Don't Give Up!

• Discouraged by (No author), 10/31/98
  
  

Discouraged, I too had less then dramatic results with my first EMDR session. In my case, it was due more to a belief that it would not work, rather then to any expectations that it would. I had also done a great deal of research, but still was skeptical. I had tried many different types of therapy, to help deal with a childhood of profound abuse and neglect, but gained nothing but temporary relief. When I decided to do EMDR, it was a "last ditch" effort. However I had just started with a new therapist and I now realize that I did not fully trust her enough, to believe that she could safely guide me through the process. I felt that I was "holding back" during my first EMDR session. When I told my therapist, she said, "Thats ok. Thats what you needed to do to feel safe." We spent the next few sessions working on safety issues and I decided to try EMDR again. This time it was amazing! I worked through one of the worst memories in a very fast time frame. Yes, it was painful, but the pain passed quickly and all of a sudden, I found myself really understanding for the first time, how my entire life was impacted by this incident. I realized, that I could finally stop blaming myself for something that was not my fault and go on. Finally, the childhood emotions and the "adult" mind were connected and it all made sense. I feel so empowered now because I was the one who did the work! My therapist is very skilled and quite wonderful, but she made it clear that this was my process and she was only there to guide me. Please give it another try, discouraged. I was ready to give up too and if I had, I would not be feeling free and at peace for the first time in my life. Thanks to EMDR I have hope now. Take Care, Kris

• Thank You by (No author), 11/21/98