Carrie Kause

Michael, I’m currently doing EMDR treatments for PTSD. After the first 3 sessions I had to explain to my therapist that I have aphantasia. She had no idea what it was and thankfully talked to other psychologists who have worked with clients who have aphantasia. My PTSD was from a car accident. She was trying to have me visualize back to the accident which I was unable to do. She also tried me to feel the emotions of the accident or my fears. I was unable to do that either as I know longer ‘feel’ anything. Due to having a concussion also I was unable to watch the ball going across the screen but I was able to do the audio and zapper. We focus on the sensations that I feel when doing the actual therapy instead such as fuzziness in head, eyes fluttering, holding my breath, twitching, throat closing. Once those physical symptoms surface I then repeat the my positive statements I’m working on such as It’s over, I am safe now. Honestly I’ve done 18 sessions now and at first I didn’t think it was working but now that we are focusing on the here and now, I usually have a rise in panic attacks for a day or two and then a break through. 8 months ago I couldn’t even sit in the drivers seat, then I was able to graduate as a passenger but still having severe panic attacks where I would scream, hiss and cry uncontrollably. Now I am able to drive up to 20 minutes. I have been doing indirect breathwork and honestly have found more success with that.