Compassion, Autumn 2021

Autumn 2021 - Compassion | www.tcf.org.uk 15 EMDR can also be used for imagined situations, as in the case of my son’s traumatic death. Again, through the same structured approach, I was able to process my vision of the events. This was the toughest and longest session, but the therapist persevered gently and I’m so thankful that she did. The final processed memory evolved into what I can only describe as a spiritual scene. I was in no way expecting this and I am certainly not in this spiritual space ordinarily either. After the session ended I broke down, knowing Samuel was safe and where he needed to be. How to know if EMDR is right for you My EMDR experience was unique to me. I understand that it doesn’t work for everyone. However, I would recommend that if talking therapies aren’t working for you, or if you are left with memories or traumatic images that don’t shift, then do seek EMDR out. EMDR therapy has got me to a place where I can start to move forward. It might do the same for you. Suzanne Howes If you would like to read more about EMDR, we have the book ‘My Sister Milly’ in our TCF library. Practise Deep Breathing for Stress Management Deep breathing helps you deal with stress, tension, anxiety, and anger. It is also called diaphragmatic breathing. It helps in many ways. Steps for this exercise: • Find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted. • You may want to sit in a comfortable chair or lie on the floor with a pillow under the small of your back. • Breathe in through your nose, slowly and deeply, pushing your stomach out as you breathe in. • Say the word "relax" silently as you breathe out. Picture your stress and tension begin to leave as you breathe out, slowly through your mouth, letting your stomach come in. Repeat these deep breaths 10 times. You will notice how much more relaxed you feel after a very few minutes of controlled breathing. Do this 5 times a day.