What Happens After EMDR Therapy Sessions?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful treatment for individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties. Many clients experiencing EMDR therapy wonder what comes after completing EMDR with a licensed therapist.
Let’s explore what individuals can expect in the aftermath of EMDR and how this therapy can lead to transformative changes in their mental health.
What Should I Expect After EMDR Therapy?
Immediate Effects of Experiencing EMDR Therapy
After completing EMDR therapy sessions, clients often experience a sense of relief and calm. Many individuals find the distressing memories or triggers that once haunted them will feel less intense or vivid.
The effects might be more subtle than you’d expect. Oftentimes, clients expect the experience of EMDR to be intense and the sense of completion to be a big, dramatic transformation.
The opposite is often the case—your mind can process the traumatic events of your past, and once complete, you find a gentle sense of neutrality towards the distressing event. The shifts are often more subtle. Perhaps you are less reactive to a boss or coworker, calmer on the subway, gentler with your child. These shifts should be able to integrate into your day-to-day world, allowing you to live more calm and connected to the present moment.
Slow and steady makes for lasting change.
EMDR Therapy Side Effects
After EMDR sessions, you might feel tired due to the intensive mental work your brain does while reprocessing past experiences. This is totally normal! If possible, try to block off time in your calendar following an EMDR therapy session for rest and relaxation. A gentle walk in the park, time in nature, hanging with your pet. Try to avoid immediately jumping into the next thing. Give your brain and body time to rest.
It’s common to experience vivid or unusual dreams for a few nights as your brain continues this process. Fortunately, EMDR therapy side effects are generally minimal and short-lived.
If you notice any other side effects, it’s important to contact your EMDR therapist for guidance. One of the biggest advantages of EMDR therapy is that the side effects are typically mild, allowing you to continue with your day and week as usual.
What is the end result of EMDR?
After completing the 8 stages of EMDR, your cluster of memories associated with the traumatic event should be cleared. A cleared cluster means that while you know the event happened, you no longer feel distressed when thinking about it in the present.
It’s not a big, cinematic release, but rather a subtle, energetic shift that all is okay.
Integration and Reflection
In the days and weeks following EMDR therapy, clients may continue to process the experiences and insights gained during sessions. It’s common for individuals to reflect on their progress and notice shifts in their emotional responses.
Individuals may experience setbacks or temporary fluctuations in mood or symptoms during the integration phase. This is totally normal and can be part of the natural ebb and flow of healing. The period of integration is crucial as the brain continues to reorganize and consolidate adaptive information to establish a new pattern.
Reduced Symptoms
One of the primary benefits of EMDR therapy is a reduction in symptoms associated with trauma and anxiety. Clients often report fewer intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or panic attacks. This reduction in symptoms contributes to an overall improvement in the individual’s quality of life and functioning.
Improved Mood
As EMDR therapy targets and resolves underlying trauma, clients frequently notice improvements in their mood and self-esteem. They may feel lighter, more optimistic, and capable of engaging more fully in their daily activities.
They have a greater capacity to stay present, calm and centered, rather than moving into reactivity.
Better Coping Skills
By processing past traumas and associated triggers, individuals develop enhanced coping skills. They learn healthier ways to manage stress, regulate emotions, and navigate challenging situations. This newfound resilience empowers peole to face future stressors with greater confidence and adaptability.
Improved Relationships
Healing from past trauma often positively affects interpersonal relationships. As individuals become more secure, they may communicate more openly, set healthier boundaries, and engage more authentically with loved ones. EMDR therapy can facilitate deeper connections and begin to heal relationships that were damaged by trauma.
Ongoing Growth and Maintenance
It’s important to recognize that the benefits of EMDR therapy can continue to unfold over time. People may find themselves gradually integrating new perspectives and insights into their lives. Some individuals choose to pursue additional therapy or support to further enhance their well-being and maintain their progress.
Monitoring Progress
After completing EMDR therapy, mental health professionals often recommend periodic check-ins to monitor progress and address any emerging issues. These follow-up sessions serve as an opportunity to ensure that the therapeutic gains are sustained and to provide additional support if needed.
Next Steps in Exploring EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy can have profound and lasting effects on individuals’ mental health and well-being. Beyond the immediate relief of symptoms, clients often experience significant improvements in mood, self-confidence, and relationships.
The integration of EMDR therapy into one’s life marks the beginning of a journey toward personal growth.
If you’re considering beginning EMDR therapy or have completed EMDR treatment, remember that each person’s experience is unique. It’s essential to discuss your progress and ongoing needs with your mental health professional to optimize your healing journey.
With the right support and commitment, EMDR therapy can pave the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future.
At Third Nature Therapy, we offer both remote and in-person EMDR therapy in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Reach out to set up a free, 15-minute consult call to explore more.
More notes on EMDR therapy:
JULIE GOLDBERG is the founder of Third Nature Therapy, a therapy group based in Brooklyn, New York offering holistic mental health care for people seeking a different perspective on wellbeing. Our services include EMDR, EMDR intensives, somatic therapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.