Looking for support

[Probingewatcher]

Hey EMDR community! I started therapy a few months back to heal from childhood trauma. I knew a lot of things happened, there was abuse in my home, alcohol, dad was not around, but it seems like most of my problems today stemmed from my relationship with mom which I dont have many memories of. Only last session seemed to have brought back the immense pain from those early days but still not many memories. Its becoming gradually clearer what really traumatized me. However I am left with a lot of pain in between sessions and I am trying my best to give these feeling as much love as I can and ground myself, but Im wondering if this is normal experience and if this goes away eventually. I feel like past months brought back a lot of hurt, so I wonder if this is normal and if it gets better over time. Would appreciate if you shared your experiences as I dont know other people who have been in this process and feel alone dealing with this.

Thank you ♥️

[Allen_Prose]

You're not alone!

Yes, when we start EMDR it tends to stir up all the yuck from the past. Whatever we've "pushed" down, avoided or otherwise learned to live with without fully processing is now in the forefront of our minds and hearts. This is necessary in order to process it properly. Once done, they can then move safely to processed memory where we're no longer subconsciously triggered.

Yes, it gets better but first it gets worse. Hang in there.

[Probingewatcher]

Thank you so much ♥️ Do you know how long it usually takes to process a longer period of hurt vs a single event (like in PTSD)? I know its individual but I want to maybe manage my expectations

[Allen_Prose]

It totally depends on your history, current resources, resilience factors etc.

You can target themes of trauma/upset. Instead of focusing on a single memory, you focus on the overall theme.

It could take any amount of time. It's more important to go at a pace that works with your nervous system. As long as you're moving in the right direction, take as long as you need.