Posted by BabyToes on April 19, 2010, at 2:46:31
In reply to Re: I think I need help in reframing, posted by Dinah on April 17, 2010, at 21:43:19
> My therapist has been suggesting that too.
>
> However, the one time I tried EMDR, it did nothing for me and the therapist suggested we quit trying.
>
> For some it works, for others it doesn't.
Dinah,
I know you probably know this, but trying a type of therapy one time doesn't mean the type of therapy didn't work, it could have been the "therapist" that didn't work for you. It works like that for all therapies.EMDR works better for some issues than others. Was this the same issue as before?
I have never heard of an therapist that would have given up like that, but some are trained to deal with the protectiveness a client may exhibit to not "go there" and how to deal with resistance. Some have more experience with EMDR, some have more experience with being a T, there are so many variables that go into place.
I have had EMDR done by 3 different T's and all three experiences are different and a lot depends on the therapy relationship and trust. I am not sure if I would be comfortable in doing EMDR with a T that I didn't build a relationship with. I would want my current T with me while I do it, if it was with somebody else. (at least at first)
But I do know this, if I had a T who has known me for years, and suggests this even knowing that I tried it before and it didn't work, I would at least consider trying it again. I would trust that they knew me and I would trust their expertise in knowing what could really help. This is what we pay them for.
If you feel your T isn't comfortable in doing desensitization with you, maybe it would be a good idea not to force him into it. Desensitization in the traditional sense is a long drawn out process that is very intense and if he isn't trained in doing it, it could cause more harm than good.
It is a form of trauma therapy that is rather specialized, kinda like seeing a cardiologist for heart problems instead of a general family doctor. Even with this, this standard of therapy isn't being taught as much to T's now since we have EMDR which tend to work better. So much has happened within the last 5 years of EMDR and the training involved.
I know since Katrina there are some very qualified EMDR therapist who have stayed in the area because their work is needed badly by so many there. You probably have some of the best ones in your own backyard. I know EMDR doesn't work for everyone, but trying it once with only one T, on one issue is hardly enough of a try to say it doesn't work.
Your T has given you his best advice on what to do about this phobia, why not trust it?
poster:BabyToes
thread:943608
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20100405/msgs/943945.html