If you've been through something traumatic, you understand how hard it is to get through. After someone experiences trauma, it is common to have symptoms as a result. You may experience flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, or avoidance of anything similar to the painful experience. In the aftermath of trauma, it's normal to feel as if the past is haunting you or fear that it may happen again.
This is when therapeutic approaches, such as EMDR, can be beneficial. Specifically designed to help trauma survivors and those experiencing PTSD, EMDR is a revolutionary modality that is helping many people heal past wounds.
You aren't alone if you are wondering what the side effects of EMDR are, though. The purpose of this is to dive into any side effects of EMDR.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is short for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It uses bilateral eye movements to help reprocess painful memories so they aren't as impactful on your mental health. EMDR doesn't remove the memory or experience, but it does help alleviate the pain and symptoms associated with it.
What Are The Side Effects?
Yes, there will be side effects to EMDR. While this therapy doesn't use any medicine, it can bring about some side effects. Remember that this is a good sign because it means that EMDR is working. Someone will typically experience these symptoms before the session ends with the therapist.
If you do experience symptoms during your office visit, your therapist will wait with you and help you find coping techniques so that you begin to feel better. Your therapist won't end the session until you feel calm and more balanced for your safety and security.
You might experience:
Lightheadedness
Flashbacks
Memories may come up that you didn't remember
Outside of sessions, you may experience those as well as vivid dreams at night. While these feelings may be unpleasant to deal with, you won't always have to deal with them.
What Are The Benefits of EMDR?
One major benefit of EMDR therapy is that it helps to process and heal from trauma quicker than traditional talk therapy. EMDR is conducted through eight phases. It should be noted that this does not mean EMDR therapy will be completed in eight sessions or less. Typically, EMDR therapy takes anywhere from eight to twenty sessions to see results.
Healing is not a race. Depending on the situation, some individuals may require fewer sessions than others.
What Are The Risks?
It's important for all individuals who are in therapy to feel safe during their sessions. This is especially true for trauma survivors whose sense of security was likely shaken and tested in the aftermath of their trauma.
EMDR does not put an individual at risk for any physical harm or damaging symptoms. However, as stated above, it is common to experience side effects after a session or at home. Someone may experience more triggers or experience new ones as their brain works to reprocess the trauma and heal.
Who Is EMDR Therapy For?
EMDR can be for anyone going through challenging symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. However, not every type of therapy is right for everyone 100% of the time. If you have been exploring the possibility of finding a certified therapist to complete EMDR, you should first ask for a consultation to see if it is appropriate.
In some cases, your therapist may suggest other means of working through your past pain, whether that is through trauma therapy or EMDR therapy. If you are ready to start the healing journey, please don't hesitate to reach out to me to learn more.
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