EMDR: 3 things I wish I'd known before I started trauma therapy

In today's video I talk a bit more about EMDR - eye movement desensitisation reprocessing therapy - a NICE approved treatment for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which I underwent in 2018. This follows up on my first video on EMDR and explores it a bit further and also talks a bit more about the ups and downs and how things are going now I've had a bit longer in recovery. Also, general ramblings... sorry...
Here are some things I mention:
My first video about EMDR - • My experience of EMDR ...
The EMDR book - amzn.to/2GjVVnX
Alys Cole King's suicide safety plan - www.pookyknightsmith.com/blog...
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I hope you find this video helpful. Please take a moment to leave a comment about what you did and didn't like or sharing your own ideas or experiences.
Please also to let me know what other topics you'd like me to tackle in future videos and subscribe to be kept up to date with new videos as they’re published.
You can also follow me on
Twitter: / pookyh
Instagram: / pookyh
Facebook: / pookyh
LinkedIn: / pooky
Newsletter sign up: www.pookyknightsmith.com/mail...
You might also be interested in my books:
Can I tell you about self-harm: amzn.to/2EkpcNc
The Healthy Coping Colouring Book & Journal: amzn.to/2SfT4xG
Using Poetry to Promote Talking and Healing: amzn.to/2BV80ML
Self-Harm and Eating Disorders in Schools: amzn.to/2SSUJyN

[@GentleJungle]

5:28 Reason 1 14:40 Reason 2 15:03 Reason 3 Great metaphor!! (If you have ADHD, you're pressed for time and 2x speed isn't enough.)

[@taragann1980]

Reason #2 is at 8:00 for me?

[@steveparker2938]

agree, great metaphor. Adult ADD had me kicking it up a notch and slipping ahead.

[@marshmallow1488]

MVP

[@jamessheridan4306]

Thank you so much. I don't mean to seem mean or ungrateful but I don't think I could have tolerated this woman's voice or manner for more than a minute or two.

[@lacielawson872]

5:28 Reason 1 7:57 Reason 2 15:10 Reason 3

[@helenamaartje8447]

My therapist told me about the ‘window of tolerance’. It was very insightful for me to know why my EMDR session got stuck sometimes. I tend to get into hypoarousal aka feeling numb during the sessions. To have the traumatic experiences processed properly, you’d have to sit in the middle of your window of tolerance. So no numbness, but also no anxiety or heavy anxiety reaction. It helped me to know about this because i often tend to get angry at myself for even messing this up, or getting discouraged that it wouldn’t work. People with (c)ptss often have a smaller window of tolerance, so that’s something to keep in mind too. Just be as gentle with yourself as you can. Try to take care of yourself béfore your EMDR session & after your session. I hope i make any sense.

[@rae2blue]

Thank you for sharing! I often go numb or just stop connecting in EMDR and often feel like I’m letting my therapist/myself down. I tell her when I experience full dissociation, but with your comment, I’ll maybe mention when I’m starting to just lose connection and not try to pretend/reconnect alone.

[@galileaguevara6509]

Her bookshelf makes me feel so calm

[@RonLarhz]

Not for me. I got irritated just by realising it's ocd-ed.

[@classica1fungus]

I knoooooow

[@kattitude121]

I was literally about to write that exact comment. :)

[@Hanger18inotoomuch]

Pencil crayons

[@harmonyhope1709]

Haha yes, lovely and colour coordinated

[@katescreativejourney]

I'm here watching this 5 years later and am so grateful. My introduction to EMDR was 6 years ago at my third session with a new therapist. (She broke out the light and tried to have me jump right in. I flipped out!) I found your videos yesterday as I'm getting ready to enter therapy again. I really appreciate you sharing all this. This time, I'll know that there should be trust established and ground work competed. I had quit smoking in July but I'm considering picking it back up. It was my only coping mechanism for 30+ years and I have nothing to replace it with right now. I go for an assessment tomorrow. I think I'm finally at a place where my body is exhausted from carrying all this shit and it's times to deal with it. Thank you so much for showing that there is hope! ❤

[@desibeverage9702]

Thank you. I started emdr a couple years ago. My symptoms did increase this year. I am not able to function anymore when my super independence is my main coping trait. This whole experience is terrifying. I have become paranoid. I’m unable to work. My self worth is incredibly low. I feel ashamed that I feel so bad. Became obsessed that I must be misdiagnosed. Suicidal. It’s scary. I have no idea how long this will last or how long I can cope. I plan to ask my therapist what phase we are currently in. Safety plans like you referenced. My daughter is also struggling. I need to be there for her. Please wish good results for us. I hope anyone reading this has a great month. You deserve it. Be kind to yourself.

[@danielx555]

Talk to your therapist about resourcing, using MDR to strengthen coping skills and coping strengths and insight and perspective. Ask the client to look for blocking beliefs or fixed ideas that continue to be a barrier. In a lot of cases, psychopharmacologic approaches with medication or needed at the same time. Good luck and I have my fingers crossed for you!

[@yasgym]

1st wish 5:23 ‘it worked, wow’ 2nd wish7:43 ‘omg, it’s so bad’ 3rd wish 15:02 ‘Shshhh, quite now’

[@SeeryGraphics]

Thanks for locating the points.

[@zeph537]

THANK YOU! What a negative Nelly this woman is. No wonder it didn't work.

[@ryhms8914]

You rock 🥑 ❤️!

[@linda_sue]

@@zeph537 Uh, the positive aspect is that it DID work for her. Plainly.

[@Fetchem1222]

You tha real mvp!

[@Polished_Soul33]

I started my initial session with creating resources today. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I can't let my past traumas control the way I navigate through this life. I want to be happy💫🔮

[@PookyH]

Good luck!

[@gurbinderjhita4877]

Good luck

[@johazadik]

Hi 👋 how do you feel?

[@rhondapelletier2141]

You are ALREADY WINNING!!!!.......... your LIFE is going to be AMAZING!!! .......don’t look back , your FUTURE is in front of you❤️

[@kellyrcecchi]

EMDR was the best thing I EVER did. I have many horrible memories from my childhood when my mother brought our step father into our lives. I didn’t seek therapy until much later in life (48). I had tried so many “self help” therapies and while they did help to ease the painful memories- the memories persisted nonetheless. At 48, I finally (after researching) found a therapist who specialized in EMDR. After 1 month of working on just one memory, my mind was clear. I had that AHA moment that put the rest of the memories into perspective. I was able to put the memory away and I am no longer bothered by it or any other memories because I was able to then use the tools of EMDR on any further memories that crept up. I have to say tho, my therapist did warn me it would get worse before it got better. Wow...he was so right. It was like the lid had been lifted off of Pandora’s box. For a few weeks I was drowning in debilitating sorrow. But then it goes away. I woke up one day and I was okay. After that, I could retrieve the memory if I needed it, but it didn’t cripple me.

[@jenniferkeeling1126]

I’m a therapist just about to embark on EMDR training. I really appreciate hearing your experiential story of this method of therapy. Well explained!

[@PookyH]

Good luck Jennifer - you might find my new video re EMDR helpful when helping prepare clients? kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2nHpJSwns55b8U I hope you find the training fruitful and that your future clients find the process helpful.

[@Onlinesully]

I really do hope that your training makes a significant difference and advance forward for many people.

[@tb-dv1zc]

Thank you for posting this video and showing great courage by sharing your experience with the world. Namaste 🙏 EMDR has changed my life. From my experience and understanding, it is appropriate for any negative self belief. Three things I wish I'd known: 1. If hiding from your feelings was one of your coping mechanisms, it may take a few sessions just to be able to get in touch with the deeper, stronger negative beliefs. This is very much worth the relief that follows 2. The reprocessing has allowed me to access parts of my heart, mind, and soul, that I had only wished to touch before 3. How simple it is. Letting go and giving your mind a chance to heal is as simple as looking left and right. It's simplicity will prove to be reassuring and helpful Mental health is the path to all other forms of health and prosperity. Peace to every soul on this journey ❤️

[@PookyH]

thank your sharing your three - and I'm so pleased to hear that this has been a positive journey for you too. It's a very strange thing isn't it how it's both so simple and so very complicated at the same time. Learning to trust ourselves to lean into our thoughts and feelings and also trusting ourselves to begin to process and heal is a difficult process, but so worthwhile..

[@jcr-studios]

Your comment and this video has helped me so much. I had my first EMDR session today. Still amazed at how simple it is so much so that I’m in disbelief at its effectiveness.

[@morganalexis6147]

@tb could you share any body experience or how it felt to access your heart at all!? I fear mine has been so closed off where I used to have such access to it. Did you feel it open more and be able to take in more life!?

[@katrinag1501]

I am currently going through EMDR and really related to everything you are saying. It has for sure gotten worse which is scary when you're in it but I'm glad I found your video. This is very encouraging that things will get better, this is worth it, and that it will work. Thank your for sharing your experiences

[@PookyH]

I hope things do get better for you, things can change, I promise!

[@Carmelc77]

I’ve been an EMDR Trauma Therapist for many many years and have seen such fundamental and wonderful change in my clients! I absolutely love it and the aid it provides. Here’s to your health and healing 🕊

[@kikimcdowell9762]

I have been in EMDR therapy and it changed my life. Triggers no more. And you have better ability digest better on issues. Best therapy ever!

[@allyschlosser2377]

Any suggestions on how to find an EMDR therapist?

[@Carmelc77]

@@allyschlosser2377 if you’re in Europe go to EMDR Europe or North America EMDRIA websites and look under Find a Therapist’. Many of us work online so it shouldn’t be too hard. Get a certified EMDR therapist if you can. If you need more help contact me at www.carmelclark.com

[@simgesever8600]

Have you ever done online Emdr Therapy and do you find it useful or safe too? I am at the beginning of my training as a therapist, and wonder whether it is safe to apply it online? I wonder your personal experiences about that if there is any. thank you!

[@ip3043]

Thanks, your video is really helpful. I've had 10 EMDR sessions so far and there were some good ones but the last couple of weeks it's got more intense so just managing the simple things of daily life for now. I was feeling scared that perhaps the treatment wasn't working but like you say and I've heard it from others that it often gets worse before it gets better. The other thing I noticed is all the incredible insights and understanding I'm gaining about why I've struggled so much in life and why I ended up with CPTSD, it all makes sense. Years ago I also had Somatic Experiencing therapy which is very gentle, you don't have to go through mental memories to heal as you connect directly with the body and your senses. SE has helped me with EMDR because I learnt how important resourcing is which EMDR refers to as the 'safe place.' I also use the slow eye movements to resource and calm my system, it's incredibly relaxing. Anyway I'm staying in there because I've experienced some good stuff and trust that one fine day I'll be out of that friggin' tunnel!

[@PookyH]

Good luck... there is light at the end of that tunnel, even if you can't see it just yet!

[@ip3043]

@@PookyH I really need to hear that, thanks

[@P_Partridge]

Keep your head up that light is your future my friend 🙂 you inspire us that still face it thank you. Peace

[@onewhoknowstheirpath2154]

I have been thinking bout getting emdr for the last 6 years I used to tell myself I couldn’t afford it but fact is I can’t afford not to at this point.

[@ellentevault3372]

I start EMDR therapy in January for my CPTSD from childhood traumas. I hope it does work.I’m ready to live in the moment, not triggered constantly by past events

[@kayylam]

How’d it go?

[@sgough83]

How is it going Ellen?

[@justmoritz]

Works

[@mariangelamariangela4199]

How did it go?

[@evearcana2392]

How did it go? How are things now?

[@missrhia4325]

I’m starting therapy on the 28th for CPTSD. I’m thirty years old on the 26th. Even doing the intake with a therapist made my hands sweat. This video is so helpful. Researching is my way of coping and I want to learn more about some of the techniques my therapist may use. Thank you so much.

[@mandyfebres8975]

How has the therapy been going for you ? I start mine tomorrow and I’m so scared

[@leonardocosenza429]

@@mandyfebres8975 how was it?

[@GTaichou]

@misshia4325 intake is the hardest part. It's rapid fire hitting all the sticking points. I hope you're doing well!

[@danielx555]

This is a wonderful video. EMDR is an abreactive therapy, and it works by getting the brain into a state where it is reliving the experience but also has a solid footing in present time. Therapists often have to ask clients to stop talking about or intellectualizing what's happening, and shifting from talk therapy to EMDR can be tough. But it works because of what it does to the brain. It activates the adaptive information processing in the brain so that we relate the traumatic experiences to a normal narrative of sequential events, rather than the snapshots of horror or pain that we normally experience when we relive our trauma. It gets the brain to work through the experience and to make sense of it, and sometimes the end result is that you look at horrifying experiences and recognize that the people were evil and that it shouldn't have happened but that it is in the past. It's an amazing therapy.

[@nick_way]

Please consider moving the worry monster to the opposite shelf - there are some turquoise books with orange flashes on the spine that might be nice to lean up against :)

[@PookyH]

This is my favourite comment in a long time! :)

[@gurbinderjhita4877]

... And where that teddy should be, there's a much smaller one that's getting squished 🐻😱

[@sillygirl1139]

@@gurbinderjhita4877 😂 oh yes... poor thing 😅

[@MandyWoodArtist]

lol I put up the same comment!

[@wingnutmcspazatron3957]

Hahaha

[@okeanos6391]

I often find researching, reading, etc about therapies or things related mental health can be really triggering. Your books and rambling and personality has really cut through that for me, thank you! 😊

[@crystalabner9924]

You’re video is awesome!!! I love watching a ‘real’ person...especially someone whose brain works like mine!! Just listening to you makes me feel better. I’m just now opening up to Complex PTSD and things in my past. I’m ready to finally be able to live my life. Thank you for this video ❤️❤️❤️

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Thank you for sharing your story! It is so helpful for people to hear your experience, and I'm so glad it was helpful for you! I love working with EMDR with my clients, as it can create dramatic change.

[@vanessasouthern1792]

You've helped me so much. Thank you. I'm starting EMDR tomorrow and it's made me feel better about it. Informed. I really think you are a great person. Clever and funny. So genuine. I'm so pleased you benefitted.

[@mariangelamariangela4199]

How did it go?

[@vanessasouthern1792]

@@mariangelamariangela4199 I had to postpone it due to the pandemic as I want to do it in person rather than zoom. I must do it after lockdown as I’m very ill with PTSD and just woke from an horrendous dream with a huge panic attack. Can’t get back to sleep. It’s my only hope as I feel suicidal. I cannot go on like this.

[@ReCoIL171]

I started it two weeks ago on Zoom. I'll let you know how it goes. I went to a Football match with 600 people last Saturday. Yet can't get in a room with 1 person. I know your frustration.

[@mariangelamariangela4199]

@@vanessasouthern1792 I know what it means feeling suicidal but PLEASE, Hang in there, keep going on. You are not alone!

[@mariangelamariangela4199]

@@ReCoIL171 Keep moving forward! You are not alone in this too! Good job for going to that football match. And yes, let us know how it goes.

[@char94]

I have CPTSD, too. I found you while searching whether EMDR would be an option for me. I have pretty intense emotional flashbacks and quite the inner critic. Currently doing hypnotic/somatic combinations. Thank you for sharing your insights.

[@julesindigoblue4441]

I’m sitting in my car listening to you....hearing you say ‘sorry’ all the time. My point? You’ve been helping me through EMDR and yes, it’s very difficult. But you’re an amazing person and I wanted to say...there’s nothing to be sorry about. I have you to thank for taking the time to share...and getting me through this difficult treatment. I wish I had a friend like you!🌸 ps....just love your colourful bookcase! Wow!

[@kristebryant224]

You are AMAZING! I love your resiliency and vulnerability. ♥️ I appreciate these 3 things as I embark on this format. I feel strongly that being able to give the client a real concept of what to expect is sooo important for the buy in! Wishing you health, hope and love!!!!♥️

[@Rosem0303]

I LOVE that your books are organized by color! It's so visually soothing and just draws me in - in a good way. 🤗 The clothes in my closet are organized the same way. Thank you for the informative videos. I'm just starting on my journey of EMDR therapy to help me heal from trauma and ongoing grief as a alienated mom. Peace and love to all 🙏

[@uvsarah]

Thank you for such a great review of EMDR. I absolutely love your honest and open style. I am a clinical psychologist who uses EMDR and it’s great to hear how you talk about your journey. I will share this with people who are considering EMDR in the future! ☺️

[@sarahbeara1018]

I love that the books r organized by rainbow order. :D

[@m.l.sokolauthoradvocatepub8699]

This also brought me great joy to see. I am a librarian and we read about these organizational systems which are gorgeous to employ but awful to find if you need A-Z :D

[@DestinationCampground]

ROY G BIV

[@eminemilly]

makes sense to me and looks awesome as a bonus lol

[@harmonyhope1709]

Me too! 🌈🌈🌈

[@0anant0]

I have quite a few collection of Yellow Books -- not the Yellow pages, but '... For Dummies' books :-)

[@katrinapugh5442]

Hi! I stumbled on your video after searching "EMDR" and I'm so glad I did! I'm just about to start (next week! 😱) for my PTSD and I'm more anxious than usual because of it. I'm so glad it helped you and I'm thankful that you mentioned about how much worse it got first- my therapist mentioned it could but she didn't seem to stress just how much so I'll over prepare just in case it's a real nose dive! P.s. your colour coded books speak to my soul 😂 don't listen to the negatives! Haha Thanks again :)

[@PookyH]

I really hope that your first session went okay; I hope my video didn't worry you too much! I'm sure some people sail through.. though if you didn't, maybe it will have given you cause to hope that it will get better... good luck! (and thank you re the books, they bring me a lot of joy :)

[@savannaghkeeleychase7481]

EMDR has been amazing for me. Hope it was equally great for you. The sum result is relaxing for me, and I'm happy to cry it out at the time, coz I know it's the last time I'm going to live with it. Xoxo

[@ginacavallo6689]

I am want to do EMDR therapy, where do look ?

[@chocopuffz2562]

Same!

[@zeph537]

Please don't believe this lady. It does always "get so much worse"

[@jbjorling]

I really enjoyed this. It is hard to imagine that you may have, at one time or another, not liked yourself. I think you are awesome!

[@christismith8052]

I find you very delightful! 🥰 I’m sorry you have suffered so much in your life, and am praying for complete healing for you! 💕

[@GlitterEnby]

This was so helpful. Thank you. My regular therapist wants me to start EMDR with a different therapist because my trauma is just destroying my life. It was really nice to hear you talk about EMDR from the perspective of someone with both CPTSD and an eating disorder because I'm also in that spot. It was nice to hear both that I am not alone and that you found the experience helpful.

[@witdgreen1868]

Love that she pops from place to place in her presentation then comes back to the point.

[@usernameUNAVBL]

You are so bright and beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I was finally just diagnosed with PTSD and recommended EMDR. Your personal experience is exactly what I wanted to hear!! I love your books too btw. 😍

[@brooklynwhitmire8136]

I'm sure it's not easy to share your experience on the internet, but I'm thankful you did. You've inspired me to continue on with my EMDR treatment. Thank you!

[@PookyH]

Good luck Brooklyn, do what's right for you, and remember you're never walking alone

[@Shelleyatmarshamarsh]

You felt the need to release it 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽BTW I love your honesty and genuine raw truthfulness ❤️

[@MrBoab64]

What a great lady. I'm impressed with your eloquence but equally matched by your quirky sense of humour. Good on you. I learned a lot from your video and was pleased about that as my wife underwent EMDR due to a car accident we had. She suffered after that event in ways i never knew. The relief she felt after only a month was impressive...so much so that I feel I would like to train in EMDR myself. Thanks Pooky and all power to you in your own leaps and bounds towards health and in your great work to spread the good news about mental health.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Love that you're sharing your experiences - so helpful. Much appreciated - thank you!

[@teeniestudio]

You’re at 19,000 as I watch this video! Congrats and thank you - I found this very helpful. Hope things are continuing to get better and better for you.

[@maryjohnson7679]

I love the books and enjoyed your chatting- it made me feel like we were having a conversation! Thank you for this, I really appreciate it. I'm preparing myself to begin next week. Especially the part about needing to lighten your load, take a step back, etc. I've already felt the need to do that just with regular therapy and have had a hard time keeping that boundary with myself, but I find myself exhausted after a day of therapy and doing everything I "need" to do. So now I know it needs to be a priority.

[@trixiestterror]

I LOVE the way you've arranged your books

[@nicolerose1939]

Thank you for your video. I started my first EMDR session last week and my reaction to it is a lot of resistance, so I really appreciate your post EMDR takeaways. What was most helpful to me is how you talk about how the sessions led to further writing exploration and sharing of the actual experiences with others you trust. My resistance is to the ‘reprocessing’ part - I started associating it with people in my life that don’t want to be present for me, that only want to ‘fix’ me. I will also share my resistance with my therapist before our next session. Thank you for your bookshelf too, it made me feel incredibly happy and hopeful looking at it in the background!

[@nancyfh4305]

I love you Pooky! Thank you for sharing your experience. I have been in therapy for many, many years and have done what I consider my "trauma work". This was at a time before EMDR. I am now going to school and hope with use EMDR and other techniques to help people with trauma. Thank you always for your willingness to be vulnerable. It is so wonderful. Also, your rainbow background of books makes me smile every time I watch. Thank you!

[@denisa-nicoletamoise4727]

I could relate to much to what you’ve said about EMDR & it reassured me that this is the way it’s supposed to be before it gets better and that it does get better! Beyond grateful! ❤️

[@readygi]

thanks for sharing. i find your honesty and quirkiness very soothing. I've been recomended EMDR for my ptsd and tried just a youtube video with sound and i relived one of my memories i blicked for years, but feel lot better now..

[@mspawlished]

Oh dear. Just learned from your video I have "complex" PTSD... Thank you for your incredible strength and experience. I've been researching mad to understand this treatment and have embarked on my first treatment. Comfortable with my therapist I will be moving forward weekly for I imagine the rest of the year. Thank you again for more clarity and a heads up on what I may experience. I have also been warned by my therapist, but it was good to hear it from someone with the symptoms. You look fabulous. I love your books. And totally love your accent! Be well 🖤

[@wondercortney]

I appreciate your honesty and your authenticity. Thank you for making this video.

[@transflowmation6676]

This was wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@rashelshika4123]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! You rock! Your resilience is uplifting and your bravery in sharing your personal experience inspires me to be brave! Keep it up!

[@emilyjanelindquist1720]

Totally love this whole video. Thank you so much. Very helpful and makes me feel less alone. Love the color coordinated books!

[@fabiolagonzalez7877]

Love the color coded book shelf, love her knitted shawl, love the hair, love her tangents AND love her honesty! Thank u!

[@wholeartedly_studio6723]

Thanks so much for this. For your honesty, your humour, and your chatty digressions. I appreciated and enjoyed all of it. :)

[@linda_sue]

What a blessing to hear you say it doesn't have to be out loud. I thought all therapy demands it be out loud. I think you understand how that felt to me. I've been looking for how to do it alone. Love your books, they are more shared comfort. Thank you, so much.

[@PookyH]

Good luck. I hope you find it helpful.

[@eminemilly]

yeah I can't talk when recalling certain things or after I'm triggered

[@Isaiah21486]

I'm just blown away. Didn't think I was gonna finish this video but man how that changed fast with Pooky's power😍🤗

[@paprikaahmed2892]

Absolutely incredible, powerful, I adore your presentation and love the energy, by which it was compelled; thank you and thank you.

[@cbrunk5370]

I recently started therapy myself, and my councilor has encouraged me to look into EMDR. I am very nervous all together about diving into my past, and like you said I have been spending a lot of time trying to mentally prepare myself to start this. Thank you for the video. I think you resolved some of my concerns regarding EMDR. I do feel like I still want to build more of a connection with my therapist before I dive in, but this was a great help!

[@daddyworerbucks]

youre so sweet and i love your rambles :) youre a very genuine and authentic online presence. keep it up.

[@lastarlaloca1]

Your so brave for being here! Thank you so much for your time and insight.

[@vero_gee7530]

I can listen to you talk for hours! Therapist suggested EMDR. Thanks for the informative yet slightly humorous video!

[@PookyH]

Thanks Vernoica and good luck with thinking about your next steps..

[@angelica23luna90]

I really appreciate your honesty. It is valuable for all of us who have been skeptical about EMDR

[@victorialynn6248]

Thank you for sharing your experience. My therapist mentioned this therapy to me yesterday - EMDR Therapy. Hearing your story brings me to tears. The fears of being rejected because of the past is huge.

[@mikiomahoney1]

Thank you for sharing. I've done a lot of therapy and worked on PTSD but have only recently started PTSD, it's very interesting how it works and I totally understand your points. I like your style, your books, your rambling, your honesty.

[@sallybarr7904]

Thankyou thankyou thankyou so much for this video. I identify with you and your situation more than you could imagine which has actually been quite comforting to me. I have complex PTSD and am going to be starting EMDR as an inpatient at the end of May. I am nervous but also really excited as I have been battling this demon for so long and have come to the end of my tether. It just has so much control over my live and regardless of how much insight I gain, those ideas and conceptions developed as a result of the trauma still persist. I still struggle to even accept sometimes that I have complex PTSD and am not just weak or weird or that it was all my fault anyway so this constant pain is what I deserve. The clinic has been very open with me regarding the "it will get worse before it gets better" thing so I was prepared for it, but your video has given me hope that if I can work with the pain and through the pain, this therapy may actually improve things for me. I am not looking for a magic cure or for someone else to fix me, I would just like to live my life without everything being dictated or affected by past trauma. Like you, I feel that EMDR really is my last hope, and I am willing to give it everything I've got. Fingers crossed

[@PookyH]

Good luck with it - I often found the waiting and worrying was the hardest part, so often the truth you imagine is less bad than the actuality - but in either case, I hope that knowing that it may be hard but then hopefully will get better will help you through. xx

[@Tony-de4px]

really appreciate the video reminds me of my therapy days ....great stuff now looking back into doing some more EMDR again ..great video and apreciated a lot thanks

[@zolabluebell5765]

I laughed so hard over her explanation of why her books are color coded 😂 ‘sorry if you’re an author of a book I love.. I probably remember the cover more than I remember your name’

[@PookyH]

When I wrote my latest book they asked me if I had any ideas about the cover design. My response... 'I'd like it to have a yellow spine.'.... 😂

[@kristijanog]

Congrats on having more than 10k subscribers Pooky!

[@hechthecht8018]

Truly truly wonderful brilliant talk here! I really appreciate your honesty, bravest vulnerability - most endearing rambling included!

[@PookyH]

Thank you Hecht!

[@otum337]

Woof... I'm getting ready to drive through that fire. Thank God you said a period of weeks and not a year! haha I'm quite excited to start this and get it over with and grow from there!

[@Echothreads]

I just wanted to say that I find you really relatable, and listening to you felt like chatting with an old friend. I’m trying to be more authentic in life for the first time ever and you come across as a very genuine person and rather than thinking this to myself I thought I could let you know, so I am. :)

[@j.martinez8282]

You were great. Thanks for rambling and/or warbling. Wonderful insights and information and the extended bits helped expand upon the insights you've provided. Again, thank you!

[@MCL46]

Thank you for sharing this video Pookie. Your rambling is delightful... And the information was very encouraging

[@thenobleandmightybeaver4411]

Thank you for posting this video. I thoroughly identify with your process. I embarked on therapy in my twenties and had started the EMDR process with my then therapist. Unfortunately the treatment was suddenly cut short roughly six months into EMDR as I was battling a worsening substance abuse cycle which was interfering with my ability to engage in EMDR treatment. It was rightly decided that addiction treatment needed to be my sole focus and so that is what I did, and gratefully that was effective. Fast forward more than a decade later a life event triggered my former PTSD symptoms and I engaged a therapist again. We spent a few months basically working on some direct therapies and strategies to deal with my symptoms so before I had to leave to work abroad for several months. Happily this was an effective band-aid and I completed my work abroad with success and very manageable symptoms. I have returned home and my therapist and I are about to begin EMDR this week and I find myself filled with fear and trepidation. I acutely recall the phase where my mental health did a nose dive and because my initial EMDR experience never got past the very painful/overwhelming stage that is my only tangible recall of the treatment. I know intellectually EMDR is effective but I find myself wishing to procrastinate and stall. I have verbalized these impulses to my therapist and she has assured me she will make a concerted effort to keep me on track. Your share of your experience with the process has brought me a bit of comfort and strengthened my resolve to plug on despite my inclination to protect myself from having to explicitly recall a bunch of stuff which I usually am able to at least quasi successfully stuff away. Cheers.

[@timbrown8510]

Your videos are incredibly useful. Honest, objective and insightful. Can't thank you enough.

[@SheSmilesSlyly]

I love this video, I love the color coded books and I thank you very much for sharing your process. This video makes me feel a lot more prepared for EMDR therapy. I laughed with you in certain parts and made watching this enjoyable for me. You are a wonderful person 🤗

[@PookyH]

Bless you and good luck Sara.

[@ketnetty]

I love your whole aesthetic ! the hair, the cover, that beautiful bookshelf that inspires me to copy in the future. You look so pretty and calming, the whole video makes me think of colorful smooth pastel cupcakes. Thank you for your explanation, im waiting to do the therapy myself.

[@michelenesbitt-ht8gq]

Pooky, I absolutely love your bookcase!!! And the video was also very informative, thank you so much!

[@JHJackieH]

While researching “the best therapy” for trauma and EMDR on you tube a giant list of videos came up. I am a master hair colorist so naturally I choose your video based on your thumbnail. I saw a rainbow collection of books and thought “this is it”. Thank you for sharing your story and explaining what to expect from this therapy, now I just need to find a therapist, lol. And thank you for inspiring me to color code my books, it’s beautiful.😊💗🌈🧠

[@PookyH]

Good luck... however you ended up here I hope it’s at least a little helpful. And enjoy your book ordering. I find it calming when my head is chaotic..

[@pottedplantworkshop]

I love the books and the waffling! I have my first EMDR session tomorrow. I appreciate this video very much.

[@sadiaca]

Bless you for sharing ❤️ I’m starting EMDR therapy soon after being a bit sceptical for the longest time. After watching your video I feel much more calm about trying a different kind of therapy. 😊

[@caleriasand8237]

I love your calming bookshelf! I have PTSD and starting EMDR. I’m quite anxious about it. I really appreciate you sharing your perspective.

[@atiger4716]

Thank Pooky, I've found your video very useful, because you speak from your experience and you have a fun way to express it while been very well arliculated. I love your voice. All the best!

[@hancam333]

thank you for sharing. im very anxious to start emdr. i feel a lot more clarity after watching your video. you have a very comforting spirit.

[@tribe6999]

This video was wonderful and helped me feel comfortable enough to open my heart to seeing I have been working through alot of old stuff and replaying in a cycle of shadow work for years. Thank you for being brave and strong and sharing such an important video. I personally love your rainbow organization of your library ♡

[@deanna777]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with EMDR. It's good to know that I'm not the only one that felt anxiety about starting that specific therapy. I've had one session. My entire body felt like a knot when I finally put my hand up to stop the session. Since then i've had dreams of things that until now I only had partial memories of. I've also had memories pop into my head at the oddest times. I'd be feeling unusually upbeat then BAM i'm crying over something that happened over 30 yrs ago. This is after 1 season! I've seen my therapist twice since that 1 go at EMDR but she and I agree that i'm ready for another session. I'm dreading what it might bring up but I want to get past all of the junk that's been weighing me down for most of my life. My husband might raise his voice for some reason and I react like a scared adolescent. I want to get through that dark tunnel to the sunshine on the otherside. Again, thank you so much for sharing the 3 things. You've given me some peace of mind. Blessings to you from Tennessee.

[@PookyH]

thank you so much for taking time to share your experience. It meant a lot to me to know that this video helped you all those thousands of miles away in some way. often it is helpful just to feel less alone. It is incredibly hard, but I do hope that you'll find, like me, that this is also very powerful. It's a process and for me it was very difficult at first and gradually I've benefited more and more from finally addressing those demons. I'll be thinking of you and wishing you well with the journey. So good to hear you have a supportive therapist on board who is helping you to tackle this at the right pace for you. Good luck x

[@deanna777]

@@PookyH That made me cry happy tears 🧡

[@RabiRose]

I love your analogies! Nice, insightful video. On a side note, I think it's lovely that despite what you've gone through (and are going through) you were able to find someone to show you such radical acceptance and love. I'm sure there's a lot of us out here feeling like we're incapable of finding love because of the way we are.. so it peaks my curiosity to know about this facet of your life.. If you care to share, maybe an idea for another one of your videos!

[@Princ3ssLanae]

I really appreciate her energy and sharing her experience! It is very helpful and engaging.

[@michellegates7083]

Thank you so much for sharing; you are such a delightful person, and it was really nice viewing your candid discussion. Best to you!

[@PookyH]

Thanks Michelle!

[@julias2977]

Amazing. I’ve never watched or met anyone who matches all the colours of the spectrum. Perhaps this is why her book shelf is so colourful...like her. Quite an extraordinary woman. Thank you. I’m just about to start EMDR. You’ve given me encouragement and hope.

[@clairewalsh5306]

Hey Pookie, thank you for sharing your self. Inspiring, informative, uplifting and brave.

[@Playdohmonkey]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m doing emdr right now and it seems like it will never get better. Thank you 💕

[@lalalaika]

Thank you for this. I’m very glad I stumbled across your video. I’ve only just started emdr and didn’t realise things might get worse for a while.. it’s good to know and be prepared. But the main thing I wish I’d known before starting is that there would be a finite number of sessions I could have because of the NHS putting arbitrary limits on things. So I’ve just started processing on a really difficult memory but have only 2 more sessions to try and finish that. Feeling a bit frustrated about it.

[@lindamurphy8771]

You are absolutely amazing! Thank you for being so brave. You have helped so many people.

[@jasperlawrence5361]

you are very eloquent and articulate on this topic and it feels like a great help, thank you.

[@user-ey4rc5tu4t]

Thank you for making this videos. I feel as if I have CPSTD. I don't want to pay to be victim blamed AGAIN. I feel as if my problems are so ambiguous that a therapist will not wish to spend the time listening to them in order to validate me.

[@carlab3012]

I so appreciate your input here on emdr. I am just now exploring it.

[@justagirljean1111]

Love this video. Glad I happened on it. No coincidences in life. Started EMDR a few months ago after a few years of dealing with serious trauma. Worried that it won’t work as nothing has. Grateful for your insight. God bless.🙏🏼

[@JacobsenJennyMrs]

I love your color coded books! Made me want to finish watching your video!

[@tracymedhurst1343]

Firstly love your bookcase arrangement and two , within seconds I knew I liked you. I have been advised to have EMDR for cptsd but am reluctant at having to relive my traumas with a new therapist who I don’t know or implicitly trust. Really appreciate your honesty and openness about your experiences.

[@Carolinagirlartbrain]

Thank you so much for sharing. I am currently in hospital and was just told that I will start EMDR on Thursday. I am VERY nervous but excited to be well. It has been my entire life of not realizing how unwell I am until I was brought here by my husband and therapist. Any who thank you for sharing your experience.

[@jakefromstatefarm1990]

I’m going to start my first EMDR session as a patient in a few weeks. Watching videos of or about EMDR is my homework before my upcoming therapy appointment and this is the first one I clicked on. I think this was a great way to start out. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences🥰

[@mariangelamariangela4199]

How did it go?

[@jakefromstatefarm1990]

@@mariangelamariangela4199 it’s been going great! I’ve already made amazing progress and it’s only been two months or so. I’ve been more nervous these last few sessions because it’s been uncovering some feelings and thoughts i didn’t know were there. It’s doing what EMDR is supposed to do, but I’m just nervous to work on those specific feelings. I definitely recommend this to anyone who has deep-rooted trauma

[@mariangelamariangela4199]

@@jakefromstatefarm1990 I want to do EMDR too but I am afraid of those "feelings and thoughts i didn't know were there"... What if after a lifetime of thinking i am "like this" i will discover i am a different person? 🥺

[@jakefromstatefarm1990]

@@mariangelamariangela4199 that’s a very real concern. Everyone is different, so I can’t say with any certainty that it won’t bring up those feelings, but for me personally, the new thoughts and feelings I’ve been experiencing only go so far as resentment and frustration towards my parents. I grew up with an emotionally and verbally abusive sister, though I didn’t realize that until three years ago. So EMDR has brought up these feelings of “oh my gosh, my parents have been right there all along and never did anything, even after I told them how she treated me”. If anything, feelings that have changed how I view myself are positive, like “I can stand up for myself” or “I am a good person”. Those come in time, after working on a memory or self-thought to its completion, but it still feels amazing. A good therapist is what really makes or breaks it in my opinion. I’m in the US and at least in my state, an EMDR therapist has to undergo EMDR themselves before they can be certified in it. It’s an added little comfort to know that they have first-hand experience and aren’t just going off of what they learned in textbooks. I hope this helps you❤️

[@mariangelamariangela4199]

@@jakefromstatefarm1990 I really appreciated your comment, thank you ❤️

[@GetTheZen]

I color organize my clothes...definitely calming & easy to find what you want:) Happened onto your KZbin, looking for explanation of EMDR. Love your candidness and honest talk! I will definitely look at your other videos!