Side effects of EMDR

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It helps people process traumatic memories. Some possible side effects of EMDR are:

• Feeling uncomfortable or distressed during or after the sessions
• The surfacing of new or forgotten memories
• Intense emotions or physical sensations
• Vivid dreams or nightmares
• Feeling emotionally sensitive or vulnerable

These side effects are usually temporary and part of the healing process. However, if they are too overwhelming or interfere with your daily life, you should talk to your therapist about them.

Feeling uncomfortable or distressed during or after EMDR sessions is a common side effect of that many people experience. It can happen because EMDR activates your nervous system and stimulates your brain to process traumatic memories. This can bring up intense emotions, sensations, or thoughts that may be difficult to cope with.

Some people describe feeling light-headed, tingly, fiery, on edge, or emotionally sensitive after EMDR sessions. Others may feel calm, peaceful, relieved, or clearer. These feelings usually pass within a few hours or days after the session.

If you feel too uncomfortable or distressed after EMDR sessions, you should talk to your therapist about it. They can help you adjust the pace and structure of your therapy sessions to make them more comfortable for you. They can also teach you coping skills to manage your emotions between sessions.

The surfacing of new or forgotten memories during EMDR is another possible side effect that some people experience. It can happen because EMDR stimulates your brain to reprocess traumatic experiences or memories that may have been stored unprocessed or distorted. Sometimes, these memories may have been forgotten, repressed, or suppressed due to dissociation, avoidance, or denial.

Some people may find it unsettling or surprising to recall new or forgotten memories during EMDR. However, these memories are usually relevant to their mental health and healing process and can help them better understand their emotional responses to trauma. They can also help them replace negative beliefs with positive ones.

If you encounter new or forgotten memories during EMDR, you should share them with your therapist as a part of your treatment plan. They can help you process them safely and effectively. The EMDR therapist can also help you cope with any emotions or reactions from these memories.

Intense emotions or physical sensations during EMDR

Intense emotions or physical sensations during EMDR are another possible side effect that some people experience. It can happen because EMDR activates your nervous system and stimulates your brain to reprocess traumatic memories that may have been associated with strong feelings or sensations. These emotions or sensations may include fear, anger, sadness, guilt, shame, anxiety, chronic pain, tension, or numbness.

Some people may find dealing with these emotions or sensations challenging or overwhelming during EMDR. However, these emotions or sensations usually indicate that your brain is processing and distressing memories and healing from the trauma. They usually decrease as you work through your painful memories with your therapist.

If you feel too intense emotions or physical sensations during an EMDR session, you should communicate them with your therapist. They can help you regulate them by using coping skills such as breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or positive affirmations. They can also adjust the speed and intensity of the eye movements to make them more comfortable for you.

Vivid dreams or nightmares after EMDR are another possible side effect that some people experience. It can happen because EMDR may trigger your brain to continue processing traumatic memories during your sleep, especially during the REM stage. These dreams or nightmares may be realistic or symbolic representations of your trauma, anxiety disorders, or other related issues.

Some people may find having vivid dreams or nightmares disturbing or frightening after EMDR treatment. However, these dreams or nightmares usually indicate that your brain is working on resolving your trauma and integrating it into your normal memory system. They usually become less frequent and intense as you progress with your therapy.

If you have vivid dreams or nightmares after EMDR, you should share them with your therapist. They can help you interpret them and use them as a source of information for further processing. They can also help you cope with any negative emotions or reactions from these dreams or nightmares.

Feeling emotionally sensitive or vulnerable after EMDR is another possible side effect that some people experience. It can happen because EMDR involves recalling traumatic memories that may trigger strong emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, guilt, or shame. These emotions may make you feel more exposed to emotional distress or fragile than usual.

Some people and trauma survivors may find it hard or uncomfortable to feel emotionally sensitive or vulnerable after EMDR. However, these feelings are usually a sign that you are processing and releasing your trauma and healing from its effects. They usually fade away over time as you become more resilient and confident.

If you feel emotionally sensitive or vulnerable after EMDR, you should take care of yourself by engaging in self-compassion, relaxation, or positive activities. You should also seek support from your therapist, friends, family, or other trusted people who can help you cope with your emotions.

Man at home in luxury bathroom looks fearful

Traumatic memories and feeling emotionally sensitive or vulnerable after EMDR therapy

Feeling emotionally sensitive or vulnerable after EMDR is another possible side effect that some people experience.

If you feel emotionally sensitive or vulnerable after EMDR, you should take care of yourself by engaging in self-compassion, relaxation, or positive activities.

According to psychologytools.com, important properties of trauma memories include involuntary recall, ‘nowness’, vividness, and immutability. People who have experienced trauma report a wide range of distressing symptoms, many related to the properties of their trauma memories.

These symptoms may also be signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event. Trauma memory examples include physical pain or injury (e.g., severe car accident), sexual assault, natural disasters, war, and repeated memories of the traumatic event.

Machine or equipment for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

The machine or equipment that is used for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is usually a device that produces bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation means stimulating both sides of the brain alternately. This can be done by using eye movements, sounds, or taps.

One example of a machine or equipment for EMDR is a light bar. A light bar is a device with a row of LED lights moving from left to right at different speeds. The skilled therapist controls the speed and direction of the lights with remote control. The client follows the lights with their eyes while focusing on traumatic memory and its associated PTSD symptoms.

Another example of exposure therapy using a machine or equipment for EMDR is headphones. Headphones alternately play sounds such as beeps, clicks, or tones into each ear. The therapist controls the volume and frequency of the sounds with remote control. The client listens to the sounds while focusing on a traumatic memory.

A third example of a machine or equipment for EMDR is tappers. Tappers are devices that deliver small pulses or vibrations to each hand alternately. The therapist controls the intensity and rhythm of the pulses with remote control. The client holds the tappers while focusing on a traumatic memory.

These machines or equipment are designed to help clients process their traumatic events and memories more effectively by activating both sides of their brains. However, they are not essential for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. A therapist can also use their fingers, voice, or other objects to create bilateral stimulation without using any machines or equipment.