"I’ve learned more about myself in 12 sessions than I would have imagined possible"

I came to the service needing help dealing with a traumatic experience that occurred 12 years ago. I had dealt with issues surrounding the experience over the years but realised that the coping mechanisms I had built were no longer working and I needed help to actually deal with the trauma.

The recommended treatment was EMDR and I honestly believe that it is the only treatment that would have worked for me. The treatment journey was not the easiest as I had to delve deeply into a memory that I’d pushed away for a very long time.

Many of the days were difficult but if you asked me if I’d do it again I’d do it in a heartbeat. No question. I feel that the treatment has been extremely successful and I’ve not only dealt with the traumatic experience from 12 years ago, I’ve also learned new coping mechanisms for everyday life.

I’ve learned more about myself in 12 sessions than I would have imagined possible and I’ve emerged more confident in decisions that I make. I also learned that it’s ok not to be “perfect” or my version thereof. I would recommend this treatment to those who have had a traumatic experience with absolutely no hesitation.

With regards to my clinician, I cannot speak more highly of her. She took the sessions at my pace and had praise at just the right moments, particularly those when I felt I hadn’t made any progress at all.

Her input was enough to set me on the right track to deciphering things my mind had buried (very deeply) and was extremely good at reading what needed to be said to ensure I was calm enough to continue on.