EMDR FORUM ARCHIVE, 2000
Re: Ego States
Sandra Paulsen Inobe, PhD · 08/25/00 at 11:25 PM ET
Great question, and yes indeed, EMDR can bring ego states into awareness. In a way, this is what EMDR always does, that is, it brings associations that had been separate (or dissociated or just out of awareness) into awareness. For those readers who don't know, ego states are found in both non-dissociative individuals, somewhat dissociative individuals and highly dissociative individuals. They are the aspects of self that have specialized function. The further down the dissociative continuum one is, the more amnesia there is between parts of self or ego states. Some people mistakenly think that because they are more aware of these ego states as a result of emdr, therefore the emdr is splitting them. Not so! If one asks their ego states if they are new or have been there all along, they'll say they were there all along, out of awareness. So you see it is the opposite of what you fear -- with the simultaneous awareness of ego states one is actually MORE integrated because there is more than one ego state in consciousness at that moment!! It is actually progress. I can't give specific advice about your case, but in general, a few points: In sum, it is completely and totally normal and healthy to become aware of ego states as a result of EMDR.
-- it is normal to be spooked when first learning of ones forgotten ego states
-- they have done important jobs and are to be appreciated, even if they are cranky or scary
-- a therapist who knows about emdr and ego state work can sometimes really help individuals to change their lives.
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