EMDR - does it work? And recommendations please!
Hi All, I've been struggling with depression, anxiety, ptsd and very low self worth for almost 11 years now. I have read extensively about EMDR and how it helps with dealing with the distressing physical symptoms of anxiety which I struggle with a LOT. I am wondering if anyone could share their experience if you're comfortable doing so and if anyone has recommendations for an EMDR therapist. Thank you so so much. I am grateful for any responses.
Thanks so so much in advance!
Jan 3, 2019
Parent Replies
Hi I went to see Harvey Todd in Berkeley after a very traumatizing family event that happened to me a few months before . Talk therapy didn’t really help, so I went to see him as a last resort. After 2 sessions I felt a lot better, I can now recall the event with sadness still ,but the anxiety and physical pain have greatly reduced. Todd is very attentive and knows what to do. I’m not sure if he takes insurance, I paid in full but I think he does financial help. Good luck
Thanks so much for your response. Todd deas have great reviews on yelp as well. I have young kids and want to be around for them....
Yes it can work. I saw April Wise in Orinda several years ago. Not sure if she is still practicing but she was excellent.
I don't even know if my therapist is still in practice (For the record Meg Whitaker Greene) I did regular talk therapy with her, but also EMDR for PTSD. I really did work for me.
My EMDR therapist is great! When I first went, she and I were able to work through a list of big issues I had had for years in less than 8 sessions. I know that sounds quick, but that's how EMDR works. Four years later and I've returned to work on a huge lifelong issue. It is amazing how both sides of your brain, working in unison, can flip the script on one's past and present. I see Erika Masak Goldman, her office is in Rockridge above Market Hall (free parking underground). Feel free to reach out for more info, and good luck!
I found it very helpful. I met with Gina McCarthy, who's also a former L&D RN, re: the scary birth of our first child. I wanted to make sure I would be fine for our 2nd. After about 6 sessions, I got through. Basically I reimagined the worst moment of his birth, which is when I was told of a terrible diagnosis from the neonatal neurologist. Our child is fine. But still from time to time I'd have an anxiety attack reading about babies with developmental delays. So my EMDR therapist had me re-imagine that meeting with the neurologist, this time with a close friend of ours coming from the present, to assure me that all was fine- our child is in school, reading at or beyond grade level, being his wonderful self. Tears of relief and elation fell out of my eyes. Now, fast forward a few months later; and our second child also needs an emergency c-section. And it was fine- I'm quite sure w/o EMDR I'd've totally freaked. No analysis. No talk talk talk. Give it a try.