Complicated PTSD and EMDR

I've been working with my psychiatrist for 5 years and have uncovered my traumas. He has suggested EMDR and I have an appt. next Tues. which I am looking forward to.
Here's the trauma list: Oldest sister tried to kill me once as infant, once when I was two or three. Ages 6-8, I was engaged in sex play with older neighbor boys which rapidly turned to threats, abuse, and torture. At age 18 I was gang raped, one perp being a childhood girlfriend.
I am a 45 yr old recovering alcoholic (9 years) and on Serzone and clonazepam which work well, but still PTSDing away. My husband died of AIDS after I cared for him for two years alone in France. My father died one month before my husband. Since I've been in therapy, two of my sisters have died. I am tired of living the stuck life, thus my willingness and excitement about EMDR.

My question: Since I have relived most of the trauma in therapy, and out sometimes, and done a major amount of grieving, is there any predicted length of time EMDR treatment should take. The therapist told my Doc about a year or so, which I am willing to do. I am exhausted from living trapped in fear and alert status. I'm stuck. I guess I'm seeking reassurance here. Can you help?

Whoa! Written down it sounds unreal, but not. Thanks for any insight you can give me. And what should I expect after the normal safety issues are addressed? We know that my psychiatrist is my safe harbor and the therapist needs me to find in her, another safe harbor. So, what happens next?

Much appreciation.

Replies:

Re:Complicated PTSD and EMDR, by Sandra Paulsen Inobe, PhD, 01/13/01 Re:Complicated PTSD and EMDR, by Grace, 01/13/01

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