EMDR Therapy Side Effects: What to Expect After a Session

Contents

1 EMDR Therapy Side Effects: What to Expect After a Session

EMDR therapy has become a powerful treatment for trauma, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, offering hope to millions worldwide. However, like any therapeutic approach, it comes with potential side effects that patients should be aware of. Understanding these EMDR therapy side effects can help prepare you for what to expect after a session, ensuring a smoother healing journey. In this post, we’ll explore the common and less common side effects, what causes them, and how to manage them effectively.

DIY EMDR

Did you know that EMDR can be self-administered? We created an online tool to help you with DIY EMDR at home, at your own pace.

Try Open EMDR

What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories and distressing life experiences. It involves guided bilateral stimulation, often through eye movements, taps, or sounds, which facilitates the brain’s natural processing mechanisms. For a detailed explanation, you can check out How Does EMDR Work for PTSD?

EMDR has a high success rate in treating trauma-related disorders, with research showing that up to 84% of single-trauma patients no longer meet PTSD criteria after just three sessions. To learn more about its effectiveness, see our post on the Success Rate of EMDR. While effective, the intense processing during sessions can sometimes lead to side effects, which we’ll explore next.

Common EMDR Therapy Side Effects After a Session

Many people experience some side effects following EMDR sessions, particularly when addressing deeply rooted trauma. These side effects are often temporary and reflect the brain’s active processing of difficult memories. Common side effects include:

Emotional Intensity: Patients may feel heightened emotions such as sadness, anger, or anxiety, sometimes even tears, as traumatic memories surface.
Fatigue and Tiredness: EMDR sessions can be mentally exhausting, leading to feelings of tiredness or lethargy afterward.
Vivid Dreams or Nightmares: Some individuals report more intense dreams or nightmares in the days following a session.
Physical Sensations: Headaches, muscle tension, or a feeling of restlessness are also occasionally reported.

Research indicates that up to 20-30% of patients may experience such transient side effects, but these often diminish with continued treatment and proper aftercare.

Why Do These Side Effects Occur?

The side effects of EMDR therapy largely stem from the brain’s natural response to processing traumatic material. EMDR facilitates the reprocessing and integration of distressing memories, which can temporarily destabilize emotional and physiological balance. This is a sign that therapy is working, though it may feel uncomfortable.

According to studies, the bilateral stimulation used in EMDR activates areas of the brain involved in memory and emotional regulation, which can trigger intense but temporary reactions. This is similar to how the brain behaves during REM sleep, a natural phase associated with memory consolidation.

Managing EMDR Therapy Side Effects: Tips and Best Practices

While EMDR side effects can be challenging, there are effective strategies to manage them and support your healing process:

Self-Care: Prioritize rest, hydration, and gentle physical activity after sessions.
Grounding Techniques: Use mindfulness exercises or grounding tools to stay connected to the present moment.
Open Communication: Share your experiences with your therapist so they can adjust the pace or approach.
Journaling: Writing about your feelings can help process emotions and track your progress.

If you’re interested in exploring ways to practice EMDR techniques independently or supplement your therapy, consider our guide on How To Do EMDR On Yourself. For therapists seeking tools to support clients remotely, our Online EMDR platform offers practical solutions.

When to Seek Professional Help

Most EMDR therapy side effects are mild and short-lived, but in some cases, symptoms can be more intense or persistent. If you experience any of the following, it’s important to consult your therapist or a mental health professional promptly:

Severe emotional distress lasting more than a few days
Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks that interfere with daily life
Physical symptoms such as persistent headaches or dizziness
Feelings of dissociation or detachment from reality

Some individuals work with EMDR to address specific issues like narcissistic abuse, birth trauma, or health anxiety. These conditions may require tailored approaches and careful monitoring during therapy.

Understanding the Benefits Despite Side Effects

While the side effects of EMDR therapy can feel uncomfortable, they are often a necessary part of the healing process. Many patients report significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts after completing EMDR treatment. For example, studies show that EMDR can reduce PTSD symptoms by as much as 77% after a full course of therapy.

If you’re weighing EMDR against other treatments, our post on EMDR vs CBT offers an insightful comparison to help you make an informed decision. Additionally, understanding the cost and insurance coverage can alleviate concerns, detailed in our article Is EMDR Covered by Insurance? and How Much Does EMDR Therapy Cost?.

FAQs

What are the most common side effects of EMDR therapy?

The most common side effects include emotional intensity, fatigue, vivid dreams, and occasional physical discomfort like headaches. These effects are generally temporary and indicate that your brain is processing traumatic memories.

How long do EMDR therapy side effects last?

Side effects typically last from a few hours to a few days after a session. If symptoms persist longer or worsen, it’s important to consult your therapist.

Can I do EMDR therapy on myself to avoid side effects?

Self-administered EMDR techniques exist and can be helpful for some, but they should be done cautiously. Our guide on How To Do EMDR On Yourself provides safe methods, but working with a professional is recommended, especially for severe trauma.