Do things get worse before they get better with EMDR?
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.
Is it normal to be tired after EMDR?
People tend to be particularly fatigued after these sessions because of the strong physical and emotional trauma that was released – and your body needs time to heal.
How do I take care of myself after EMDR?
Tips, tricks, and distractions post EMDR include:
- Drink lots of water.
- Get to bed at a reasonable time.
- Feeling extra emotional?
- Try a 5 senses mindfulness activity.
- Do a grounding exercise.
- Try yoga: I recommend Yoga with Adrienne-try this one that is specific to trauma recovery.
Can EMDR make you sick?
During the sessions, you may experience some unpleasant reactions to the surfacing of painful memories. Typical reactions include rapid heartbeat, sweating, or nausea. You can expect your therapist to try to minimize these reactions by directing your eye movement.
What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
EMDR therapy helps the brain process thoughts and feelings as it did before a trauma. When you get angry or feel sad because someone hurt your feelings, your brain helps you work through it. But when you experience trauma, your brain may not be able to process it.
Can you still hear in your head after EMDR?
You can still hear if you choose to pay attention, but it’s no longer bothersome or annoying, and therefore its not real a problem anymore. Ask almost anyone who has done EMDR sessions about this and they’ll agree right away. EMDR gently impacts the neurons in your brain and this then brings old memories to the fore-front of your thinking.
Can you try EMDR at home?
If you do decide to try out EMDR at home, you need to choose a complete program that teaches you the EMDR process step-by-step. Good examples would be the Virtual EMDR Program or for treating addiction issues, the EMDR for Addiction Program.
Why does EMDR bring up random memories?
EMDR seems to bring up totally random memories that have nothing to do with the reason you are seeking therapy. These are all things that have been stored in your brain, but that you haven’t really had any need to recall. It might be your Mom’s meatloaf when you were a kid. Or maybe your first bike.