EDMR freed memories

[Toby]

May trigger but nongraphic

Just wanted to do a shout out that EDMR if done by a Trauma Therapist or someone with trauma licensing/experience can assist in major recovery.

Concurrent CBT (or DBT) is highly recommended to dissipate the additional & escalating stress prior to  integration of the repressed or suppressed memories. Cleansing demons (metaphorically)can be hard.

*Repressed memories are involuntary; (one is not aware that those experiences did exist).
     
*Suppressed memories are voluntary; (one consciously avoids in order to forget).


I had a transitional shift in awareness as I recovered those lost memories and more fully understood why I suppressed the rest. My self identification as a child had been altered through the incest, mind control and abuse.

Because PTSD is a condition that must be regulated in order to function, survive and thrive...during the release of those traumatic memories, the return comes in nonspecific waves, as it was stored in the brain. Correlated with fragmented bits and pieces (much like bytes of data), I found it overwhelming at times and was exhausted from the new flashbacks arriving.

However, after a time with safety words used during therapy and other valuable techniques being employed (journal, self soothing, self-care, positive reframe, comfort objects, ect) slowly everything gelled and I became more whole.

But it wasn't until the internet's arrival and then some time later before other victims (now survivors) grouped together offering the support necessary for me to loose the shame, that was never mine to begin with.

I believe every therapy can offer another step in recovery, in the right season and the right time.

[Rain]

Wow!   This is so wonderful to read, Toby!

Way to go on your recovery path, and thank you for sharing what is working.

Was you EMDR therapist familiar with CPTSD?   I assume so since you said "Trauma Therapist"

Did you find a way to do a search for the trauma licensing?

This was quite helpful in reading this.

[Toby]

(((Rain)))

Thank you for your kindness as well as warmth. You know you are among your own kind when therapy is reviewed with excitement, yes? 

I have had many therapist over the years,for one as I become 'ready' for more work in certain areas, two as I moved a bit, three as I am senior age, four as my C-PTSD will not ever disappear but can be regulated. Also new trauma can plug into the wounds until unraveled.

My therapists have included some authors of books, or recommended by other therapist as I sought them not to be a snob but because I had a compounded traumas & one therapist had been a sexual predator. I was determined to research until I found someone I could be safe with explaining the sexual violations. However my favorite gentle therapist was Yahweh's invention.

The EDMR PhD Therapist was actively involved in having that technique accepted during the late 1980's and I was most fortunate. He was very strong in many areas of undoing mind conditioning or brain washing (as he made it his passion as he was Jewish and had relatives in those Nazi camps).

Now at this time, therapist specialize in trauma and are certified. I am acquainted with a few at this time because I gravitate subconsciously to those whom speak of mental health and some of our buzz words for recovery.

Wanting to feel 'normal' or at least be accepted in 'normal' circles can be an unspoken or underlying theme for many whom suffer. I had to work on social cuing most of my life because of the disconnect patterns of PTSD and lack of awareness of social cuing do to the home style imprisonment or confining aspect of me with my FOO.

Hope this helps.

Question- for some reason this board would not let me use G>O>D. It comes out G** with asterisks. Is this an Atheist Forum or is this an odd occurrence with my user end at this time? I do not recall that in Out of the Fog Forum. Is there a place or someone that I can address this properly.

[Kizzie]

Hi Toby -  I have adjusted the filter so this should not happen anymore.  If you have any other problems you can always PM me.

Kizzie

[Rain]

Hi Toby, nice to meet you and thank you for your kind words, and your warmth as well.

As to your EMDR therapist, was / is he familiar with CPTSD?   I assume so since you said "Trauma Therapist"    We have had people with bad EMDR experiences on the forum as they lacked CPTSD knowledge

And, I'm sorry I was not clear.   My key question is the "trauma licensing"     What specifically is the term to search for?

Sooo, if someone is looking for an EMDR therapist, how do we know how to make sure they are licensed for trauma, knowledgeable about CPTSD?    Let me know if this is not clear.  Thanks so much!


I am so glad you had a successful experience with EMDR.   Yeah!

And, I'm sorry to you had that awful experience with your FOO.   Not a loving experience.   All the years of therapy from what FOO's do. 

[Toby]

Whew!!! Thanks Kizzie for the info as well as the allowance in censorship.

~~~
Rain,

C-PTSD is not officially recognized in the DSM5 so certification is geared to various traumas & techniques that can be billed and lessen the insurance concern. The EDMR + C-PTSD (nonexisting cert) is not the main crux for effective therapy.

In just my humble opinion, it transcends that in many ways and needs to be tailored between a good match of the therapist and patient, the experience of the therapist and consideration of the entire patient's personality factors. Trust needs to be securely established and EDMR is a radical approach that is grueling for both parties.

An example of additional certifications in the USA would be: Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).

For many PTSD folks I have known, many preferred Somatic Therapy. However, again as I was hypnotized and mind controlled, I wanted the gut wrenching radical  jolt in order to know what happened and be free.

Simply inquire of the therapist what you need to know of his/her experience as you zero down to your choice. If they can't communicate, shame on them.

[Rain]

Hi Toby,  thanks on the CCTP certification information!   Your referring to "trauma licensing" is what got my attention in your first post.

Are there other certifications in trauma that you know of?


Thanks again, and much healing in your Journey, Toby!   

[Toby]

Rain,

Each state has their own licensing board or the National Psychological Association which will elaborate upon contact which acronyms denote trauma techniques that are licensed and billable in one's state or country. Each authentic license has a license number that can be verified with the said agency.

The acronym for Clinical Psychology is Psy.D. and the Ph.D. in Psychology are offers that certain criteria was met to fulfill current educational requirements which naturally include evidence methods for treating trauma. REM as well as Somatic Licensing does exist in some states and countries. However, many therapist are simply wording that they took courses or are saying they are certified.

To further confirm that a specialist has taken an accredited course or course(s) during their CCE or program that is in compliance with billing as well as sound, contact:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002        Phone: (202) 336-5979/E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org  Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Also Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) is another good source.

As education offers the acronyms on such degrees they could address your question with valid acronyms that are transferable state to state or acknowledged in yours. I have noticed inconsistency of acronyms between that of trade colleges, state universities and  countries...and over time.

Also, please remember that your connection to the therapist is a must despite their paperwork, so get a few names to consider once you find what you need and start searching. Often authors will reference others...they can be a vital resource for referrals from further following up on the websites or from contact through E-mail. That is how I often located some of mine, but sometimes those recognized are costly. lol And now I could not afford as such. However, sometimes one can be blessed or lady luck is with us, yes? So try anyhow!!!!!

As you find out your need set, I am sure you will share your findings and assist many others!
This post at this time is pretty much the best I can offer.

[Rain]

Thank you very much, Toby!   You're my hero today.   

1) Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

2) Know that Psy.D. and Ph.D. in psych means it is reasonable to expect they have trauma training.

3) Interview the therapist, and if trauma CEs are referred to, they can be verified.

It does seem the "trauma licensing" is lean these days, which you have verified.    I did find http://traumapro.net/ last year which has the CCTP along with others.    I thought there might have been more.  Sadly not.

Van der Kolk, and Peter Levine web sites, of course.   It is still amazing how CPTSD was officially approved for the DSM in 1994, but not included ...then to now.

Thanks again, Toby!

[Toby]

(((Rain)))

You are my heroine as you are embracing your recovery in earnest and with passion! This zeal will afford you the best possible care. I am excited for you.