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.
User Comments
Padrig Brendan
4 days ago
"Let’s keep sharing our EMDR experiences—supporting each other is key! 🤗"
Gwenneg Mazhe
4 days ago
"Excited to continue this journey and see where it leads! 🌊"
Mikael Kaourintin
4 days ago
"Anyone else feel emotionally exhausted but relieved after their first session? 😅"
Yanick Gael
4 days ago
"I appreciate how science is paving the way for innovative therapies! 🔬"
Brendan Ronan
4 days ago
"The self-reflection post-session was enlightening! I learned a lot! 🔍"
Alan Yannic
4 days ago
"I’m so glad I took the leap to try EMDR! It feels like a fresh start! 🌱"
Corentin Ronan
4 days ago
"I never thought I could feel this much relief after just one session! 😍"
Mikael Yannig
4 days ago
"The after-session feelings are still lingering—definitely a good sign! 🌟"
Gwenneg Perig
4 days ago
"I left feeling hopeful and ready to tackle more sessions! 🚀"
Judikael Corentin
4 days ago
"I appreciate how the therapist guided me through the process step by step! 🗺️"
10 Comments
"Let’s keep sharing our EMDR experiences—supporting each other is key! 🤗"