Entering a trauma-focused session may seem like entering some huge area filled with both hope and fear of what you will need to confront. Are you going to cry? Are you going to recount your whole story? To answer that question, the simple answer is "no." Your first session will serve more as a time of preparation and safety planning.
When individuals seek out PTSD therapy EMDR, many may worry about how their first day might go. The professional will make sure that you walk out of there feeling more secure than when you entered.
How EMDR Fits Into PTSD Therapy
EMDR therapy is a scientifically validated technique that is endorsed by the APA, VA, and WHO for treating trauma. EMDR therapy has eight stages, out of which reprocessing occurs in the latter stages only.
The initial session lasting between 60 and 90 minutes involves Phases 1 and 2, namely history-taking and preparation. Reprocessing will not be done at this point. The aim is to learn more about your symptoms, determine coping strategies, and ensure that your nervous system is ready for the process of bilateral stimulation.
Your First Appointment Is About Safety, Not Reliving
Be prepared for dialogue, not questioning. The therapist will:
- Conduct an assessment of your history, current stressors, and objectives.
- Evaluate for the presence of dissociation, any physical concerns, and your support system.
- Train you on grounding techniques such as imagining a peaceful place, breathing exercises, and container technique.
- Discuss bilateral stimulation methods, including eye movement, light bar, alternating taps, or sounds, and then give you a choice.
You set the pace. Should discussions about childhood or core beliefs become delicate, the clinician will slow down and practice resourcing with you.
What Bilateral Stimulation Actually Feels Like
Once you begin processing (usually in sessions 2-4), you will be aware for about 20-60 seconds of focusing on an image or a thought in addition to tracking the stimulus, and then stopping and seeing what changes occurred. The therapists will compare your brain to the first-class passenger riding next to them, both observing the scenery going by. You have the choice of pulling into an emergency brake at any time.
Finding Culturally Attuned Support
The process is much more effective when your values are taken into account during the treatment. Should your culture and faith be relevant for you as part of the process, find out about How to Find a Muslim Counselor Who Gets You.
For women interested in an integrative therapy, Amanah Counseling provides online counseling services in compliance with HIPAA rules and regulations, conducted by Najwa Awad, LCSW-C. The practice deals exclusively with trauma-informed psychotherapy that embraces both the science and spirituality of psychological recovery, such as 60-minute EMDR treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to share every detail of my trauma in the first session?
Not at all. The technique concentrates on how the memory was recorded rather than repeating the whole story.
Will I lose control or get overwhelmed?
No. You will stay aware and able to stop at any time, while techniques for preparing are done beforehand.
How long does the first appointment last?
Typically the first intake session lasts 60 to 90 minutes, while the subsequent sessions are about 50-60 minutes long.
Sign in to leave a comment.