• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder Cycles
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Online Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Online Therapists
    • Grief Counselors
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
    • Session Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder Cycles
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Online Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Online Therapists
    • Grief Counselors
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
    • Session Login
Skip to content

What to Expect After EMDR

Published: December 31, 2021 Updated: May 10, 2022
Published: 12/31/2021 Updated: 05/10/2022
Headshot of Michelle Risser, LISW-S
Written by:

Michelle Risser

LISW-S
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • What Is EMDR?Definition
  • How Does EMDR Work?How It Works
  • What to Expect During Your First SessionFirst Session
  • What to Expect From Your First Desensitization SessionFirst Desensitization Session
  • Results to Expect After EMDRResults
  • How To Find an EMDR TherapistFinding a Therapist
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Michelle Risser, LISW-S
Written by:

Michelle Risser

LISW-S
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD

After EMDR therapy, most clients can expect to feel relief, have lower distress levels related to traumatic memories, and no longer feel like the traumatic event is still happening to them. Clients can expect to have increased coping skills and tools for dealing with future distress and will have gained healthier thoughts and beliefs. Occasionally, side effects can occur but they are generally very manageable and are part of the healing process.

BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

What Is EMDR?

EMDR is a type of trauma-focused therapy that combines bilateral stimulation with the reprocessing of traumatic and distressing memories and negative beliefs. Although EMDR is trauma-focused, it has been found effective for a wide range of concerns. EMDR works to link memories of traumatic events with adaptive, helpful thoughts and resources in order to lessen distress and trauma symptoms when the person thinks of the event. So, while nothing can take away the fact that the traumatic event happened, EMDR changes the client’s response to it.1

EMDR can be done online or in person and is an effective treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression and more. It is important to note that EMDR is an entire therapeutic modality, and not just the bilateral stimulation and reprocessing as many assume.2

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR works by helping people reprocess traumatic past experiences and negative beliefs. EMDR follows a standard protocol that includes eight phases and utilizes both fast and slow bilateral stimulation. Options for bilateral stimulation include watching a light move across a bar, watching the therapist’s hand movements or another side-to-side movement, holding tappers that pulse on alternating sides, or even self-tapping.

Ayesha Davenport LPC HeadshotAyesha Davenport, LPC, further explains that, “Through processing, clients are able to establish a better internal understanding/response of their trauma and thus, demonstrate an improved outward presentation. They will experience a decrease in or elimination of anxiety attacks, outbursts, withdrawal, etc.”

What to Expect During Your First Session

In the first session, the therapist and client will get to know each other and start identifying themes and topics for treatment. This is when the therapist will start to gather history, help the client identify traumatic memories, and explore the client’s negative beliefs. The therapist and client will go over any intake paperwork including policies, procedures, and payment. The therapist will also ask about coping skills and begin teaching the client tools to help them stay calm and present during the treatment.

Getting to Know Your Therapist

The first session allows both therapist and client a chance to meet, get to know each other, and answer any questions the client may have. The therapist and client will mutually determine if it is a good fit. It is important that the therapist and client develop a good rapport, and that the client feels comfortable. The first session will give the client a sense of the therapist’s personality and treatment style, as well as an idea of what to expect in future sessions.

Talking About Your Childhood

EMDR is based on the idea that the way we experience trauma is tied to earlier distressing life events. The therapist will ask about the client’s childhood and family of origin to start to get an idea of their background and any potential distressing early events that may be related to the presenting problem. These events will become the targets for treatment.

Discussion of Negative Beliefs

The therapist will help the client uncover the negative beliefs they have about themselves relating to the traumatic memories, such as, “I am not safe” or “I am unlovable.” Part of what makes EMDR work is identifying and reprocessing these negative beliefs.

Discussion of Distress

The therapist will help the client identify how the distress is showing up for them in the present, which could be in the form of memories, images, thoughts, emotions, or body sensations. The therapist will have the client rate their distress on a scale of 0-10, with 0 being none at all and 10 being the worst the client can imagine.

What to Expect From Your First Desensitization Session

Once the therapist has gathered all of the necessary background information, the traumatic memories have been identified, and the client has tools and resources to help them regulate their nervous system, reprocessing can begin. It’s important that the client has tools to help them stay in the “window of tolerance,” meaning the traumatic memories aren’t so intense that the client can’t handle them. It can be a delicate balance to find the sweet spot where the memory is intense enough to reprocess, but not unmanageable.

Revisit Traumatic Events

The therapist will go back to the list of identified memories, and may ask the client a question like “which of these is the most emotionally charged for you right now?” The therapist will then help the client identify the images, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations that come up related to that memory. The therapist will then ask the client to rate the current distress level on a scale of 0-10, a scale known as SUDS, or subjective units of distress.

Receive Bilateral Stimulus

EMDR was originally developed with eye movement, but there are now several different options for bilateral stimulation. The therapist may have the client watch a moving light, hold tappers that pulse on alternating sides, tap on the client’s knees or have the client tap on themselves. There are also tools available for doing EMDR online.3

Talk About How You Feel

The therapist will stop the bilateral stimulation at regular intervals and ask the client a question like, “what are you noticing?” or, “what’s coming up for you?” The client’s role at that point is to simply notice what is coming up, without judgment or filtering. For the most part, the therapist will stay out of the client’s way, administer the bilateral stimulation, and encourage the client to notice without much other talking.

Results to Expect After EMDR

It can be anxiety-producing to try something new, especially something that might feel different or unusual like EMDR. Many clients feel better about starting a new process when they know what to expect. Although every client, situation, and therapist is different and unique, many clients have similar experiences after EMDR treatment.

“The goal of EMDR,” Davenport adds, “is to reconcile emotions and, in most cases, thoughts associated with significant trauma. When EMDR is completed, clients have reported feelings of relief, confidence, and self-assuredness with regard to whatever the identified challenge was.”

After the First Session

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. However, EMDR opens up the memory networks in the brain and many clients may notice new memories, additional details, or dreams after the first session. This is normal and is the brain’s way of continuing to process the material. The therapist will make sure the client has coping skills and resources to help them deal with anything that comes up after each session, especially the first one.

Davenport ecplains that, “EMDR is often preferred because it is believed to be effective within a shorter time frame than other therapeutic approaches. In some cases, just one or two sessions (after initial intake) can be enough depending upon what the client is processing.”

After 2-4 Sessions

By this point, it is reasonable to expect that the initial target memory is much less distressing, and possibly even completely cleared. Having a clear target does not mean that the client doesn’t remember the traumatic event, or even that they are ok with the fact that it happened. It simply means that it no longer feels like it’s happening today. Most people find that they are less easily triggered and that they feel less distress in their bodies at this point.

After Treatment Is Complete

Once EMDR therapy is finished, most people can expect to feel a great deal of relief. Even though the traumatic memory may still come up, it won’t have as much emotional charge. A person may feel more of a sense of calm and acceptance when thinking about the event. Moments of overwhelm, or feeling like the event is happening again, are very rare, if not non-existent at this point.

While remembering a traumatic event may of course still bring up grief or sadness, EMDR helps clients leave it in the past so it no longer causes intrusive images, negative thoughts, overwhelming emotions, or body sensations.

Side Effects

EMDR is generally regarded as a safe and effective treatment for a range of mental health concerns and symptoms.4 However, as with any treatment method, some side effects of EMDR are possible. These include a resurfacing of additional traumatic memories, feeling emotionally exhausted after sessions, and the discomfort of revisiting the memories during reprocessing. One study found that EMDR may interfere with the accuracy of memories.5
 

Overall, it is important to remember that part of EMDR therapy is making sure that the client has plenty of coping skills, supports, and resources to help them deal with any difficult experiences or side effects that come up.

How To Find an EMDR Therapist

There are many resources available to help in the search for an EMDR therapist. It is important to make sure the therapist has been fully trained in EMDR through EMDRIA, the accredited body for EMDR training. Finding the right therapist can be tricky, so don’t be discouraged if the first person you meet with isn’t the best fit. Make sure you find a therapist who meets your needs and you have a good rapport with. A great way to start your search is through an online therapist directory, where you can filter by expertise and insurance coverage.

Final Thoughts

EMDR can be a safe and effective treatment, and knowing what to expect in your first session is a great way to get the most out of it.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for referrals by the companies mentioned below.

BetterHelp Online Therapy – BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Talkspace Online Therapy – Online therapy is convenient with Talkspace. Get therapy for as little as $69 per week, or potentially much less if you have insurance from Cigna, Optum, or UHR. Try Talkspace

Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist who is committed to your wellbeing. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

Mindfulness & Meditation App – Headspace is an easy way to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your routine. See for yourself how a few minutes each day can impact your stress levels, mood, and sleep. A monthly subscription for Headspace is only $12.99 per month and comes with a 7-day free trial. Try Headspace

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Headspace

For Further Reading

  • Best Books on PTSD and Trauma
  • EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
  • NAMI
  • CDC
  • Mental Health.gov
  • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline
5 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Francine, S. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (Third Edition). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

  • Virtual Training and Therapy Task Group of EMDRIA (2020). Guidelines for Virtual EMDR Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.emdria.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Virtual_TG_Report_for_Member.pdf

  • Hase, M. et.al. (2017) The AIP Model of EMDR Therapy and Pathogenic Memories. Frontiers in Psychology, 21. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01578

  • Wilson, G., Farrell, D., Barron, I., Hutchins, J., Whybrow, D., & Kiernan, M. D. (2018). The Use of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder-A Systematic Narrative Review. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 923. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00923

  • Leer, A and Engelhard, I. (2020). Side effects of induced lateral eye movements during aversive ideation. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 68. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005791619301077

Recent Articles

Trauma-Informed Care: How It Works & Why It’s Important
Trauma-Informed Therapy: How It Works & Why It’s ImportantTrauma-informed asks “What happened to you?” rather than “What is wrong with you?” This shifts the tone from victim-blaming more
';
Reality_Therapy
Reality Therapy: How It Works & Who It’s Right ForReality therapy is usually a short-term, solution-focused approach sometimes used to help people change a behavior or lifestyle. Reality more
';
Imago_Therapy
Imago Therapy: How It Works, Cost, & What to ExpectImago relationship therapy is an approach most often used in couples therapy. Imago therapists work based on the Imago more
';
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy: How It Works & Who It's Right For
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy: How It Works & Who It's Right ForVirtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is a virtual immersion therapy that uses specialized programmed computers to aid in the more
';
Exposure Therapy: How It Works & What to Expect
Exposure Therapy: How It Works & What to ExpectExposure therapy is an effective treatment for numerous anxiety, obsessive-compulsive (OCD), and post-traumatic (PTSD) symptoms and conditions. By encouraging more
';
Anxiety Treatment: Therapy, Medication, Lifestyle & Self Help
Anxiety Treatment: Therapy, Medication, Lifestyle & Self HelpTreatments for anxiety typically include therapy and/or medication, but there are several lifestyle changes and other holistic approaches that more
';
Headshot of Michelle Risser, LISW-S
Written by:

Michelle Risser

LISW-S
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • What Is EMDR?Definition
  • How Does EMDR Work?How It Works
  • What to Expect During Your First SessionFirst Session
  • What to Expect From Your First Desensitization SessionFirst Desensitization Session
  • Results to Expect After EMDRResults
  • How To Find an EMDR TherapistFinding a Therapist
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
Crisis Hotlines here
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept