What is EMDR Therapy? Mental Health w Kati Morton

[@Ghostfacedandelion]

EMDR saved me in a way I never expected. Within two/three months, my suicidal thoughts and main triggers went away for a good 99%. I wouldˋve never expected that to happen. Good luck to everyone out there who’s struggling❤️

[@Ghostfacedandelion]

@@paraguayaenalaska730 i dont think i really prepared beforehand.I think my therapist and i started out with a specific memory and how i felt in that moment (negative affirmation) and then we figured out how i want to feel about myself regarding this memory in the future (positive affirmation). And then we did the actual reprocessing with brain stimulation. I can only speak for myself though, i assume some therapists have a slightly different approach? If you feel like you need to mentally prepare yourself, I´d suggest regular positive affirmations that work for you. I can assure you though, even if it´s scary at first, you´ll get used to it and get the hang of it quickly. Best of luck in your recovery. xx

[@phoenixwalker1746]

I have just started this to help me. I've struggled from the impact of the covid restrictions and feeling it left me with some difficulty to process

[@Ghostfacedandelion]

@@phoenixwalker1746 sending you (and anyone who may be reading this) all my love and support!🌟

[@mohamed_a.elmohsen]

Can you tell me the emdr exercises training you use

[@Ghostfacedandelion]

@@mohamed_a.elmohsen well I did it with a therapist so I just kind of went through all the preparation steps with her. We mainly used eye movements for the actual stimulation. One time it was two vibrating cubes, one in each hand. Hope this helps :)

[@sleeplessmax]

I have personally gotten this treatment using tappers and it really worked for me. We did 40 minute sessions over about 4 months. I made so much progress in that short amount of time. I worked on feeling safe and having mental and emotional strength.

[@Katimorton]

Thank you for sharing!!! I am so glad it was helpful for you :) xoxo

[@Sunshi]

I know this is out of the question but ...hi ARMY. I hope your doing good!

[@bkittenface3637]

Thank you for sharing your experience about this. I wish you well... I’m happy to know it’s helpful 💜

[@Karbfd583]

@@Katimorton If i can find a therapist near me who does emdr, i will try it. It is always worth a try. Thank you for the video, it is fascinating how it is connected to rem sleep. When i do not get good sleep, i don't feel right.

[@Holypikemanz]

the fk is the tapping stuff about? its EYE movement desensitiviation

[@emx8576]

If this helps anyone, I had EMDR for PTSD for 6 months every week or 2 weeks and it helped with sorting my memory. I didn't see any improvement until after 4 months but now things have improved so much that I don't have to go to therapy anymore. If you're thinking about EMDR, it is good but you have to stick at it and remember that it will get better :)

[@bedrockcounseling6845]

I'm a Certified EMDR therapist and Consultant-in-Training, and I've seen EMDR therapy work wonders in my own life, and also in the life of many of my clients. I would highly recommend EMDR!

[@444_gd]

Had my first EMDR session today. It was incredibly revealing and brought forward a lot of subconscious issues that I did not know were affecting me. I feel very positive for the future and what EMDR is capable in doing to alleviate my anxiety and PTSD. PLEASE do not discount this practice! It works!

[@ticktock1479]

Grant Donaldson I hope to start soon once I find a person. Glad to hear a good and current review. All the best to you.

[@Carolinagirlartbrain]

G Don how are you doing now? I am in hospital thinking about doing EMDR.

[@natgl11]

I've had EMDR therapy for my anxiety and it has made the biggest difference. CBT wasn't "enough" for me because while it helped for the present, the roots of my anxiety and depression go way back to when I was a very little kid and the way I processed stuff back then. EMDR is very intense though, not just during the session, but after (feeling mentally and emotionally drained, not being able to concentrate, nightmares, headaches, etc). For me it was absolutely worth it and I saw (or rather, felt) the results after just one session, but it's not for everyone.

[@Katimorton]

Yes it can be SO exhausting!! My clients have needed to take naps afterward, and just take the rest of the day to soothe themselves. Thank you so much for sharing this!! It is so helpful! xoxo

[@vatnsmelona-4571]

Oh golly, this is good to know. I've been trying cbt for a while now and just not feeling many results. Your right it doesn't always seem to address the past

[@kristend344]

yes, it's like it punches open a hole in the emotions/memories and they come pouring out. it can be brutally hard - but oh, so worth it. I've told my husband to not plan on me doing anything the day of a session. I've had a couple it was several days before I became fully functional again. this too shall pass.

[@roseault6335]

Why is it exhausting?????

[@carriewallace6927]

@@roseault6335 it activates your brain for about 72 hours.

[@contohasmr5876]

I'm taking EMDR right now and it's so far the best treatment for my trauma. Most of the therapy I've gone through have never helped but this is just consistently better. I went from waking up from nightmares crying and screaming to waking up a bit panicked but present and able to be calm.

[@bkittenface3637]

Fluttering ASMR thank you for adding your experience. I hope you are still doing well.

[@millevanderspoel8215]

I've had EMDR with a light going right-left-right etc a month ago. I didn't know I had trauma's causing my depression but after just a couple of sessions my depression actually went away. I still fear a bit that it might come back but the trauma's are processed in my brain now. Thank you so much for all of your video's Kati, you convinced me to find help and I'm so glad I did. Because of your video's I've learned so much and it's very helpful. xxx

[@MsLilDropofSunshine]

I did EMDR and it was immensely helpful. My therapist used a headset that would beep in each ear, one at a time, and these little buzzers you'd hold in your hand that would buzz along with the beep. I was scared of it at first because I knew I'd be dredging up the past, but I got past that, and I was able to move forward.

[@narguiskeshavjee3741]

Excellent explanation thank you. I am about to complete 16 EMDR sessions for PTSD, numerous Road traffic Accidents,childhood abuse , violence and long term health issues and am amazed and grateful on how effective this process has been. I feel safer,more outgoing and sociable,trusting and able to feel peace with everything.

[@samurai9319]

If you don't mind me asking, how many sessions have you completed? I understand it is an individual thing, & that it will be different for everyone. But it can be expensive.

[@Fiddy837]

I've had EMDR to work through three different traumas. I was really unsure about it at first but I'm glad I stuck with it because it has helped reduce my level of distress a lot.

[@Ameg13]

I just had my first session for my domestic violence trauma. I cried so much and it was so real. It didn’t take long for me to get myself out of the trauma. But, it was still so painful. I felt exhausted after the session. But at the same time I felt a bit free

[@cora1282]

I am actually super interesting in this and currently reading the book "Getting past your past" and it's written by the doctor who first researched and named EMDR therapy. Thank you Kati for the wonderful video ♡

[@cora1282]

**interested

[@brads4085]

Ok so how was the book?

[@jesss.5260]

I did EMDR for 4 months, twice a week. My therapist and I broke down my trauma's by person and then covered one then the next and went from bad to worse. We joked about how out of all of them my mom took the longest. It took 1 session for my dad and 2 weeks for my mom lol!

[@dawn8293]

I started going to therapy in part because of a poor relationship with my dad. Months later, I realized that my relationship with my mom, while much more outwardly positive, had equally harmed my mental health. And it was more insidious because her influence came from a place that I recognized as loving and affectionate, so it was harder to accept that it was a problem.

[@beverlysaletta1104]

I was looking for an actual description of what EMDR was and how it works. This was a very good explanation of it, thank you so much!

[@betsyberman]

After being raped, I went through a few sessions of EMDR with a previous therapist I was seeing. It did help me with the initial trauma enough to be able to go outside, travel, see people, etc. which at first I didn't feel I was able to do. However, after that, I didn't feel like it did anything else for me. I eventually stopped seeing that therapist, and with the therapist I'm seeing now I've made a lot more progress with traditional talk therapy. It's a lot slower of a process, but I feel like it gets to the deeper issues and root of the problem much more. Overall, I think EMDR is a good place to start (at least it was for me), but it definitely isn't enough to fully recover from a trauma.

[@Katimorton]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience!!! xoxo I am glad it helped you some!! xoxo

[@SerafinaP86]

This is really good to know. I tried talk therapy and was retraumatized just by trying to talk about my situation... I'm hopeful that EMDR will help me start the process

[@whuptushi3611]

Sounds like the EMDR therapist wasn't trained to work with complex trauma. It is possible to use EMDR to address deeper developmental issues that compound the more recent trauma.

[@karimahnaimah]

@@SerafinaP86 This is exactly how I feel right now. Went to a traditional talk therapy appointment and have been crying every day since then. Felt too traumatizing to talk about what happened to me.

[@EmberlyGenesis]

@@DaMarshmellow what the fuck is wrong with you

[@tammythomas5100]

EMDR has been crucial in my recovery. Thanks for the video!

[@pinkstar9430]

I did one EMDR session with my therapist and after I left the session I felt some weight lifted off my shoulders. It truly allowed me to be open and make my inner self feel better, and in control. I would like to try it again to continue processing other traumatic moments in my life.

[@eden9036]

EMDR does not have to be for severe trauma's. For my anxiety and eating disorder treatment I am having EMDR to process through 'mild' situations that have started or emphasized the negative thought patterns I am stuck in right now. They are not a real trauma but processing through them is very helpfull in the treatment!

[@matthewscott1091]

I’m a very skeptical person so when my psychologist suggested EMDR I was hesitant but I trusted him and tried it. It worked wonders for my body image issues, eating disorder & overall self esteem (concerning my appearance). We used the tappers & long story short over many months I was able to reshape the way I thought people thought about me! I was basically constantly worried others were judging me. “What a (insert word) fatty, slob, loser, freak etc” He with the help of EMDR helped me see that just because I am hyper aware of my surroundings & others appearances doesn’t mean everyone else is. As painful as it was I also had to admit that I wasn’t ugly. I wasn’t fat. They were just lies I told myself. Now I’m just trying to work on my “inner self esteem” which is incredibly low. If only it didn’t seem so daunting. 😕 But Yes EMDR was a great tool for me for many issues & VERY relaxing. 👍🏻

[@LizColeVlogs]

I have had EMDR therapy and it was, as your client experienced, key to my recovery. The reason I went for it was that a friend explained how it helped her work through a trauma that she found herself ruminating about every day for the previous ten years! I was struggling with ruminating thoughts about a more recent trauma so I went. I got even more out of it as the therapist also took me through thorough psychotherapy too but I can thoroughly recommend EMDR therapy.

[@Kristian179]

Can you make a video on the possibility and your stance of psychedelics being able to be used for possible future therapy !

[@ChristyLynn313]

Great Question!

[@sarahemily8241]

No no no horrible for us with mental illness

[@BWheels888]

@@sarahemily8241 are you speaking from experience? I've had great results from both microdosing and larger trips and integrating with a therapist is something I would really like to try.

[@australianresoluteminds]

I had my first EMDR session last week, and shed more tears in that 1 session that the last 5 years of therapy with other clinicians. My stress and anxiety levels for the next few days dropped, I think this is going to be the therapeutic method I've been needing for half of my life. PTSD is a horrific nightmare both literally and metaphorically. I'm really glad I found this great therapist, he's the PTSD clinician of choice for our emergency services I believe, & I see exactly why now.

[@negarkidman7545]

How did you feel after the session. I'm afraid of being re-traumatized after reliving the trauma.

[@kelsieshert7250]

my counselor did this with me when she noticed I would rock back and forth when I started to get a little worked up, we used the buzzers and it really seemed like it helped me. Thank you for the video kati! your amazing!!

[@burga7533]

I did EMDR using tappers, and also using my therapist tapping my legs. Like you said, it wasn't immediately life changing BUT... My last EMDR session was over a year ago. During my sessions I had created a mantra and a powerful helper (I called her "super-me") image to help me through rough things. I struggle with agoraphobia and just plain old anxiety, and I still use the image and mantra to help me be brave almost every day!

[@Ellen95]

If I started to get very panicked or distraught in therapy my therapist would give me the little vibrating emdr things and have me take some deep breaths and it always calmed me down and helped my speak about what I needed to again.

[@spiritwardiaries]

I started emdr a year ago, it has been a valuable tool for me. It has helped me with claustrophibia, panic attacks, and many other issues. Its not a panacea but it has def improved my quality of life. Thanks for the video.

[@Mason_87]

worked great for me. I told my wife i felt so good leaving those sessions and my level of anxiety considerably dropped. Such a great experience and the best part is you dont have to go through detail specific events if you are embarrassed earsily like me. I couldnt say better things about it.

[@lianneperry428]

You are so great, Kati. I'm an EMDR therapist and this video is an excellent one to share with my clients. Thank you!

[@shamikamarie6605]

I'm in stage 3 of therapy, stage 4 is when i do EDMR, I'm only 17 and have never heard of that before so thank you for this, really helped me understand a bit more :)

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Hi Kati: Thanks for your thoughtful review of EMDR! I love that you went through the 8 stages, and didn't focus only on the eye movements because it is a comprehensive therapy technique! I love using it with my clients because of the improvements I see - it is highly, highly effective for panic attacks, PTSD, recent traumatic events and a number of other things. I've posted a video on "How Does EMDR Work | And Can It Help Me?" which I think will also help people figure out if they should try it!

[@carmenwalker8889]

I've had 2 sessions of EMDR therapy and I can't believe what a difference this has made for me. I've been in therapy for about 2 years now, gone through DBT classes, but EMDR has been the most effective. It really hits the very source of my trauma. So thankful for this type of treatment.

[@like90]

I had EMDR therapy. It was really great for me. I ended up having disassociation and we had to keep me in the moment to be able to process my trauma, but it did work really well for me. I know it's supposed to be short term, but my therapy was over a year because I had a complicated trauma.

[@klcstudios4442]

Like90 was this with the nhs or paid?

[@Metroidkid97]

Did you ever have emotional numbness/detachment while having your dissociation period

[@LLWW]

I love EMDR therapy I've been doing it with my therapist along with IFS Therapy. I've had so much improvement. I would suggest EMDR for anyone with PTSD or trauma

[@elijaheiler5535]

Great video! I just want to add that the reason that REM sleep and bilateral stimulation in general works is because it sends rapid fire brain waves between the left and right sides of your brain. Often in traumatic situations the two halves of our brain stop "communicating" as all of the brain's energy is being put into whatever it thinks needs to happen to keep you safe (whether or not it's actually helpful in the moment, same with why executive functioning shuts off). So basically, you're going back into the trauma while manufacturing bilateral stimulation so that it can be effectively processed. Just wanted to add that so folks know there is a neurological reason for the eye movement/tapping/whatever kind of bilateral stimulation is being used.

[@Istpmom]

I’ve been through EMDR and it really helped. My therapist used back and forth movements with the fingers for me and then taught me as long as I feel safe and calm that I could do taping at home on myself and that (I feel) increased my ability to process it. I’m not sure i that’s advisable in all situations.

[@gorsgail]

I have done EMDR for certain traumas. I have found that for my complex PTSD due to several types of abuse as a kid it was overwhelming and I haven't found it all that helpful in the long run. HOWEVER, i did it after a car accident this last year that made it near impossible to go to work because of my PTSD reactions during driving. With that trauma it was immensely helpful and helped me go from a distress level of 9 (in 1 to 10 scale) from driving to a 2-3 distress level. I still have reactions but they are soooooo much less severe.

[@sweetcanyonsage]

After a childhood with daily abuse on all levels from 2 high ranking Marine Corp./Vietnam Vet parents and an extremely abusive brother (who tried to kill me 3 separate times) at age 42 I received this therapy and it really worked wonders for reprogramming my brain. Made it so..I'm..not looking over my shoulder all of the time and I can actually be mindful.present. I highly recommend it.

[@negarkidman7545]

How were the sessions? Did they feel traumatic? How were you feeling after the sessions?

[@kristend344]

I have had a great experience with emdr so far. I'm very grateful for the option. My provider has me go into the emotion of the memory. if it's anger, we have to go deeper for what preceded the anger. hold onto it as long as I can while watching the lights. it can be very very difficult to hold onto the emotion as the lights have an almost hypnotic soothing effect - but the longer I have been able to hold onto the negative emotion while watching the lights, the more emotion will come out and then it's gone. I have had two areas of trauma that we have completed, and there is no more negative emotion associated with the memories. those areas just feel "light". How well it works has been very surprising.

[@samurai9319]

How many sessions did it take to work through the two areas of trauma?

[@ct00001]

Very interesting that you mention REM sleep. I found that stopping my daily alcohol consumption has *dramatically* helped and sped up my recovery from cptsd. It's amazing how systemic and all pervasive it is.

[@Lillith8810]

My therapist wants to try this on me next week. I am looking forward to it. My mom had this done when it was new and she said it helped her a lot.

[@lavendermoon4734]

EMDR stresses me out because when I’m supposed to “imagine” things, I always worry about actually coming up with something and it ends up forced. My mind goes blank every time and I end up frustrated after

[@dealightful5745]

Can you think about the reasons that brought you to the session on the first place? Is your therapist giving you enough time to stay with your thoughts? Where is the worry coming from and what are you afraid about that triggers the worry?

[@lrherrel]

We are looking into this treatment for my 29 yr old stepson who has a lot of mental issues and substance abuse/addiction problems. Have read a lot all positive about EMDR, ART & RRT, which all sound similar yet all are performing amazing miracles

[@RianneZuur]

i had EMDR therapy a year ago for my cronical Pain disorder, It did'nt do much for the Pain that I Have all of the time but it did Help me to process the bad things that happend in the past, and I felt the difference after ons session It's wierd to Experience it or to discribe the feeling to someone Who never had EMDR. But i'm really glad that I did that therapy. Also Keep up the good job I really like your videos!

[@hazeleclipse5966]

I was very young when my first counselor used EMDR on me. I had no idea what it was and thought it was kind of silly. She sprung it on me after a couple sessions and I don’t even remember why she decided to try it with me. Now that I’m older, I feel like I want to try EMDR again to see if it will help me deal with childhood trauma I’m finally ready to face.

[@flowersafeheart]

That's so interesting; similar happened to me. As an adult I'm really curious to try it and some therapists gave recommended it to me... but as a teen years ago a therapist just sorta experimented with it and sprung it on me almost forceful and without explaining it. I don't think she was qualified or a good therapist in general though and also seemed depressed. As a teen I was also less able to assert myself and hadn't gone through all the deep healing and maturing and self-awareness I have now so back then therapy was in general a less empowering experience for me though at times very helpful. Really depended on which therapust and luckily I was fortunate enough to get to try a variety of therapists. But I wish I could've avoided the bad ones or been more able at the time to say no to ones who were a bad fit such as those who over-medicated and weren't emotionally intelligent or emotionally healthy or compassionate enough. Not everyone should be a therapist!

[@tacotestimonytuesday5930]

My therapist suggested emdr, and I watched in my research. I love how positive you are.

[@rOYmOnster]

I’m REALLY interested in EMDR therapy! Lot of childhood trauma.

[@peterk9445]

I struggled with things for years. I’m desperation I tried this about a year ago. It took me 3 sessions to change my life. I only cry now occasionally with gratitude.

[@dreamfury2351]

Thank you for your explanation! I was told about this from a customer of mine in which she described the therapy and recommended a specific therapist locally. Having researched and found that this therapy is highly accepted in the field, I actually put off calling for an appointment, (probably because I didn't want to deal with these memories), and it was the money and not knowing that it works. However, after trying self emdr on youtube on a couple minor, but negative memories, I was AMAZED at the result in my recall and everything you said would happen, happened! Having said this, these were not very troubling memories and I would recommend professional help if you feel you have, or have been diagnosed with PTSD or other very serious issues. And due to your excellent description of the therapy, I can now see the efficacy on relying on a trained professional to make sure clients get the best results possible in a top-down format and thorough professional approach and atmosphere, so to speak. God bless you. I can see that this can, has and will, help so many people!

[@kraytonh]

Kati, I subscribe and watch your videos weekly. I recently started brainspotting treatment for the trauma of my child's suicide. I get a lot of information out of your videos and I would like to request a video on the topic of brainspotting. Thank you for everything you do. 💙💜💙💜💙💜

[@ohdeniseluciani]

It would be amazing if you made a video about the different kinds of theraphy available, briefly explaining what are they for.

[@exastrisscientia9678]

I had EMDR and found it unbelievably helpful. The therapist I had knew I was a very cautious person and took her time. I would recommend looking into it if you're interested.

[@CloBareMoneyCoach]

So helpful. I've used EMDR and it was absolutely a game-changer. My therapist used the tappers and we still use them from time to time to process other components of the residual effects of the trauma like anxiety in dating. It's been hugely helpful and definitely agree that it's worth trying. It took me about four months to go through all the sessions, and at one point it got to be too intense that I had to stop the therapy and do some more talk therapy before we tried it again.

[@t1haena]

I am currently working with my therapist to treat my PTSD, and he informed me that he will be using EMDR as my main treatment. This is very helpful. Thank you Kati for this informative video. Keep up the good work! 😊👍🏻

[@rayflynn162]

English is dying, but here is someone using it correctly, thank you so much for saying (2:07) "They talk about how REM sleep is the reason THAT EMDR works," not "the reason WHY.. etc." I came across EMDR about half an hour ago, and your excellently presented video, along with the aforementioned great omen, has shown me that this is an avenue worth exploring.

[@erino.9336]

Kati Morton, you are the bee's knees. I am going through this process with my therapist currently and have found it so helpful! I am remembering memories I didn't even know I had. I am blessed to have a wonderful therapist who helps keep me grounded. Tapping works well for me. Thanks for the topic!

[@rissa_rose]

Thanks Kati! That was super informative. :) Would you mind doing a video on other forms of trauma therapy? Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Somatic Experiencing, etc. I feel like there's so much out there on EMDR, but not nearly enough on these other therapies.

[@alexahackett764]

As a trauma therapist, I would never use Prolonged Exposure with a client with CPTSD. They would never come back again.

[@SweetAmaretta]

Thank you for the video. It was good to hear this information from a psychotherapist that is not a EMDR specialist or using it in practice.

[@silee9]

Hey, thanks for your explanation. I've started "next" process of emotional-psychological healing. I say next cos I have spent 10+ years within difference Eastern spiritual traditional. Long story short, I've found my limits with "sitting on the meditation cushion." After indentifying my anxiety issues, wiht my GP doctor, following onto recommended assessors and therapies, I started to follow the trails on their recommended books: social/anxiety, panic attacks, worrying, GAD. This eventually lead me to trauma and a book by Arielle Schwartz, A Practical Guide TO Complex PTSD. That's when I came across EMDR. I've subscribed to your channel now ;)

[@musicmeg1993]

Hey Kati! Thank you for making this video. I know that you made it a few years ago now, but I'm about to embark on my EMDR journey (start tomorrow morning) and I've been feeling nervous about it. I've been reading up on it, but this video helped to make all of the pieces click together! Your videos are so informative and I appreciate them so much (even four years after the fact)! :)

[@hazelblumberg-mckee4912]

Thank you for explaining what EMDR is. I'm about to embark on it, and I'm so hoping it will help me.

[@jesscampbell7418]

Thank you so much for talking about this! A counsellor I've been seeing off and on suggested that emdr may benefit me but I didn't really understand it so this helps a lot!

[@Katimorton]

I am SO glad!!! Yeah it can sound kind of weird and scary.. but I am glad this video was helpful!! xoxo

[@VANITARE]

I have used this for almost 7 years in and off with my therapist and I find it so helpful along with dbt as well. Esp for bpd or PTSD :)

[@leonelson4704]

When I was inpatient my therapist did EMDR and it helped alot!!!

[@ginagasperini9855]

Thank you for explaining the process and what to expect, this was incredibly helpful

[@lifegenius763]

Thank you Katie. A very insightful video about EMDR.

[@florortiz2801]

I'm going to start my EMDR tomorrow I'm.so.excited!!!

[@amasterofone]

Last session my therapist asked me if I would like to try this to help me work through some past things that are now really holding me back presently. I'd heard this term but had no idea what it was so I said sure because I trust her and am open to trying new therapies. Thank you for this video!

[@koroshiya_1]

I am going to do start EMDR to process early childhood trauma. I'm excited to start this journey 😊

[@JackLee7223]

I've had EMDR treatment in the past, but I recently found a much more powerful way of using it. I would totally recommend anyone to explore EMDR. It can be used in positive, life affirming ways other than merely therapeutic ones.

[@jasminewhatchawaitingfor]

Jack in thinking the same thing. I haven't had EMDR professionally but have used the visuals on you tube. I have definitely felt a difference in the way I feel. I am going to see how I can ad positive statements in

[@CrazyLovee21]

I know I don't comment a lot on your videos and I have been subscribed for a really long time and you've helped me so so much love & I can't thank you enough for everything you do . You've helped so many people and you have such good intentions and a good heart . You're so amazing and I hope you stay that way .. Hope you're doing as well as you want us all to be .

[@Katimorton]

Awe thank you so much for this sweet comment :) You just made my day!!! xoxo

[@Katimorton]

Oh, and I am doing well!! Thanks for asking :) Still just a bit tired from VidCon xox

[@hilaryvanessa6118]

I did about three or four sessions of EMDR with my therapist and it honestly helped me so much

[@FoltmannsWifey]

I had the vibration things and I’m still working through it but it’s been a game changer for me

[@vanessarosen6656]

EMDR-sessions are exhausting in my experience. It always felt like I had run a marathon afterwards.

[@Katimorton]

YES!! They can be so tiring!! Thank you so much for bringing that up!! xoxo

[@carmenwalker8889]

That's so true, it is exhausting but I feel better afterwards.

[@sweetppink]

So I'm considering this, but at the same time I've been working with myself to recognize and come back. My recent flash backs come from finding my mother's body, so in my bedroom I have worked my way through game of thrones. Dissociating left and right but as an exercise of thanking my body for protecting me but remembering that I'm safe now. I'm crocheting as well to keep concentration when I would zone out before.

[@shakiestalocachica]

I did EMDR for childhood issues/bad memories that were giving me panic attacks when dealing with my family. It felt silly at the time, but after I did notice that the memories didn't have that Visceral gut churning, punch in the stomach feeling and I was able to to stand up for myself and remove myself from a bad situation which had previously not been possible. I do feel like these memories have been peacefully reintegrated, but it did take quite a lot of sessions to do that and it didn't correct my behaviours and habits that might have come from my past experiences.

[@HayleyLouise1996]

Hey Kati!! Thanks so much for doing a video on EMDR!! I'm currently maybe half way through my EMDR sessions and it's different but i feel it works a little, but it's a strange kind of feeling. I get really tired after each session and take a little nap to let the reprocessing start happening. But as you said some people agree others disagree, I guess it's just about finding a treatment that works for you. Kati your amazing and I'm so thankful for all you do in the world of social media and mental health awareness!! Sending my love from Australia! 💗🙌🏼💗 Hayley

[@cviejou]

Do you find it affects your sleep? Like nightmares or anything? I read that somewhere and it scared me a little.

[@katiedelove6527]

My therapist thinks that this will help me. I've had really, really intense nightmares that feel so very real for over a year. We both agree that it is my brain trying to process the trauma with no outlet or guidance. The problem? There is the chance that the "bad" will be like a leaky faucet between sessions and with the holidays upon us, and her office will be closed a good bit, which is a problem incase I have a flash back that sends me into a crisis (as they have before). Here's hoping this works! Thanks Kati!

[@joshuaburnell]

I've got chronic depression and PTSD from numerous counts of abuse from people as a child. I'm in the darkest point of my life. I have ceased all medication use in order to attempt working through this with a completely clear mind. I was on antidepressants from ages 11 to 20 and saw no real difference from antidepressants. Just trying to find some way to get out of this hell. I tend to leave my body and just stare when I have a flashback. My therapist suggested this and I will definitely look into it. I tried a psychedelic and was able to work out some of this within myself and am very hopeful for psychedelics therapy coming to the United States soon. I hope to get better soon because I don't know how much more I can handle.

[@floorboardss]

EMDR has worked wonders for me. I've only had one session so far, but being able to do it by myself in situations has really reduced my anxiety symptoms! I'm amazed!

[@phina2675]

I start EMDR this week. It's a little scary of the unknown but I trust my therapist. We shall see.

[@negarkidman7545]

How did it go?

[@irenebeck161]

My therapist just diagnosed me with EMDR and I can't read so your video help me out a lot thank you

[@TC-pz6zq]

I had this a while ago and I agree it was very helpful for me! My therapist had a light bar where the light traced from left to right that I followed with my eyes while we were talking. She suggested while mediating (something I already did) or first getting into bed, to close my eyes and slowly "look" left to right for a minute and be aware of breathing. I had 4 sessions with the EMDR light bar during a 6 week block. Very short but it was great for me. 😊

[@lauralowery5079]

hi Katie. Thank you for this video. I found it helpful. My therapist and I are just now "testing out" EMDR. It's basically the same process just done a little different. my old therapist would get frustrated because I'd talk about something hard, get triggered and then couldn't talk anymore. Then I would go into a traumatic response and she always had the hardest time getting me back out of it and in the present. so on a whim one day she started tapping (like the buzzers but w/ her hands) on my knees. it worked like a charm so my current therapist and I decided to try it. I we didn't do all 8 steps, I just had some really challenging things to talk about. I have a sensory disorder so the tappers didn't work but she tapped w/ her hands and it worked even yrs later. I was able to talk openly for the first time in 3 yrs about stuff that would otherwise cause me to switch (I was diagnosed with D.I.D 3 yrs ago) and I actually challenged the flashback! just wanted to let others know, if you have a good therapist, and a small part of EMDR doesn't work for (like the tappers) the process CAN be fudged a little to make it work for you. thanks again Kati

[@destinyheath6583]

My ED therapist is trained in emdr and recommend it today so I’m researching and this video was super helpful.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

It worked for me when I had about a dozen sessions around 2000. I had multiple traumas from age 5 to 8 including being with my parents when they found a guy who committed suicide,, and a cow trying to trample me at age 7.

[@Believer7yrr]

Thank you for creating this simple explanation. It really helped after trying to read about it.

[@eddmtz4028]

I'm 43 and studying Psicologhy as 2nd degree. I Want to specialize in EMDR once i end the degree. I AM self administrating this therapy and it is wokring stop me from overthink which was a headache to me daily. and now I can be calm relax with myself

[@CathyAndrew]

I've been trying to research EMDR for ages and this was the best description I could get! Thanks Kati!! xox

[@CathyAndrew]

also i hope you had a great time at vidcon

[@Katimorton]

I am so glad!! Happy to help :) xoxo I did have a great time.. still a bit tired though.. haha!! xoxo

[@CathyAndrew]

[@stephaniemangion2211]

My therapist actually suggested that we do this for me. I feel more at ease now that I know what is involved in the process.

[@tinaho2347]

The therapist I had a few years ago tried this with me using tappers and it did help. As I am currently looking for a therapist, I am hoping to find somebody who uses this.

[@sarahzehr7936]

This is my individual experience. I'm not discouraging anyone. EMDR for me was like a drug. Between sessions I would have panic attacks that lasted for hours at a time. Then as I continued I developed depression. Once the EMDR stopped I was fine. It caused so much grief and issues for me.

[@MarcoAce13]

sarah zehr can I ask how you intense your trauma and ptsd is? I have bad anxiety but I’ve never had anything intensely traumatic happen in life like a rape or abuse etc. so I wonder if it’d be a negative experience for me or not

[@hasselhoof]

I tried EMDR for the first time today. I still don’t know what to expect by recovery but I left the session feeling like I was grounded and on some type of drug! I also had a deep feeling of appreciation for my surroundings.. which was somthing I haven’t felt in a long time.. I don’t know if this makes sense with the treatment but I feel really positive about it xo ps thanks so much for this video

[@amandafloyd4036]

i came to this page after having an assessment by a specialist who suggested i try this. I had never considered that i had been through a trauma but I guess if it affects me 15 years on i need to try something! What you said matches with what the specialist explained to me but it is great to be able to pause and rewind and go over bits i missed! Thank you for your clear explanation!

[@CRYSTALNOODLES]

we will be starting EMDR therapy on the 22nd - well, we will be meeting with the specialist that day and talk to her about our specific situation - as always -thank you Kati for your insight :)

[@theresabell2638]

Thank you Kati my therapist has just ask me if I would like to do this and watching this has just help me to make a informed decision. Thanks again.

[@marlanalynn473]

Thank you very much for this video, I found it to be very helpful. I am training to be a hypnotherapist and keep hearing about EMDR and wanted to know more about it.

[@Mariaversaci197]

I just want to say this therapy has worked and helped me. My therapist made sure I was comfortable with them first and we did talk therapy beforehand for some time. I think its worth a try if you think it would help if you have ptsd or cptsd

[@vl2663]

I have severe social anxiety caused by trauma in my childhood and I really wish I could try this. My social anxiety has been so bad these last 6 years that I couldn’t finish high school and now I can’t have a life. I’m too scared to be around people and I get overwhelmed easily.

[@ricksaunders]

Ive been doing EMDR with my therapist for adoption-related issues. We tried the zappers...which since she got a new phone kept failing, so we switched to her tapping on my knees and yesterday I had an absolutely amazing and positive experience which I feel has helped me tremendously. I usually suffer from RBF (resting bitch face) and yesterday I was smiling and felt like what I imagine a "normal" non-adopted person might feel like who's in a strong familial relationship. Dare I say I felt more "whole" than Ive ever felt. This was after doing 3 EMDR sessions combined with talk therapy over the last 6 months. I highly recommend it.