makes sense to me.

I am glad your therapy is working. It must bring hope and positivity that you can deal with more memories over time and see even more progress.