What should I know before starting EMDR online?

March 15, 2022 4:12 AM

I have been approved to receive 6 sessions of online EMDR therapy focussed on a loose but traumatic experience a few years ago. What should I know or prepare before starting? The assessor told me that it would focus on nightmares and flashbacks. I haven’t particularly been having these lately (because 3yrs have passed and they’ve faded, and I haven’t been triggered lately). Will it still work? How should I prepare?
posted by d288478 to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

When you say "online" does that mean a video (zoom) session with a therapist?
I have had that, with a therapist I had many sessions with so I knew her well, and vice versa.
I did not have to prepare other than to plan my schedule so that I didn't have anything stressful or intense after the session. It can be quite tiring. I found EMDR surprisingly helpful and not scary at all.
Try not to worry about it too much, you don't need to prepare anything. Your therapist will guide you through the process and check in with you often to make sure you are doing OK, and you can stop at any time if you feel anxious or stressed.
It does not need to be a recent trauma for this treatment to be effective. In my case it was something that happened more than 40 years ago and that I hardly remember.
posted by Zumbador at 4:20 AM on March 15, 2022 [4 favorites]

Response by poster: @ zumbador: Yes I mean through zoom/Skype.

Thank you.
posted by d288478 at 4:24 AM on March 15, 2022 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I'm doing this right now. As zumbador said above, the therapist will guide you. Try not to over think it beforehand, as the process is self contained and doesn't require preparation as such.

I am terrible about overthinking and always want to understand everything beforehand because I have a lot of anxiety about being safe and in control. But that's not necessarily helpful in the context of therapy so I've really tried to just trust my therapist and the EMDR process. It seems to be working really well so far.

And yes, it is SUPER tiring. I pretty much clear my schedule for the rest of the day.
posted by ananci at 4:51 AM on March 15, 2022 [3 favorites]

I too recently did EMDR via video conference. Another vote for clearing out your schedule for the rest of the day. I was tired and sad and a lot of other things. Plan some self care and/or a check in from someone you trust. No prep need.
posted by skunk pig at 12:21 PM on March 15, 2022

Experiential references and proof they have clinical supervision. That they are insured if anything happens they can't support. EMDR is good when it is prescribed by a specialist under clinical supervision because it can bring a lot to the surface quickly.

If things have faded in general, why are you pursuing EMDR instead of general talk therapy?
posted by parmanparman at 1:07 PM on March 15, 2022

Best answer: I just got done with a session and wanted to pop back in to mention that you should have tissues handy. EMDR often involves a lot of releasing of emotions.
posted by ananci at 1:08 PM on March 15, 2022 [2 favorites]

Best answer: When I did EMDR my therapist had me name some things/places that made me feel happy or safe, which is the kind of thing that confounds me when I have to think of it on the fly. Maybe have a couple of ideas in case they ask?
posted by corey flood at 1:41 PM on March 15, 2022 [2 favorites]