Hi

I have a feeling this question may divide opinion.

Is it possible to administer EMDR to yourself at home?
There are couple of reasons I ask. Firstly, because I would like a way of calming myself and getting rid of that angst that can build through the day. I think if I could do that, and diffuse the pain before it becomes stored as additional trauma that would be good.
I had EMDR during integrated therapy about four years ago. That lady seemingly no longer practices. I am having therapy at the moment and have been seeing this lady for almost a year. She does not do EMDR. I don't really want to have treatment from two people - because I can't really afford two fees. I don't feel like swapping my current therapist as I am just building my relationship with her. Starting from scratch with someone else for treatment is very hard work. Therefore, if I could use techniques at home that would help, that would be great.
When I had EMDR before, she used theratappers - little devices that you hold in your hand that buzz from one hand to the other. It was quite, well, therapeutic. I really found that they soothed me. I even thought about buying myself some - but they were over £100. The therapist suggested that I do tapping instead (kind of like emotional freedom technique).
I wondered if I took 5 or 10 minutes each day and did the tapping (by gently tapping on my collarbone in a slow and alternating pattern) if that would help. I know someone who had EMDR and he used to simply tap her shoulders in a slow alternating pattern, instead of using a pendulum, theratappers or a moving light etc. So my method would be similar.
For anyone who is concerned that I would not be supervised by an expert......I would not be processing any deep trauma, just the tension that has build through the day. I would intend to leave my deep trauma to my counselling sessions. As I said before this is to stop the tension building and overwhelming me. I also thought it may stop me ruminating on the events of the day.
Does anyone else have any ideas or thoughts.
Thanks for your time.
Snookie
