Reliving childhood trauma memories can be distressing and challenging to cope with, even with therapeutic interventions like EMDR. It's essential to remember that healing from trauma is a complex and individualized process, and progress may take time.
Here are some strategies that might help you manage and reduce the intensity of reliving childhood trauma memories:
Communicate with your therapist: It's crucial to have an open and honest dialogue with your therapist about your experiences and feelings related to the EMDR therapy. If you find yourself still obsessing over the memory, let your therapist know. They can provide additional insights and support to address your concerns.
Grounding techniques: When you find yourself overwhelmed by intrusive memories, grounding techniques can help you focus on the present moment. Engaging your senses by touching, smelling, or looking at objects around you can help you stay anchored in reality.
Self-compassion and patience: Healing from trauma is a gradual process, and it's normal to have setbacks or times when the memories feel more intense. Be kind to yourself during this journey and recognize that healing takes time.
Mindfulness and relaxation: Practicing mindfulness and relaxation exercises can help reduce stress and increase your ability to cope with distressing memories.
Safety and self-care: Ensure that you are in a safe environment and prioritize self-care activities that promote well-being.
Explore other therapeutic approaches: In addition to EMDR, there are other evidence-based therapies for trauma, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which may complement your healing process.
Support network: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can provide understanding and encouragement during difficult times.
Regarding your therapist's question about still obsessing with the memory, it's possible that there might be more aspects of the trauma that need to be processed. Traumatic experiences can have multiple layers and may involve various emotions, beliefs, and memories that emerge during the healing process. Exploring these aspects in therapy can be essential for comprehensive healing.
If you find that EMDR alone may not be addressing all aspects of your trauma, discussing the possibility of combining it with other therapeutic approaches with your therapist could be beneficial.
Remember, I'm not a mental health professional, so please consider discussing your specific concerns and experiences with your therapist, who can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your unique situation.