My EMDR Story - An EMDR-Therapist's personal EMDR Story

EMDR-Therapist and Medical Scientist, Vivian Kulaga PhD., shares her personal EMDR therapy story.
For information about self-EMDR and self-healing resources please visit the following:
Self-EMDR Course www.selfemdr.org/
Self-Healing Resources at www.vivphd.com/
For information on EMDR therapy, Psychotherapy, and Hypnotherapy please visit: emdrviv.com/
For self-healing via brain retraining please visit:
Brain Retraining Program by DNRS retrainingtheb....
Brain Retraining Program by GUPTA www.guptaprogr....
If you want to follow Viv on social media and hear updates here are the following links:
Facebook Page / vivphd
Viv's Instagram Account / viv.phd
Viv’s Video on Meditation for those who can’t meditate • Meditation for Those W...
Viv’s Medical Science Podcast www.coffeewith...
Viv’s KZbin Channel / vivphd

[@guyg6728]

EMDR was so powerful for me it made me completely believe there's a God. It was that intense. I am forever grateful for EMDR. At the end when you were talking about it being great for anxiety, depression, I was like "yesss." "I hope she says anger too" because that's what it did most for me. It completely took away the depression suicidal thoughts and most noticably the anger. I used to flip out over the smallest things. Now I have the one thing I've never had, patience. I can hear the healing in your voice ❤️. I'm so appreciative of EMDR and specifically my therapist. She's the best. ❤️

[@Mark1Mach2]

Can we do emdr at home? Without a therapist.

[@raveenajayaraman7844]

I have been recommend EMDR but was told by the EMDR therapist to wait since I'm in a very triggering environment living with my abuser and my narc mother. if you ever felt disassociated, did it go away/heal after you did EMDR? I'm 22 and I'm dependent financially on the people who caused me trauma since I was a kid. I want to leave. I cant even start EMDR since I'm in a triggering environment. It is also very expensive. but mainly the reason I cant start is bec I live with them. I'm on tab sertraline and zapiz since more than 1 year.

[@Grundalizer]

What made you feel that? My therapist just moved his finger back and forth over a computer screen and said notice that.

[@VivPhD]

Awwww..... that is SO beautiful to hear. Thank you for sharing.

[@guyg6728]

@@VivPhD you're back! And thanks for the comment:)

[@Rosie-sl8ke]

2 years into emdr therapy and I'm in school to become an emdr therapist myself. It changes you that much

[@kathyannk]

Hi, I am curious about why you’ve had EMDR for two years. I’m ready to take the leap and I thought it was a treatment that took less time than that. Thank you.

[@kaleimaile]

koocheekooo , there may be a variety of factors as to why it’s taken her 2 years to get thru EMDR.

[@morganalexis6147]

Hii! Thank you for sharing! I feel I am in such a dark and bleak place barely holding on. I'm grateful that you shared this. I'm trying to get as much hope as I possibly can

[@guyg6728]

@@morganalexis6147 do it 💙it will be great for you I think. It saved my life. So thankful for EMDR message me if you'd like to know a little bit more. She pretty much covered it all in the video though!

[@morganalexis6147]

@@guyg6728 yeah!! Thank you! I'm beginning pretty soon...I feel like what I've been experiencing lately just can't wait anymore. It's almost as if my days are just being lived for the moment I get to experience and feel potential relief. Also too, I wondered if you noticed any differences in your body or how you feel about yourself/show up in the world now as well? Is there any chance you feel more connected to your body/embodied!?

[@fortyfour1296]

Despite the trauma you've experienced, your eyes reveal a very beautiful soul

[@Vladyyy]

I'm sayinnnnn!

[@HealWeGoAgain]

I start EMDR next week, and I am so excited to finally be moving on with my life!! Like you, I had some (a lot of) painful memories of things that happened in my childhood, but I never thought of it as "trauma". It wasn't until I started digging more into how childhood trauma affects us in the long term that I realized I had opened pandora's box. I am 37 and have every single symptom of CPTSD. It was an eye opener, and quite scary how much I allowed my past to steal from me. Thank you for making this video, and congratulations on getting on the other side!! 💗

[@sweetsweet1913]

I hope your session went well for you ❤️

[@manonpelletier7747]

Your story motivates me to pursue EDMR. I have just stumbled upon EDMR yesterday. Thank you. This may save my life. ❤

[@kathyannk]

Hi Manon, how has your EMDR therapy gone?

[@BharatSingh-il6jh]

Did you?

[@catherinesinclair7727]

Thank you. A lot of peace in your video - what all PTSD and CPTSD sufferers long for. EMDR helped me to deal will incandescent rage over childhood injustice and pain.

[@VivPhD]

Thank you for sharing Catherine

[@annieford3226]

Thank you so much for this video on EMDR. I am an EMDR therapist here in U.K. I have worked in healthcare all my professional life, mainly in oncology. I find EMDR such a great modality, my first experience of this treatment was as a client in 2004. I started my second career as a Person Centred Therapist in 2014, once I gained my BACP Accreditation, the first programme I enlisted on was “to become an EMDR therapist”. It is such a powerful yet gentle treatment, seeing clients flourish is our intention and this works.

[@VivPhD]

Thanks Annie for you comment. I'm so happy to hear there are other compassionate individuals such as yourself working in the field. :)

[@234pinnni]

Amazing I just moved back to uk. Looking for Emdr therapist can I have your email pls

[@Carmelc77]

Thank you Vivian- It was wonderful to be your EMDR Trauma therapist ❤️🕊❤️

[@VivPhD]

Thanks Carmel! It was even more wonderful to have you as my therapist. Much love, always xoxoxo, Viv

[@freemindbody3744]

Thank you for sharing Viv....I lived my life almost identical to yours. I am now a psychotherapist that specialises in EMDR here in Australia. Keep up the great work. Hope to see more videos in the future.

[@234pinnni]

Levi Alexa Mel Tin thank you Can you pls give me information if you think it’s work, and you feel better Thank you

[@janeb1400]

2 years later - are you still practicing? Where in Australia do you cover? I'm Central Coast NSW.

[@le_th_]

I'm sorry for what you endured in your childhood and adolescence. I'm happy for you, and others, that it led you into this field of study and work.

[@benjaminclark625]

I am going in for my first EMDR therapy session today thank you so much for your words I hope something comes out of it

[@VivPhD]

You're most welcome!

[@spirit-teacher]

Your words exude power, inspiration and healing.

[@eileendonahoe8618]

I am moved by your story. I also like that you made the point that you didn’t know that you had trauma. I think that is true for many people.

[@VivPhD]

Thank you Eileen. That nice of you to say, and yes that's true. Take care.

[@AprilLeighchronicallyme]

Oh my gosh, this is absolutely beautiful. You are so beautiful inside and out. I pray you have your salvation in Jesus as much as you have found so much other healing! God bless you

[@frick584]

My therapist, just yesterday, suggested EMDR may be very helpful for me. Naturally I'm now going down the rabbit hole of personal research and have found your vids, specifically the Personal Stories vid, to be very compelling. So Thanks, Bright Eyes!

[@VivPhD]

I'm glad you found the videos helpful. Good luck with your EMDR journey! I'm sure it will be an incredible one. :)

[@444_gd]

I had my first EMDR session this morning. This video is an incredibly accurate account of my experience. I feel so positive for the future.

[@suzybrat2945]

Last year I went through some trauma, that brought up old trauma and EMDR was recommended for me by the social worker I was working with. Yesterday was my 2nd appointment and while I'm still scared to face things, I think i will help. Thank you for sharing.

[@VivPhD]

Oh Suzy, I know... That's tough. How did you find the EMDR?

[@bigclyde33]

Thank You for sharing your story. I have heard of EMDR Therapy. I found you while searching for healing to Childhood Trauma and PTSD.

[@VivPhD]

Thank you for sharing Clyde. Best regards, Viv

[@pekolucky]

Thank you Viv for sharing yourself with us. You are a wonderful role model for all who have suffered trauma. God bless.

[@VivPhD]

Thank you. That is very kind of you to say.

[@verekat1933]

Bless you beautiful lady for sharing your heart felt story 🙏

[@VivPhD]

Thank you.

[@Holypikemanz]

Its like a story about a sick panda, so tragic, you are so beautiful!! I went through years of pain, and some revelations of my own. I would love to share stories and solutions with you.

[@JasonNapalm72]

I have been having EMDR for PTSD, mainly agoraphobia. I thought it would be straight forward deal with the phobia, but I discovered many other traumas from child hood and as an adult. I have been making good and noticeable progress but I still haven’t hit the main nail on the head. I am continuing the therapy until I am totally free, I have suffered for over 20 years and if it takes a year or even more to get free so be it. This video is an accurate description. All the best with your therapy 🙂

[@IDontReadReplies42069]

do you have an update?

[@eoharafisher]

I have panic attacks, depression and agoraphobia (for over 30 yrs.) I have tried at least 6 different types of therapy, which were supportive/insightful, but not ultimately healing. Medication has helped, but I am not free. I have an appointment with an EMDR therapist in a little over a week. I fear getting my hopes up, but will try. Good luck/blessings!

[@kathyannk]

Hello, I am wondering how your EMDR is going. It’s exciting to learn of a treatment that works on a deeper level than the conscious mind, when nothing on the conscious level works. Thank you.

[@sisterclare1]

Considering this for my 30 years of mcs and emf sensitivities!

[@jennabader7283]

I'm going to start on it wish me luck and I'm happy for you 🙂

[@theresamischeski71]

Good luck hun ❤

[@johan9388]

The 27th of this month I will start my EMDR therapy.. I have to say I'm pretty scared of the things that will come up. I hope I will finally get rid of the constant nerves, adrenaline and the panick attacks. I have tried so hard the last few years, to get rid of those symptoms, but I never had the guts to go to the trauma's. Now I'm way to tired to keep fighting them. I hope it helps. I just really want to be able to not be scared and be relaxed again.

[@JuullRhapsodos]

Hi, hope your treatment is going well :) I'm almost done with emdr (last session next week) and it's been very helpful in managing my emotions and anxiety. Things have become much easier and it feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I hope this works for you too, and of course everyone else trying emdr to cope with trauma. Good luck, and stay strong!

[@johan9388]

@@JuullRhapsodos thanks a lot! Last tuesday I had my third session, the last 2 sessions where very intens. The days after are kind of hard aswell. I get really anxious and jumpy. But I feel pretty confident! It has given me alot of answers allready about why things happened and how I reacted on them. Last sunday finally felt kind of relaxed again, like some weight has allready fallen off like you said. Really weird how it works tough haha. Anyway thanks alot, and I hope your last session goes well!

[@JuullRhapsodos]

@@johan9388 Sounds like you're making progress, awesome! And I agree it can be really draining, it takes a lot of energy to reprocess so make sure you have free time after your sessions so you can just chill and clear your headspace for a while Thanks, I'm actually looking forward to that final session, just glad to be able to move on after everything :)

[@isabellacamovic5860]

I don't have PTSD, but I do have a disturbing memory that still clings on to me to this day, and I've been suffering from depression, emotional detachment, and, negative thinking, unwanted intrusive thoughts from the memory. Watching this video, I'm going to seek EMDR now so that I can finally get on with my life and be genuinely happy again, once and for all.

[@PH-xh4fs]

Have you been helped by EMDR?

[@bebaaskaful]

I understand about suicide. I have severe PTSD. It started after emotional trauma in relationship. Abondenment with a lot of triggers. And things that Ive started to do things on the wrong way, because you want to get out of this state, because it is very uncomfortable. Do not have to mention that finance is always a problem because youre freezed and you cant go out and earn the money for therapy. So, finally I found one therapst in my country who does body work, somatic expirience, and EMDR. And Im starting from the start. With all kind of brathing tehniques, and meditation, and yoga, Ive got more dissociation. And Ive come to a starting point. Thank you so much for sharing this video. It encourages me to go the way threw it

[@randaroro3982]

How are you now?

[@bebaaskaful]

@@randaroro3982 Im much better. Thank you for asking❤️

[@randaroro3982]

Yr wlcom🥰🥰

[@mookywilson1054]

Very brave. Thanks you for putting in the time to make this video.

[@VivPhD]

Thank you.

[@Aspsychotherapy]

Thank you for sharing your story. Sending you lots of love,💚

[@thetravelinsagittarian1316]

Just got recommended EMDR today after my first session with my therapist. Next week we start the process. I'm so interested in knowing how; scientifically, this heals so fast... Is this medically guided neuroplasticity exercises? I'm so curious. The brain is fascinating!

[@smoozerish]

EMDR worked for me as a victim of physical abuse in childhood.....highly recommend it.

[@mohamed_a.elmohsen]

Hello what is the emdr training exercises can I make at home

[@morganalexis6147]

@VivPhd, I was curious about your experience with EMDR and perhaps how it helped with issues with your mother for example!? I've been feeling hopeless and helpless as well lately and they related to my mother as well. And my emotions are out of control as well as the things I'm attacking and the lack of care for myself as well lately. In one of your other videos I heard your comments that when a child has a parent hit them, they really internalize it and wonder what is wrong with them. I have wondered that for myself lately after an experience with my mother as an adult. Your video gives so much hope I'm grateful to see it and also become frightened that it can't work for me. Thank you for sharing this!

[@VivPhD]

Thanks for your comment Morgan. I processed the memories associated with my mother. This led to insight to my patterns of negative thinking and low self esteem and why I was being triggered and improvement of those symptoms, as well as in the relationship with my mother. It absolutely can work for you dear. Have you tried it yet?

[@lifewillbebetternow]

Thank you for sharing your story. ❤️

[@janabarros6591]

Thanks for sharing your start!!!

[@234pinnni]

You are beautiful Thank s so much for your speech

[@234pinnni]

Wow ! Same story. U are beautiful lady! And so honest * toxic relationship with mom can be very very painful. You are strong

[@leahlapidus6004]

Beautiful video

[@ErsanYolcu]

Great video! Thank you.

[@VivPhD]

Glad you liked it!

[@charlemagnetheFranks]

I'm just gonna say it this way to remember it better. Trauma is like the tremor inside of you like a earthquake.

[@Luisa3413]

you are SO beautiful inside and out!

[@BellyLaugher]

Wondering if EMDR is part of what helped you recover from MCS. So on-the-mark for me when you spoke abt anger/frustration/powerlessness/SI re: how to have a life! I'm also wondering how you were able to start a business, having MCS➡ie be organized despite intrusive, unpredictable brain fog, pain, visual changes, unpredictable energy fluctuations➡is your story of your recovery process here somewhere & I'm just not seeing it?➡I would love to hear how you were able to do it, & how that/what was able to help that happen. AND Thank you ever so much for this video & the video on MCS➡I am so happy/thrilled you are getting to be the person you were meant to be🥰for your own sake & b/c it gives me & others lots of HOPE🥳❣

[@VivPhD]

Awwww, darling... EMDR was certainly helpful on my road to healing, getting over the past, accepting what is, and a great starting point for mastering my emotions. In regards to business, MCS and my journey, it was not straightforward but intention, determination, and not giving up - letting go of perfection, allowing kindness for myself to make mistakes - were essential. I used the DNRS program to make a 100% full recovery from MCS and I AM completely FREE now. I plan to make a video about that to help others, however, I no longer work with MCS clients, as I no longer provide therapy, and so it's hard for me to dedicate time to the incredible response that these videos generate. Professionally, I have transitioned to helping people on a larger scale who have already recovered from trauma, to build a rich, meaningful, vibrant happy life through strategic coaching. I will be opening up a community soon if you are interested, however, it is not a community specifically for people with MCS or for people struggling with trauma or health issues, but rather for those ready to expand on their life's purpose and create meaningful fulfilment. I do offer a self-emdr course and may in the future potentially offer a community for people healing with self-emdr. If you are struggling with those symptoms hun I would STRONGLY urge you to go ALL IN on DNRS. You deserve to be free. If you want to see the video I publish, subscribe and stay tuned! Warmest regards, Viv

[@ecvent]

Hi Viv, that's a great video, thanks for sharing with us. I will sure be looking into EMDR and will try to contact you 😉. Not sure you remember me 😊. Beijos

[@VivPhD]

I most certainly do! Subscribe to my newsletter and I'll let you know about the online self-emdr course when it comes out soon! There is a waiting list for the practicum but you should be able to get in right away. :)

[@ecvent]

@@VivPhD I have already done bela 😘😘

[@persevere6326]

So much hope

[@yusufschannel]

im happy for you

[@VivPhD]

Thank you :)

[@redknight1825]

Bless you for sharing.

[@Hm-yx9pp]

I can relate to the part of illness after n financial suffering after from the effects of trauma

[@VivPhD]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ThriveWithLouise]

i can really relate to your story, its similar to mine...

[@understandyourmind]

Well done.

[@hankmoody5514]

I'll give it a shot.

[@jorgedelgado2096]

I love you Kulaguita

[@morganalexis6147]

@VivPhD is there a way that finances aren't an issue for seeking the treatment!? I feel I need it so badly at this time and I'm so uncertain how to support myself at this time. I'm in a very place as well and afraid of it. This video gives me so much hope to keep looking. Thank you for sharing this

[@jeanettenejadi1777]

you can do it by yourself. search videos on yt.

[@VivPhD]

Hi Morgan Jeanette is right. That's why I created the self-emdr course at selfemdr.org.

[@marynotmartha3139]

Will it help me remember memories I've supressed?

[@h.a.s.42]

In similar shoes. I am a therapist myself and going to take a training in EMDR. Personally I had several traumas and I remember they happened but don't remember the exact situations/emotions etc as I was 4 yo. That particular trauma is about my parents lost me on holidays and I was lost for about an hour. I know this trauma holds me back but I am not sure if I can access the details of it. Would EMDR help?

[@bettylingle9320]

@VivPhD Great video! Did recovery from trauma help you to recover physically?

[@VivPhD]

Thank you. Absolutely. Mind and body are so connected.

[@Gabeloveyou]

You save me from suicide ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.

[@VivPhD]

Wow John, that's incredible! I'm so happy to hear that. May I ask how my video helped you?

[@hadaszayada8606]

beautiful. how many sessions does your therapy last ?

[@kadaalger8411]

دكتورة عندي سؤال انا اعالج ب emdrعند معالج واتعرض للغمر العاطفي وتفعل صدماتي اريد منك بعض الموارد لتساعدني على احتواء تلك المشاعر السيئة..شكر لك..

[@MtnsR4Me]

I want to watch this video, but it starts buffering at :21 and I can't get any further. Doesn't happen with other videos. Know what may be wrong?

[@nicolekral7836]

Hi Viv. Love your video. I remember you recommending EMDR to me a few years back for my trauma. I think I really need to pursue it. Thank you. Nicole.

[@drviviankulaga]

Hey Nicole! So happy to hear from you and I'm glad you feel that way. I can't wait to hear about your success. Keep me on the loop. 😘❤️

[@veafamily9516]

This is so me I need this

[@VivPhD]

:)

[@stephaniekaylive]

I don’t know what to do. I feel like I really do need this therapy like everyone wants me to do but I’m scared I’m going to push myself over the edge by bringing back pain and trauma. Does it really work?? Will this help me forget?

[@TheBakingGirlShow]

U wont forget- u will look at it differently

[@VivPhD]

Oh dear Stephanie... You need a sensitive and experienced therapist. Yes EMDR really works but it's not "gentle". You won't forget but you will get over it. You may want to consider a gentler approach like DBR. Best of luck sweetheart, Viv

[@kerrycamden1861]

Hi, thank you so much for this video. I was wondering how long it took for you to notice a difference? I have just started. Many thanks. Kerry

[@VivPhD]

Hi Kerry.... oh it's been many years now... I can't say for sure but my first course of therapy lasted maybe 5-8 months and was LIFE CHANGING. I felt like a new person and very much better.

[@jerryhuff4732]

I know that this is not the point of the video at all, but your eyes are gorgeous!

[@tamirgidon]

מדהימה תודה

[@VivPhD]

אתם מוזמנים!

[@onelove91jo]

Hello, I'm considering emdr therapy by referral from someone receiving it. I just started seeking to really get help and I'm at a point rn that they want to offer medication and some therapy but I'm not sure if I really want medications unless I really need them...my question/s would be, is emdr ok to mix with meds or would it be worth it paying out of pocket to see if emdr is for me?

[@VivPhD]

Hi Josie, I'm so happy to hear you will be starting EMDR. To answer you question, if a patient is already on medication and stable with their dose than EMDR can be done and it is quite common to do so. I've worked with many clients on medication. However, if a person is not a medication and it is not critically necessary to begin the medication right away than it is often recommended to try the therapy for several months first to see if the need for medication will persist. That being said please consult with your health provider on what course of action is most appropriate for you, as these are only general guidelines. I myself have preferred to use therapy over medication for my healing, however, this is not always appropriate for everyone.

[@lyndajonas9772]

Are the people in your video actors?

[@VivPhD]

No, the people in the videos are either myself or former clients.

[@Nunya-77]

Grat but talk about how HARD it is.. I have CPTSD from child abuse.. let alone the shit that set me up for. It works.. but its hard, its beyond uncomfortable, and its noi a magical session or sessions where things are magically wiped away. It triggers feelings that can and do trigger OTHER memories.. its ROUGH

[@VivPhD]

Hey Beanz, thanks for sharing your experience. This has been the experience of some of my clients too, but not others, and not my own. In this video I'm sharing my personal experience. Every session made me feel SO MUCH better. It was amazing! Even magical I would say. It did take time to clear my triggers but, I always felt better after session. It was a wonderful journey and I honestly enjoyed every session and looked forward to them and couldn't recommend it more wholeheartedly.

[@eileendonahoe8618]

Perhaps you need to get your therapist to work on more resourcing with you. All the best.

[@darlahusen9485]

How do I know if my therapist knows about EMDR? I think I need to find one.

[@geoffwalker11]

Simple as asking mate, if they have a website it will clearly say if they are qualified in EMDR. I’m going through EMDR now, it’s hard work and you need to let go and push through but it works .... nothing else has worked, for 7 years I’ve tried everything else .....

[@VivPhD]

Look for one who is trained or certified and ask them about it. EMDRIA and EMDR CANADA have directories. Best of luck Darla, Viv

[@juancruzfernandez4699]

Hello, can someone please summarize what the video says, I don't know English, I'm using the translator, either the girl in the video is seeing this comment or other people. I am suffering from PTSD and I live hell every day, I need to know if this type of therapy can help me and I can be the same as before. 

[@tugcekatranc803]

In short, there is a therapy method called EMDR. And you can save yourself from PTSD with EMDR.

[@juancruzfernandez4699]

@@tugcekatranc803 thank you!

[@melissakamara4740]

Hi I find that my PTSD it worse after my second session of emdr if this normal to experience?

[@VivPhD]

This can happen, an experienced therapist should now how to help you. You may have needed more resourcing first.

[@dopequeen7]

😇

[@thatwiseoldbitchchannel]

This is the story of my life