Her memories had chained her. EMDR gave her the key to freedom
Previously in Therapy Toolbox: Rikki came for treatment for a single-incident trauma. She’d had a kitchen fire and became crippled by panic and anxiety since. In the first installment (issue 696), Rikki learned about trauma and the brain, developed mindfulness practice, and learned panic-reducing strategies such as developing an imaginary safe space and other resourcing techniques. In the second installment (issue 713), Rikki learned about memory making, the basis of EMDR therapy, and practiced visualization and the EMDR eye movements.
The next week, Rikki came in determined.
“Abby, I’m ready. I practiced mindfulness, safe space, and deep breathing. I spoke to my husband about what I’ll need after this session for space and time to process if necessary, and I practiced my visualization. Let’s do this!”
I laughed. “You got it, Rikki. We can start today for sure. It’s great you’ve been so diligent in practicing all those strategies. First, though, how was your week in terms of your fire anxiety?”
“It was okay. When I cooked, I tried to visualize a successful outcome beforehand. And I think it helped. But I still have a knot in my stomach when I get near the stove. I just want to get back to normal.”
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