Phase seven: smoothly Closing an EMDR Session

Have you ever had the experience of your psychologist abruptly ending your session together? It can be quite jarring! Especially if you were in the middle of something vulnerable and delicate. You might have even felt invalidated and that you were just another session to “get through” for your therapist.

In EMDR therapy, we want to gently transition you to the rest of your day. We dedicate the end of each session to calming and grounding exercises so you can do so.

CLOSING DOWN YOUR EMDR SESSION

The closure phase happens at the end of each session, no matter where you are in the EMDR process! The goal of closing down your session is to give you plenty of time to get settled after all of the hard work you’ve done. Since each person (and each session WITH each person) is very different, I keep track of how you’re doing and how long I think you need to feel grounded before you leave my office. In some sessions I might spend a little extra time closing things down - and other sessions I might spend a little less because you are in a really good place already! In EMDR, time keeping is really important because I want to give you the right amount of time to transition from the hard work you’re doing back to reality.

HOW DO YOU CLOSE DOWN AN EMDR SESSION?

There are many different strategies to close down an EMDR session - but a really common tool that EMDR therapists use is the container exercise. This exercise was introduced to you in Phase 2: Preparation. EMDR therapy uses a lot of imagery and creativity - and the container exercise is one of those times that you use a lot of imagination!

Quickly recapping, your “container” is something chosen by you that figuratively holds all of the memories that we plan on working on. People most commonly choose shipping containers and dumpsters - but I’ve also had people choose safes, toolboxes and treasure chests. It’s actually a very cheesy exercise, and it sounded really weird to me so I didn’t used to use it! On a whim, I used it with a client and he told me it was his favorite exercise. I’ve used it ever since and found that people find a lot of relief in this exercise.

After putting what’s left of the trauma material from our session in your container, you’ll likely spend some time in your calm place (also introduced to you in the EMDR preparation phase). Most people only need those two exercises - but other people need a little more. I’ve always got textured pillows, candles and other “tricks of the trade” up my sleeve to ensure that my clients are grounded and ready to attend to the rest of their day!

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER AN EMDR SESSION?

The most common reaction I see in my clients is emotional and physical fatigue. An EMDR session is hard work! Even if you leave the session feeling lighter and hopeful, you will also probably feel some form of emotional and physical fatigue.

This is why I don’t recommend clients do an EMDR session before something important (like trying to land a big account, before a major presentation, etc). Your emotional bank account will be lower than usual and since EMDR processing continues for approximately two days after the session, I also recommend clients don’t make any big decisions during this time.

Sometimes people feel powerful and want to confront a perpetrator or try to have a big family meeting about something important to them. I always recommend my clients wait until we have completed their treatment plan FIRST, because I’ve seen that my clients often feel very different when we’re done with our plan than when we started! Whatever choices you make once we’ve completed your treatment plan will be made while you feel grounded and anchored in your own well being.

I also recommend that you keep note of any “aha” moments you have after your session. We kick started the process in session, but your brain is still working hard! Write down those insights because you’ll want to reflect on them later. Most important of all, take good care of yourself. Eat well, hydrate and remember to be gentle with yourself - you’ve earned it!

If you think EMDR might be helpful for you, click here to book a free 15 minute video consultation for EMDR Therapy and PTSD treatment in California.

Online EMDR Therapy and Trauma Counseling in California and Carlsbad, CA.