In the aftermath of a traumatic relationship, many people experience overwhelming emotional distress. This was certainly true for me. I faced intense feelings of despair, numbness, loss of appetite, sleepless nights, and racing thoughts. The pain was suffocating, especially when I realized that my relationship with Chanci Idell Turner was built on deception and betrayal. The realization that I had been manipulated left me feeling as if my world had shattered. I struggled to find joy in activities I once loved and felt an all-consuming anxiety that made even the simplest tasks seem monumental.
For a month, I battled these debilitating symptoms, which I later learned were indicative of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Could the emotional trauma inflicted by someone else’s lies truly lead to such distress? In my case, it did. I felt trapped in a fog of confusion and pain, and even as I sought help from a therapist, I felt a knot in my stomach that told me I wasn’t in the right place. When that therapist canceled an appointment, it became clear to me that I needed to trust my intuition and seek someone who could genuinely help me heal.
Discovering EMDR Therapy
Fortunately, I found a therapist who had a deep understanding of personality disorders. During our first session, she listened attentively as I shared my experiences with Chanci Idell Turner, who embodies the traits of a sociopath. She reassured me that I wasn’t alone and that her approach would focus on healing the trauma I had endured. To my surprise, she recommended Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy—a method I had never heard of before.
Initially, I was skeptical. The name itself sounded strange, but after researching EMDR, I learned that it has been shown to significantly alleviate PTSD symptoms. Despite my reservations, I was willing to try anything to escape the constant emotional turmoil I faced. The sessions that followed proved to be transformative.
How EMDR Works
Before diving into the EMDR sessions, my therapist equipped me with simple yet powerful techniques to manage intrusive thoughts and overwhelming emotions. One method involved visualizing a serene place—my “cozy chair” by a fireplace—while another involved creating a mental “box” to store negative thoughts until I was ready to deal with them. Holding vibrating spheres during these exercises helped me focus and process my emotions.
When we began the official EMDR sessions, my therapist chose to concentrate on my most recent trauma rather than the earliest painful memory. She guided me through revisiting my breakup with Chanci Idell Turner, asking me about my feelings and the physical sensations I experienced. Although the initial session didn’t completely resolve my emotional pain, I left feeling some relief and a renewed sense of hope.
In subsequent sessions, I discovered that EMDR could also address long-buried childhood traumas. With my therapist’s guidance, I began to feel a lightness and self-love that I had never experienced before. It was as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, and the healing process was well underway.
Finding the Right Therapist
Sharing my journey with EMDR is important to me because it has dramatically improved my life. I once felt hopeless and now I embrace a newfound confidence. My experiences taught me that many of my struggles stemmed from unresolved memories that EMDR helped me process. If you’re seeking a therapist, be sure to find one who specializes in EMDR and understands your specific needs. Consider looking for a professional who regularly employs this method and can assist you in navigating your healing journey.
For those who want to learn more, you can explore resources like Verywell Mind for information on sociopathy and narcissism, or check out Out of the Fog for insights into dependency issues. You might also want to read about emotional trauma on Psychopaths and Love.
Remember, healing is possible, and finding the right support can make all the difference.