EMDR FORUM ARCHIVE, 2000
EMDR and stalking victims
· 11/24/02 at 6:53 PM ET
It is very hard to know what to say . . . I understand there may be reasons to decide not to post this message, edit it, etc - however - I believe there may be some interesting topics to discuss. That said . . . I came across a book by Dr. Donald Meichenbaum published in 1994. It discussed PTSD and provided information on specific "victim" populations. There was nothing specific to stalking (criminal harassment). I searched his name on the internet today hoping to find something more recent that might cover this group. I was provided a link to this site and have spent some time reading various postings. I should add that I am a stalking victim. Fortunately (for lack of a better descriptor), the stalker was not someone from a relationship and therefore I do not have to deal with a particular group of related issues. However, not surprisingly, I have been greatly impacted - diagnosed with PTSD, depression, anxiety etc. Complicating matters further, although the stalker gets arrested and jailed he does return. His current whereabouts are unknown and periodically "strange" things are happening. Police cannot rule him out as a current threat. These events began 6 years ago. Credible death threats and related convictions are involved. Every legal/justice avenue is/has been pursued. My concern - there appears to be very little information on victims of stalking. I don't think I have come across anything on how to treat them (me). I have/have had a number of supportive counsellors but none have dealt with anything quite like this. Consistently, I am told that I am coping better than might be expected for the circumstances BUT I am certainly not "well". If I understand correctly . . .my reactions (sadness, anger, hypervigilance, fear etc)are "normal" considering the traumatic and abnormal experiences I have been forced to deal with BUT these reactions ARE INTEREFERING (sorry don't know how to underline the text)with my day to day functioning. I have come across a theory titled "Stalking Target Syndrome". This theory compares similarities and differences between stalking victims ("targets") and sexual assault victims, people who suffer from PTSD, and also "battered" women. It made sense to me and was a relief to me to read. My counsellors agreed it fit my situation and added that it helped them to understand what was going on with me. My questions - I am wondering if EMDR is appropriate to use as part of a treatment process for stalking victims? Do I have to worry that it might make me "complacent"? - not sure if that is the correct word - less likely to recognize events/signs that the stalker has returned - ie. right them off as an overreaction. I currently have safety fears. I have some very bad days. Would my reactions during EMDR likely be too intense? And if EMDR is not appropriate, what do you do in the meantime? I should add that I did try moving and changing jobs - unfortunately he tracked me down - "hiding" in the information age is getting increasingly more difficult unless you go "underground" or get into the witness protection program - I was recommended but did not qualify (when in the program there is no emotional support. I would have to agree to never discuss my situation and therefore that ruled out seeking/receiving medical assistance. I would also lose my emotional and legal/police support). So . . . I need to figure out how to live the best way I can. I have already written more than I had planned but as I stated at the beginning I am at a loss of what to say or do. If anyone knows where I could get specific MEDICAl help or would like to continue this discussion outside this forum (since EMDR is only a small part of the problem), their input would be appreciated especially if they have experience with stalking victims or "Stalking Target Syndrome." I have so many unanswered questions.
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