Abreaction, Dissociation, and EMDR

I have been undergoing EMDR, only approximately 4 sessions so far. It immediately triggers dramatic cycling of emotions, strong abreactions, and usually a brief (but horrifying, in the moment) image of sadistic childhood abuse. I started psychodynamic therapy about 4 years ago, and EMDR, along with massage therapy, easily triggers these reactions. My question: the EMDR sessions seem to "part the clouds" of moderate bouts of dissociation I experience; indeed, I feel tremendous relief after a session, and this relief seems to be lasting for about a week or two. However, the dissociation comes back (or, has so far), especially in relation to specific triggers I have learned to identify (but can't completely avoid). MY QUESTION: is there evidence to suggest that EMDR can eventually help me to heal---to stop dissociating, being hypersensitive, hyperarousal, etc.---or am I experiencing a kind of "manic" catharsis that occurs due to the extremely dramatic emotions I experience in my sessions? And how long will this take?? I am so drained and of course disturbed after EMDR, and am always at the moment prepared to swear it all off, but the (temporary) relief I get afterward is so freeing...I guess I am looking to learn more about whether EMDR is simply "catharting" me, or is it really going to help permanently reintegrate my behaviors/affect/memories/sensations. If not...I'm not sure I want to relive some of these memories!!

Replies:

Re: Abreaction, Dissociation, and EMDR, by Shapiro, 2/14/00

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