EMDR Success and Unknowns (from a DID)

First, I am DID. It has taken many years to accept that, but I do. My therapist recommended I visit this site because of breakthroughs in our therapy. I should probably specify, breakthroughs with those within (parts) and my now pending acceptance, understanding, whatever it is I must do to become "normal". My therapist is a true advocate of EMDR and so are those within. I, on the other hand, have not been so assured, so confident. I know that EMDR has significantly helped those within, has been immeasurable to them. They have undergone numerous sessions, at least that is my understanding, and now it is my turn. I, on the other hand have only undergone a few sessions. I do not seem to have experienced the result they did. I don't think it is working for me and I don't know why. I trust and have enough faith in my therapist to continue to be willing, to continue to try. Those inside urge me to. They applaud this therapy, course of action. They feel significant stabilization, understanding, and truth to their past.

I, being somewhat cautious, wanting the truth, wanting to have a different life, a real life, am willing to do whatever is necessary. I believe those within, and I trust my therapist, she would not harm me, she would not deceive me. So, from my perspective, I will continue to try these eye movements until I feel all avenues have been exhausted and it is not going to work. I still have hope, I believe if it helped those inside, it will help me, even though I have not experienced such success. I'm still new to this procedure. I guess it is not as easy as it may sound. I mean, how hard does it sound to move your eyes back and forth, sounds like rather easy therapy to me.

Then the events unfold and the truth takes hold and no longer does easy apply.

I just wish to implore those professionals working with others in such pain, such torment, to be willing to listen, to understand, and to do whatever it may take to lessen a patient's pain. Why else are you in this profession? While I am not convienced that EMDR is successful for all, at least not yet, for those inside me, my parts, they strongly support and encourge me to continue, so it must be successful for some. Isn't everyone worth trying to help, to empower, to make their lives better. My parts believe EMDR is the key. I currently with hold my opinion, time will soon tell. I will enlight all of you to it's outcome as time progresses, if that would make a difference in your decision to attempt EMDR if you are in pain, or to learn and be open, if you are a therapist.

For you who are in this profession, I ask why are you? What was and is your motive? Isn't a human life, human suffering, worth your faith and willingness to try anything that may reduce the pain and suffering. For those who suffer, I believe it is worth your effort to attempt EMDR. I also believe it is vital that you attempt it with a qualifed, experience professional, we are allowed to be stringent in our choosing of a therapist, look at what we ask of them, they must be qualifed, experienced, and caring. I think those who own this site are more than willing to provide you with names of experienced professionals who want to help and not harm.

Replies:

Re: EMDR Success and Unknowns (from a DID), by Sandra Paulsen, Ph.D., 4/13/00

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