EMDR therapy is a form of psychotherapy treatment designed to reduce the stress caused by traumatic life experiences and memories. 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. People can expect to have increased coping skills and tools for dealing with future distress, and will have gained healthier thoughts and beliefs. Here are some common things to expect after EMDR therapy:

• Relief: Most people can expect to feel a great deal of relief after EMDR therapy. 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.

• Increased coping skills: People can expect to have increased coping skills and tools for dealing with future distress, and will have gained healthier thoughts and beliefs.

• New memories and details: 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.

• Side effects: Side effects can occasionally occur, but they are generally very manageable and are part of the healing process. Some people experience the resurfacing of additional traumatic memories and emotional exhaustion. It is common for people to feel a bit "weird" after a session, and they may find themselves thinking deeply about the experience, having vivid dreams, or noticing sensations in their body. These are all normal and are part of the brains way of continuing to make sense of the experience after each processing session.

Overall, EMDR therapy is generally regarded as a safe and effective treatment for a range of mental health concerns and symptoms.