While EMDR isn’t new, many questions often surround its use, the process, benefits, and any concerns or side effects. It is a brave decision to address mental health concerns, but it can be difficult to know if EMDR is right for you, as well as which provider to trust your care with.
One of the main benefits of EMDR is that it can allow us to access areas we can’t often reach. It allows us to recall memories related to a traumatic experience more effectively and process those memories so they no longer haunt us.
If you’re nervous about exploring EMDR, it’s perfectly understandable. Here’s some information about EMDR and what to expect regarding potential side effects.
What is EMDR?
The basis for EMDR is that our traumatic memories get stuck in an unprocessed state. They stay with us, causing our minds and bodies to feel like we are reliving our trauma over and over again. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to reprocess these memories so they are stored properly and no longer haunt us.
The EMDR process itself includes eight phases. During EMDR sessions, you and a therapist will work collaboratively to explore physical memories and the emotional sensations related to your trauma. You’ll be guided into a safe place where you can effectively process those stuck memories so you can heal from your trauma.
Considerations
EMDR is a safe and effective way to address mental health concerns. As with any type of treatment, there are no guarantees it will work. EMDR is a great tool, but it doesn’t work for everyone.
Each person’s experience will differ, even if the circumstances are similar. While you can’t predict the outcome, EMDR has been effective for many people, and it’s an option worth exploring if you are struggling.
Immediate Side Effects
Side effects for EMDR treatment are rare, but something to consider to take it all in. Short-term side effects that you may experience can include physical ones like dizziness, nausea, and headaches. You may also feel fatigued, experience sleep difficulties, and have more dream activity than normal.
During the process, you may experience new traumatic memories and can have associated anxiety related to them. You may feel more vulnerable. All of these symptoms should be relatively short-lived and low on the unpleasant scale.
Additional Side Effects
Some other side effects you may experience are:
Increased anxiety: You’re working through unprocessed memories. It’s possible that this process can create new anxiety.
Intrusive thoughts: Reprocessing of memories takes a lot of brain power. Just because your day ends doesn’t mean your mind shuts off. This overworking can manifest in dreams and become more intrusive thoughts.
Physical discomfort: Our memories are tied to sensations in the body. During the process, you may experience minor aches and pains.
Mood changes: You’re making changes and processing buried emotions and memories. As you reflect on your journey, you may notice temporary fluctuations in your mood during this time.
Each should be relatively short-lived, eventually lessening in intensity as you progress through the process. It’s important to remember that these side effects are rare and can be balanced, if not outweighed, by the benefits.
Benefits of EMDR
One of the main benefits that can come out of EMDR therapy is symptom reduction and an improvement in quality of life. Throughout your treatment, you should notice fewer sleep disturbances, less anxiety, and fewer panic attacks.
Both your overall mood and self-esteem should improve. You may feel lighter now that a weight has been lifted. You may feel more optimistic about your current situation and all the positives you have going for you. By processing your trauma and learning about your triggers, you should develop more effective coping strategies. Your daily functioning should get easier, your relationships should become stronger, and your ability to grow becomes endless.
EMDR is a journey. If you’re interested in taking the next steps, reach out to us to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about EMDR therapy Boulder, Longmont and Denver Colorado.
