way too longwinded, horrible index and TOC, none of the techniques r elaborated in any detail, and contains AT MOST one technique that is unique to the system of EMDR. has little more therapeutic value than a generic commercial self-help book ( )

Getting Past Your Past by Dr. Francine Shapiro utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Remodeling (EMDR) therapy to help you overcome your struggles. My first impression is one of confusion because I don’t actually know what EMDR is. However, it does sound quite interesting so I continue reading.

The idea of EMDR is to allow yourself to process memories or sensations that might be affecting your cognition in the present. It is based on the idea of digesting experiences when you sleep using Rapid Eye Movement. I don’t exactly know why it works, but it seems that it does for a number of people. So in order to process these memories, you have to bring them to your current awareness and deal with them. The book includes techniques bring these memories to the forefront of your consciousness and other techniques to deal with those very same memories. Some of them I have heard of while others are new to me.

As with most guides that deal with crucial events and memories, you probably shouldn’t do this yourself if you have a serious issue. The book does have a disclaimer in it so that is usually an indication that the information in it could be upsetting or dangerous. Seriously, if you have a large problem like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or something along those lines it is best to seek professional aid.

I liked the book well enough even though it did have some disturbing and terrible personal stories in it. The advice and sliver of hope that it offers compensate for it pretty well. Many of the people in the book that did share their experiences hoped that they would be able to help others and that is fantastic. ( )

At first, I liked this book. I went into it open-minded and ready to learn about dealing with my past. But as the book progressed, EMDR seemed more and more pseudo-scientific. My attitude shifted from treatment I would seek out for myself or loved ones to something to avoid. ( )