What happens after EMDR?
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EMDR temporarily slows your over-stimulated amygdala down and synchronises your brain waves helping you process the traumatic memory. This suggests that during EMDR therapy the traumatic memories are continuously “reactivated, replayed and encoded into existing memory networks”.
After EMDR some clients feel a bit vulnerable or teary the next day. This is rare but understandable as you have processed something that has dominated your mental health for a long time. These feelings mostly pass within a day or two, and if they don't, your therapist will have processes to help you get through this.
Some people experience realistic or vivid dreams, lightheadedness, or an increased sense of awareness after an EMDR session. These side effects may sound alarming but rest assured that they are completely normal.
If EMDR is working, a person should feel relieved after just a couple of sessions. The traumatic memory will start to be desensitized and will at the very least be less emotionally distressing.
EMDR does not recover repressed memories.
EMDR only assists the brain in reprocessing unstable processed memories. If the brain has locked away a memory, it has done so for a reason. This therapy will not unlock something that it is not ready for. Only time will do that.
EMDR, A Life-Changing Event
Today, it is used to treat addiction, trauma, PTSD, depression, anger, grief, fear, anxiety and more. In fact, the treatment can be life altering.
Though initially, EMDR can provoke lightheadedness and vivid dreams, these effects generally wear off.
Several studies have shown that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is incredibly effective for those suffering from PTSD, with some showing as much as a 77% success rate.
How Fast Does EMDR Therapy Work? Generally, people with adult trauma from one event can be successfully treated in less than five hours. People experiencing multiple traumas may need longer treatment times. Long-lasting effects can be seen in only 5 to 8 weeks.
Can EMDR make things worse before better?
As I tell my clients, EMDR can make things more painful following a session, especially if you are working on a new painful splinter. What's important to remember is that this is all part of the healing process; even if things get worse for a moment that moment will not last and you will be better than before.
In general, though, experts agree that most people should at least start to see some improvements in their symptoms, if not process the traumatic memory completely, in 6 to 12 sessions2.
EMDR therapy can work for some issues, such as a specific anxiety or phobia, in just one session. More often, it takes place over a series of sessions based upon an eight phase system which has been tried and tested.
EMDR is an individual therapy typically delivered one to two times per week for a total of 6-12 sessions, although some people benefit from fewer sessions.
It's normal to feel nervous
You may experience some trepidation about undertaking this venture particularly if it is the first time you are speaking to a professional about the issue. Naturally, you may be concerned about what else it could bring up for you and so you might be tempted to remain silent.
If you're emotions feel overwhelming or if you tend to shut down when you feel an emotion you may not be ready for EMDR treatment. EMDR therapy relies on your body and mind's ability to process through your thoughts and feelings. If you're unable to process in that way, EMDR therapy may not be effective.
EMDR is an eight-phase treatment method. History taking, client preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure and reevaluation of treatment effect are the eight phases of this treatment which are briefly described. A case report is also depicted which indicates the efficacy of EMDR.
Because stability must come first, you don't use EMDR to process trauma when a patient is actively abusively using alcohol, drugs, or something to help them feel less. You can't effectively practice EMDR phases 3 – 8 with someone who has yet to experience a safe, trusting relationship.
If you're interested in EMDR therapy, you might wonder whether it will work if you don't have a clear recollection of events or remember a lot of details from your past. The good news is that you don't need to fully remember something vividly to process it!
The efficacy of EMDR for PTSD is an extremely controversial subject among researchers, as the available evidence can be interpreted in several ways. On one hand, studies have shown that EMDR produces greater reduction in PTSD symptoms compared to control groups receiving no treatment.
How long does the brain process after EMDR?
In general, though, experts agree that most people should at least start to see some improvements in their symptoms, if not process the traumatic memory completely, in 6 to 12 sessions2.
EMDR works by stimulating the brain in ways that lead it to process unprocessed or unhealed memories, leading to a natural restoration and adaptive resolution, decreased emotional charge (desensitization, or the “D” of EMDR), and linkage to positive memory networks (reprocessing, or the “R” of EMDR).
It typically causes fewer adverse reactions than medications for depression and trauma symptoms. Also, unlike some medications, EMDR may maintain its effectiveness after treatment ends. Even so, EMDR and other forms of psychotherapy may cause some side effects, such as: an increase in distressing memories.
Though initially, EMDR can provoke lightheadedness and vivid dreams, these effects generally wear off.