EMDR:Uncovering Long Repressed Memories

Dr. Shapiro,

I am presently undergoing EMDR treatments on a weekly basis. I work with a licensed therapist specializing in helping victims of trauma. In the last six months,I began experiencing an increasing number of flashbacks. In the most recent EMDR sessions,long repressed memory pieces of childhood incest have come to light. During EMDR sessions, I experience intense bodily reactions specifically associated with sexual trauma. Are there other reported cases of repressed memories of incest coming to light through EMDR previously not accessible through other types of therapy, even extended long-term individual psychotherapy? Are these memories more reliable than those recovered through other forms of therapy or does the equivalent risk of "false memory" apply to EMDR? Even with pronounced somatic symptoms specific to incest?

I not only know but feel the childhood verbal and physical abuse I experienced was not my fault. However, since these repressed memories have come up, the younger "parts" seem to feel resposible for what happened in these newly tapped memories. Is a positive installation required for each distinctly different type of trauma, ie. physical, verbal, sexual and/or for particular age specific incidents of trauma?

In addition, I have always considered myself to be an highly organized person with a good memory for detail. These days I forget many, many things. This is the first time I have experienced this problem. Example: I stopped at a fast food restaurant,ordered,received my drink and my change and then drove away without my food...and I was very hungry at the time! These episodes of forgetfulness are getting more and more frequent and causing me concern. I assume the forgetfulness to be a temporary reaction to the additional stress or increased dissociative experiences resulting from these emerging memories but I am not sure. Has forgetfulness been reported as a temporary after effect of EMDR, either immediately after an EMDR session (since it continues to process) or from more prolonged use of EMDR treatments necessary in cases of long-term, repetitive trauma? I am under 50 and don't believe my memory should be slipping so often...quite yet. Thank you for your time and response to these questions. In addition,I wanted you to know that EMDR has caused a marked change for the better in my life, in my husband's life, in our marriage, for our family.

Sincerely,
JR

Replies:

Re: EMDR:Uncovering Long Repressed Memories, by Shapiro, 9/2/99 Re: EMDR:Uncovering Long Repressed Memories, by J.R., 9/8/99

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