What to Expect After Your EMDR Session: Emotionally and Physically Reactions

It is my goal that by now you are somewhat knowledgeable about EMDR and how the process works (clear as mud right)! If you are new here a quick refresh- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful tool for healing trauma, anxiety, and deep emotional wounds. Check out our past blogs that include more about EMDR, faith based EMDR, EMDR for children, and what a first appointment looks like. Now, we’re turning our attention to something equally important: what happens after your session.

Whether you’re just beginning your EMDR journey or are in the middle of it, understanding what to expect post-session can help you feel more confident and cared for in the process. Again, at New Pathways we want you to be as prepared as possible and feel confident in this process! 

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Emotional Responses: You’re Not Alone

EMDR stirs up memories, thoughts, and feelings that may have been buried or disconnected from your conscious mind (a good kind of yuck). After a session, it’s completely normal to feel emotionally tender or even somewhat disoriented. Don’t fear- we will incorporate plenty of resources for you to feel comfortable enough to back your regular schedule day! 

Here are some common emotional experiences:

• Increased emotional sensitivity – You may find yourself feeling more tearful, irritable, or reflective. This is part of your brain’s natural process of reorganizing and healing.
  

• Vivid dreams or flashbacks – Some people report having intense dreams or resurfacing memories, even ones they hadn’t recalled in years. These are signs that your mind is continuing to process outside the session.
  

• Relief and lightness – On the other side of emotional intensity, many clients also feel a surprising sense of peace or lightness. EMDR often removes the emotional “charge” from painful experiences, allowing room for hope and clarity.
  

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Physical Reactions: Listening to Your Body

Because EMDR involves both the brain and body, it’s not uncommon to feel physical effects after a session. These might include:

• Fatigue – EMDR can be draining, much like a deep emotional workout (our brains are hitting the gym). It’s okay (and encouraged) to rest afterward.
  

• Tension release – You might feel muscle soreness, shakiness, or even chills as your nervous system releases stored stress. Our body holds onto memories in three parts: cognitive, somatic, and emotional. The somatic part of a memory is how your body holds onto that memory! This can cause these physical reactions after EMDR.
  

• Increased awareness of physical sensations – Some clients become more aware of bodily sensations they hadn’t noticed before. This heightened awareness often fades as integration continues.

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Gentle Care After Your Session

Here are a few ways you can support your mind and body after EMDR:

• Give yourself space – Try not to schedule anything too demanding after your session. Quiet time helps your brain continue processing. This isn’t necessary, but encouraged.
  

• Stay hydrated and nourished – Eating something grounding and drinking water can help you feel more present. Remember, your brain just did an entire workout!
  

• Write it down – Journaling about what came up, even briefly, can offer clarity and help track your progress.
  

• Reach out if needed – If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, don’t hesitate to contact your therapist. You’re not alone on this path.
  

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The Healing Continues

EMDR isn’t just about what happens in the therapy room—it’s also about how your brain continues healing and rewiring between sessions. If you experience intense emotions or unexpected reactions, know that it’s not a sign something’s wrong. It’s a sign that your healing work is taking root. At New Pathways Counseling, we walk alongside you with care, compassion, and trust. Healing is not always linear, but it is always worth it.

Addison