What are the most common reactions to emdr therapy?
You just don’t know if you’re up for it. You know it’s time to treat the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but you’re just not sure you can handle it. Most of all, you want to know what to expect. Let’s see if I can help.
Every EMDR Therapy Session Is Different
Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that you’ll respond to EMDR therapy in a particular way. In my experience as a psychologist, each person and each session is different. This is why I recommend that you not have an EMDR session the day before something important (i.e. a big presentation, job interview, etc). While I cannot predict how each session will go, I CAN tell you the types of reactions I’ve seen over the years - hopefully that will help!
Before we get into the common reactions I see, some people have general questions about EMDR. If you’re interested in a “deep dive” into each of the Eight Phases of EMDR, you can start here and move through the remaining phases. If you’re curious about how an EMDR session generally goes, click here. Sometimes, people don’t want to share the specific details about the trauma - the great thing about EMDR is that you actually DON’T have to share those details! Some people have heard about eye movements, tapping, etc - click here to learn a little more about that.
Most Common reaction: Fatigue
You will probably yawn in session. And I won’t be offended at all! Most people find that during their EMDR therapy sessions they get tired, they yawn and sometimes want to take a nap. It’s intense emotional work you are doing! Most people don’t really realize how intensely connected our emotions and our bodies can be. You’ll be tired - so be don’t fight the urge to go to bed early that night, it’s ok!
Other Reactions to EMDR Therapy
You can probably guess what some of the other reactions to EMDR therapy are! Many people get tearful (and then apologize - and then I remind them this is one of my occupational hazards and it’s ok!).
Most people experience a range of emotions including anger and grief.
Sometimes people feel nauseated or feel physical tension in their bodies.
Often people will come back the next week and describe how the “floodgates” of grief were opened, but they describe it has a cleansing experience as well.
LESS COMMON REACTIONS TO EMDR THERAPY
Less common reactions include a physical re-experiencing of part of the trauma. So far, all of my clients that have had this happen have said it’s not nearly as intense as when it originally happened. A few examples would be feeling like you can’t breathe if you survived someone attempting to strangle you, or a sense of paralyzation if we are processing a target where you were drugged (typically in combination with some form of sexual assault). What’s important to remember is that your body stored the physical aspect of the memory and we are releasing this physical trauma from your body. People tend to be particularly fatigued after these sessions because of the strong physical and emotional trauma that was released - and your body needs time to heal.
the short term discomfort is worth the long term healing in emdr therapy
So many people fear that once we open up “pandora’s box,” they won’t be able to put themselves back together again. The thing is, we’re not shoving things back into pandora’s box. We are healing you from the trauma you endured. Yes, there may be times where you think that you won’t stop crying - but you will, and I’m there to help you through it. I’m here to hold space for you, to honor your experience and to be your safety net if you need it. Ultimately, you’ll feel an all encompassing sense of relief and you won’t be held back from reaching your potential.
If you feel like you’re ready to put the past in the past, click here to book a free 15 minute video consultation for online EMDR Therapy and PTSD treatment in California, Nevada & Idaho.
Online EMDR Therapy and Trauma Counseling in California, Nevada & Idaho
