POST EMDR Aftercare

EMDR Aftercare: What to Expect and How to Take Care of Yourself

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a transformative tool for healing trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and a range of other emotional struggles. One of the most significant aspects of EMDR is its ability to help process and heal deep-seated trauma that traditional therapy methods may not fully address. But after each EMDR session, there are some key aftercare practices and emotional reactions you should be aware of to support your healing process effectively.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through what to expect after your EMDR therapy session and offer tips for managing your emotional health during the post-session period.

What Happens After an EMDR Session?

After an EMDR session, the process of emotional and cognitive reprocessing continues. Your brain and body are working to integrate the memories and emotions you’ve processed during the session. While this is a positive and healing process, it can sometimes lead to certain emotional, physical, or mental reactions that are important to be aware of.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Emotional Shifts and Sensitivity

You might feel emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or even lighter after your EMDR session. This is because the therapy facilitates the release of intense emotions that you may have held onto for a long time. Some common emotions people experience after EMDR include:

• Tiredness: Emotional processing can be exhausting, and you may feel the need to rest after the session.

• Heightened Emotions: Some people experience mood swings, such as feeling more emotional, sensitive, or even tearful, as their brain works through the trauma.

• Relief: Many individuals feel a sense of emotional release, a reduction in anxiety, or a newfound clarity about their traumatic experiences.

2. Physical Sensations

EMDR therapy sometimes helps uncover physical tension or discomfort that’s linked to trauma. After a session, you may notice:

• Increased body awareness: You might become more conscious of physical tension, aches, or pains in your body that were once unnoticed.

• Fatigue: Just like emotional fatigue, your body may also feel tired as it continues to process the information released during the session.

• Relaxation or discomfort: Some people report feeling relaxed or peaceful after an EMDR session, while others may experience discomfort, such as muscle tightness or headaches, as the body works through trauma.

If you experience any physical discomfort, it’s important to listen to your body and take the necessary steps to care for yourself. Light stretching, deep breathing, or a warm bath can help alleviate tension.

3. Vivid Dreams or Flashbacks

After EMDR, some people experience vivid dreams or flashbacks of the memories processed during the session. These can sometimes be unsettling but are a natural part of the healing process as your brain integrates the reprocessed memories. The key is to recognize that these occurrences are part of your brain’s natural healing mechanism and should eventually subside as your brain adjusts.

4. Temporary Emotional Discomfort

While EMDR is designed to help reduce trauma-related symptoms, you may initially feel a temporary increase in anxiety, sadness, or other intense emotions as your brain works through the memory. This is often referred to as the "healing crisis," and it typically passes after a short time. These feelings are a natural part of the therapeutic process, and they indicate that healing is taking place.

How to Take Care of Yourself After an EMDR Session

Aftercare is an essential part of the EMDR healing journey. By taking steps to nurture yourself and support your emotional and physical well-being, you can enhance the effectiveness of the therapy and ensure a smoother post-session experience.

Here are some self-care tips for EMDR aftercare:

1. Give Yourself Time to Rest

It’s essential to take it easy after an EMDR session. Whether you need a nap, a walk in nature, or just some quiet time, allow yourself to rest and process the emotional work that’s been done. Rest will help your brain and body integrate the changes made during the session.

2. Practice Grounding Exercises

Grounding techniques can help you stay present and calm if you start feeling overwhelmed by strong emotions or sensations. A few grounding practices to try include:

• Breathing exercises: Slow, deep breaths can help soothe your nervous system.

• Mindfulness meditation: Pay attention to your body, thoughts, and emotions without judgment.

• Physical grounding: Touch something solid, like the floor or a surface, to feel grounded in the present moment.

3. Journal Your Experience

Writing down your feelings and thoughts after each session can be a great way to process emotions and track your progress. You may notice shifts in your thoughts and feelings from session to session, and journaling helps you recognize these subtle changes.

4. Avoid Stressful Situations

After EMDR, it’s important to avoid putting yourself into stressful or emotionally overwhelming situations, especially immediately following a session. Give yourself time to recover and process the work you’ve done before engaging in potentially triggering events or conversations.

5. Hydrate and Nourish Your Body

Emotional processing can take a physical toll on your body, so make sure to drink plenty of water and eat nourishing, balanced meals. Proper hydration and nutrition help your body recover and maintain emotional balance.

6. Talk to Your Therapist

If you experience any difficulties or confusion after your session, it’s important to communicate with your therapist. They are there to support you and can offer guidance if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about any emotional reactions. Your therapist may suggest additional coping strategies or adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

Long-Term Aftercare: What to Expect as You Progress

As you continue with EMDR therapy, the intensity of post-session emotional reactions may lessen. Over time, you’ll likely experience greater emotional stability and a sense of relief as trauma-related symptoms decrease.

It’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the healing process to unfold at its own pace. As your brain integrates the memories and emotions, you may begin to notice a shift in your overall outlook, an increased sense of empowerment, and a decrease in emotional distress.

Conclusion

EMDR therapy is an incredibly effective tool for healing trauma, but the work doesn’t end when the session is over. The aftercare phase is just as important as the therapy itself, allowing you to integrate and process the emotional shifts that take place during each session. By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can support yourself in the best possible way and continue making progress in your healing journey.

If you’re currently undergoing EMDR therapy, remember that it’s okay to reach out for support, take time to rest, and trust the process. Healing is a journey, and with each step forward, you’re moving closer to emotional freedom.