Starting phase three EMDR ... a walk through fear / unkown

Next week I am starting phase three of EMDR. I am a bit anxious which I know is normal response to the unknowns and anything new. For the past three months I have been working on my safe place, using a variety of techniques - including creating visual images of the place.... drawings, paintings, clay, etc. I have also been practicing accessing my safe place on a daily basis.
I feel good in that I have been working with this therapist for some time now, and I have come to trust her with my life. I honestly believe if she said what I needed to do was to push a cotton ball with my nose down the middle of a main downtown street for seven miles; that I would do it. Crazy as that seems, if she thinks it will help I am willing to try it.
I think that my anxiety is mostly in the anticipation. There are so many issues, where to start, whats the first target, etc. I know that will be what we discuss next week and that we will find the best place to start. I also think that I have some fear, especially given the severity of trauma that I am already aware of..... I can't even imagine anything else being there; except of course a fuller expression / experience of emotions. And I think that the simple knowledge that this process has the potential to bring up extreme disturbances even after the sessions ... as well as during.... well I don't think anyone would be full of joy at the prospect of tolerating a high level of emotions, memories, distress, etc. So I know what I am feeling is normal.
I guess I am posting this .... in part because I think it might be helpful to get some feedback; especially from others that have gone through EMDR. And also, I suppose that there is a part of me that is wanting some validation that what I am feeling is okay.

Replies:

Re: Starting phase three EMDR ... a walk through fear / unkown, by ziggy, 8/6/99

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