Re:those last few suds :)

Some comments:

"another consideration is that memories of traumas are difficult and for many people they will continue to have some level of discomfort. For some people a goal of zero SUDS (Subjective Units of Discomfort) and “no uneasiness” is not an appropriate goal."

My understanding is that a SUDS of zero, or at least of a "1" is an EXPECTATION of EMDR work, which is based on the idea that total healing is possible. That clients and "parts of self" are NOT doomed to continue suffering, no matter the developmental deficit or trauma. I say this as someone with an extensive trauma history, both as an adult and child. This is a huge reason I like EMDR and work with a well known EMDR therapist: the belief that healing WILL happen. I have heard of therapists who do EMDR and do not expect their clients to become totally "unstuck"... I always wonder how they managed to miss this essential point of treatment.

Now, Dr. Inobe did mention that a client may not return to completely work through an issue because they are comfortable with a reduced level of distress -- but that is a far cry from saying what you say... that some distress is not navigable or resolvable.

Perhaps you could explain to me why you consider it appropriate for a client to continue suffering? What circumstances is this appropriate in? Could you clarify?

As for my tongue in cheek subject line, there have been many metaphors used here to describe the process of EMDR: vaccuuming, "cleaning", etc. I was referring to "washing away" the last SUDS, the image in my head being of washing down a kitchen sink after the dishes have already been cleaned... certainly not talking about beer, although after being so misunderstood, I really could use a drink!

Lastly, if you are going to assume that a post is irreverent and that it should not be taken at face value, maybe you should read it more carefully. How many people post here with specific questions as to ego state work? As Dr. Inobe has said in this forum ego state work is "mother of all interweaves". Which is what my post was about -- ego states -- I presume I have a "part of self" which consistently intervenes when the SUDS reaches a 3 or 4. My question was how to deal with that part.

Dr. Inobe's answer was general (and useless to me). My therapist and I have already tried all those techniques. But I didn't have an expectation that she would necessarily solve my dilemna... I often post because I assume other clients have similar issues and because I am interested in the general discussion (see above thread on protocol compliance, etc) although it may do ME no therapeutic good.

Replies:

Re:those last few suds :), by Sandra Paulsen Inobe PhD, 02/10/03 Re:those last few suds :), by client, 04/30/03 Re:those last few suds :), by Sandra Paulsen Inobe PhD, 05/05/03 Re:those last few suds :), by Carol Ann Rowland, MSW, RSW, 02/12/03 Re:those last few suds :), by client, 02/14/03 Re:those last few suds :), by Carol Ann Rowland, M.S.W., R.S.W., 02/15/03

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