First EMDR Session: Before and After

Overview

Experiencing your first EMDR session can be both exciting and anxiety-provoking. Understanding what to expect before and after the session can help you feel more prepared and open to the process. Here’s a look at the journey of a first EMDR session, including thoughts and feelings that may arise.

Before the Session

Anticipation and Anxiety

• What to Expect: Many people feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension before their first EMDR session. It’s common to wonder about the process, its effectiveness, and how it will impact you emotionally.
• Preparation: Prior to the session, you may discuss your history and specific traumatic experiences with your therapist. This helps them tailor the session to your needs.
• Understanding EMDR
• Learning About the Process: Familiarizing yourself with the EMDR phases—history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation—can provide clarity and reduce anxiety.
• Setting Goals: You’ll likely work with your therapist to identify specific goals or memories to address during the session, which can help focus your work.

During the Session

The Experience

• Creating a Safe Space: The therapist will create a safe and supportive environment for you. Establishing trust is crucial for effective EMDR therapy.
• Bilateral Stimulation: The session involves engaging in bilateral stimulation (often through guided eye movements) while recalling a distressing memory. This process may bring up intense emotions, but your therapist will guide you through it.

After the Session

Immediate Reactions

• Emotional Processing: After the session, you might feel a sense of relief, fatigue, or even heightened emotions. It’s common to need time to process what occurred during the session.
• Increased Insight: Many individuals report gaining new perspectives on their traumatic experiences, feeling less burdened by the emotional weight of the memories.

Long-Term Effects

Integration of Memories: Over time, the memories you processed during the session may feel less distressing, and you may notice changes in how you think and feel about those experiences.

Ongoing Support: Follow-up sessions will focus on further processing and integrating new insights, helping you continue your healing journey.

Conclusion

The first EMDR session can be a pivotal moment in your healing journey. By understanding what to expect before and after the session, you can approach the process with a sense of readiness and openness. While the initial experience may evoke strong emotions, the potential for transformation and healing is significant, offering hope for a brighter future.