The brain is a powerhouse that not only controls our behaviors but also catalogues our memories and experiences. When details are considered unnecessary for the present moment, the brain stores them away for future use.
However, after a traumatic experience, this information scatters, refusing to be filed away properly. Deciding to explore eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be helpful to pull together the pieces and process your memories correctly.
While you might understand the purpose of EMDR, the effects may be an unfamiliar concept. If you’re interested in starting EMDR, understanding what to expect can ease any uncertainties you might have. Let’s go through what you can expect.
Immediate Reactions
For the EMDR process to be effective, you must open yourself up to the idea of being vulnerable. After your initial session, you may feel emotionally raw or even physically drained. It’s also normal to feel a bit foggy afterwards.
EMDR helps you tap into your brain’s natural healing mechanisms by simulating a REM sleep state. This aids your brain in forming new neural pathways. During the process, it’s common to experience:
Fatigue or sleepiness
Vivid dreams
Nightmares
Heightened emotions like sadness or anger
Physical sensations like headaches, nausea, or muscle tension
Everyone’s immediate responses can vary based on their personal experiences. Some people may feel relief or more energized, while others may feel slightly disoriented. No matter which category you fall into, know that your feelings are valid. There’s no right or wrong way to feel.
The Following Days and Weeks
In the days that follow your EMDR session, your brain is still putting in the work to process the targeted information. As you move through the first week, you may notice:
New memories forming
Old memories are becoming clearer
Emotional shifts
Mood swings
Reduced anxiety levels
Enhanced coping skills
By the end of your first week, you should hopefully feel more in control of your present situation. You may feel less reactive to triggers and symptoms and more grounded in your day-to-day operations. These steps forward are proof that the therapy is working.
Long-Term Changes
As the next few weeks pass, you should begin to notice changes in your quality of life. The deep, emotional connection you had with your traumatic memories no longer feels so negatively charged. You should also see improved sleep quality, reduced intrusive thoughts, greater confidence, and a higher level of self-compassion.
Changes are often subtle to start. With more time, you should see a greater shift. Going through the EMDR process won’t erase your past, but it will help you integrate those feelings so they no longer take control of your present, or future, for that matter.
Self-Care Support
EMDR on its own won’t necessarily fix your troubles. Taking action to help support these efforts in healing is key. Self-care after EMDR can include:
Rest: your brain needs time to process the EMDR experience
Hydrate and refuel: your brain needs water and nutrients to heal
Avoid overstimulation: this can include loud environments, heavy activity, bright lights, or intense social media use
Engage in gentle movement: yoga or walking gives you productive movement
Create: use journaling or art to express emotions and release them
In some instances, the process can be a bit overwhelming. If at any point in time you feel too overwhelmed, reach out to your therapist. This process isn’t meant to be a solo journey.
The Journey to Healing
EMDR therapy can be a powerful and transformative process. But, its very nature means that it can also be intense.
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of EMDR or need support navigating your journey, let’s chat. You deserve to feel safe and empowered while on this journey to find healing. I’m here to help! Contact us today for a free consultation.
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