What to Expect in the Days, Weeks, and Months Following EMDR
If you’ve explored the mental health realm at all, you’ve probably heard of the EMDR method. EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, is an evidenced-based technique used by mental health practitioners to treat trauma and psychological distress.
Originally created in the 1980’s, it has since become a transformative approach for individuals seeking relief and recovery from many different conditions. Where traditional talk therapies focus on digging into the present moment to uncover underlying causes for distress, EMDR revolves around this idea that a past “stuck” memory is the root cause of your troubles.
The EMDR therapy process can be one of the faster processes, with as little as one treatment session needed to start seeing results. If EMDR is something you’re considering, it’s also important to know what to expect afterwards.
The Days Following EMDR
After an initial EMDR session, it’s normal to have a heightened emotional state. Your therapist will return you to a state of calm at the end of the session, but your mind is likely still processing through your target memory after the session.
You may experience subsequent physical symptoms like stomach issues, headaches, or tension. There may be some mild anxiety. It’s also not uncommon to experience sleep disturbances in the form of insomnia, vivid dreams, and nightmares.
Luckily, these symptoms are considered normal (you’re not alone) and generally very temporary.
The Weeks Following EMDR
By the time you reach your one week mark, you should be noticing less anxiety interfering with your quality of life. Your mood should be improving day by day. As challenges arise and emotions can become charged, you should feel more equipped to handle these types of situations. After just one week!
EMDR can have a profound impact on your ability to connect with yourself and show yourself compassion. As the weeks start to go by, you should notice an increase in self-esteem and self-confidence.
Where you previously avoided certain situations due to the traumatizing nature, you may now notice the ability to confront things head on and overcome them. Avoidant behaviors should become a thing of the past.
Additionally, you may notice an increase in the quality of your relationships. As you learn how to process the memories of the past and release their hold over you, you’re no longer burdened with the distress level and can be more empathetic with your social interactions.
The Months Following EMDR
The human brain is a very flexible organ, using a process called neuroplasticity to make changes and adapt to new situations. In the months following your EMDR treatment, your brain should be creating new connections that allow you to move past the damage that was done by a traumatic experience.
As you continue to process negative memories, you should notice a significant reduction in intrusive thoughts. Your stress levels should also be significantly decreasing.
Longer-Term EMDR Results
As with most things in life, your mental health will require active tending to and you’ll have periods where some TLC is needed. In older to maintain long-term benefits, you should attend any follow-up sessions to your EMDR recommended by your therapist. You may even find you need to revisit certain memories to be thorough. Setbacks should not be viewed as a negative, but rather as a point that needs maintenance.
Self-care is important in maintaining positive mental health benefits. When you ignore taking care of your mind and body, you may find yourself reverting back to some degree. Prioritize activities that promote rest, relaxation, and stress reduction.
Most importantly, remember you have a support system at your disposal. Lean on friends and family when needed. Don’t be afraid to re-consult your therapist if things start to feel a bit stressful again.
Everyone's journey is going to look a bit different. Working EMDR into treatment sessions is definitely possible. Contact us to discuss further.
About the Author
Madeline Rice, LCSW, is a licensed mental health therapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and owner and founder of Madeline Rice & Associates. She offers therapy to teens and women seeking help with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders and also works closely with couples. The main modalities she uses in working with clients include CBT, EMDR, IFS, mindfulness, and psychodynamic. Madeline offers counseling in online sessions.