anxiety disorder

After 3 emdr sessions (level II trained) with a client who experiences anxiety, nausea, and migraines to the point of isolation, she began to experience even more anxiety. We targeted the earliest memories when she first experienced these symptoms, and came to resolution. However, her affect is blocked on more recent events and eye movements are not doing anything for her. We tried different speeds, directions, modalities and cognitive interweaves. We also targeted body sensations with temporary relief but no resolution. Even worse, she has terminated sessions saying she feels worse than ever and she "hates EMDR". Her negative cognition had been "I'm unloveable" and I'm wondering if this is transference and testing of our relationship. She believes no one cares about her and has had very little positives in any of her life relationships. Could it also be that she has nothing to link to a positive neuro network? Needless to say, it is doubtful that we will continue to use EMDR. She had been extremely willing and excited to try it, and very angry that it isn't the magical cure she had hoped for. I did emphasize that EMDR was an adjunct, a tool, not a panacea for her ills. It is difficult to find colleagues who are also trained in EMDR for consult in my area, so I appreciate this forum. Thanks!

• When the client lacks positive experiences by Shapiro, 6/5/98