What to Expect After EMDR: Understanding the Symptoms That May Surface
EMDR: A Quick Refresher
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps you process traumatic or distressing memories by stimulating both sides of the brain—usually through eye movements, tapping, or sounds—while you recall aspects of a memory.
It’s like opening a stuck drawer in your brain—and cleaning out what’s inside. But that doesn’t always happen tidily.
So, What Might You Feel After a Session?
Let’s break it down: the emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms that might show up—and why they’re usually a sign that your brain is doing what it’s supposed to do.
1. Emotional Ups and Downs
You may feel:
Teary or emotionally raw
Irritable or anxious
Detached or numb
It’s okay. Emotional waves are part of the process. You're not "regressing"—your system is integrating. Sometimes it gets louder before it quiets down.
2. Mental Fog or Spaciness
It might feel like:
Your head is full of cotton
You’re "checked out"
You’re forgetful or distracted
This can be unsettling if you're used to being sharp and high-functioning, but it's temporary. Your brain is doing deep work—processing, sorting, healing. Let it.
3. Dreams and Flashbacks
Vivid dreams or old memories popping up out of nowhere? Yep, totally normal.
Sometimes your brain continues the processing overnight. Think of it as your subconscious tidying up what you brought into the light. It will usually pass within 24-72 hours, but consider writing down anything that feels notable.
4. The Physical Sensations—Let’s Talk About Those
This is the part most people don’t expect—and often worry about. So let me say this clearly:
You might feel weird in your body.
That doesn’t mean something is wrong.
Common physical sensations post-EMDR include:
Tightness or heaviness in the chest
Shakiness or a sense of buzzing under the skin
Fatigue or extreme tiredness
Headaches or pressure in the head
Digestive changes (nausea, upset stomach, even needing to use the bathroom more frequently)
Body aches or a sense of soreness
Temperature shifts (feeling suddenly cold or flushed)
These sensations are often the body’s way of releasing held tension and trauma. EMDR doesn't just work on the brain—it works on the whole nervous system. And when your system has been holding on for years (sometimes decades), the letting go can feel intense.
But here’s the key: These symptoms typically pass within 24–72 hours.
Rest. Hydrate. Move gently. You’re not broken. You’re processing.
5. Relief and Lightness (Yes, That Happens Too!)
For some, EMDR brings a sense of relief right away—a lightness in the body, clarity of mind, or a sudden shift in perspective. When that happens, take a breath and let yourself receive it. These are the moments we’re working toward.
How to Support Yourself After EMDR
Hydrate – It sounds basic, but it helps your system flush and reset.
Journal – Get thoughts and sensations down on paper.
Move gently – Light stretching, walking, or breathwork can help energy move through.
Avoid analyzing everything – Your brain is already doing enough.
Reach out – Let your therapist know what’s coming up. You don’t have to carry it alone.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Doing It Wrong
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it doesn’t mean EMDR isn’t working—it often means it is. Healing isn’t always smooth. Sometimes it’s sweaty, shaky, emotional, and strange. But it’s also worth it.
I’ve seen clients go from panic and pain to peace and presence. I’ve also watched them doubt the process every step of the way until they crossed that bridge.
So if you're in the messy middle, take heart: you're on the path.
And you're not alone.
