After effects of emdr therapy describe the changes people notice in the hours or days following a session. These effects can be emotional, physical or cognitive as the brain continues processing memories. Most after effects are temporary and signal that the treatment is working. Many people experience clearer thinking, reduced tension and improved mood once the brain completes its processing cycle.
What emotional after effects are common after EMDR therapy?
Emotional after effects of EMDR therapy often include temporary sensitivity, sadness, relief or increased awareness. These reactions occur because the brain is reorganizing memories that once carried intense emotional weight. The emotional shifts can feel noticeable, but they usually fade within a day or two. Many people feel calmer once the emotional charge decreases and the new associations become more stable.
What physical sensations appear after EMDR therapy?
Physical sensations may appear after EMDR therapy because the nervous system responds to changes in emotional processing. People often report lighter breathing, decreased muscle tension or improved sleep. Some individuals feel mild fatigue as the brain continues reorganizing information. These sensations are expected and usually short lived. They show that the memory network is adjusting and no longer triggering the same stress response.
How does the brain continue processing after the session ends?
The brain continues processing after the session ends by reviewing and reorganizing the information accessed during EMDR. This process explains why dreams may feel vivid or symbolic. The brain uses sleep and rest to complete the processing cycle. People often describe feeling mentally lighter the following day because the unresolved memory now carries less emotional intensity. This ongoing work supports long term improvements in mood and clarity.
What cognitive changes can appear after EMDR therapy?
Cognitive changes after EMDR therapy include clearer thinking, fewer intrusive thoughts and stronger positive beliefs. As the emotional weight of the memory decreases, the brain forms new interpretations. People often recognize patterns more easily or become more confident in decisions. These cognitive shifts support long lasting change and help replace old, fear based beliefs with healthier ones.
Are any after effects considered negative?
Some after effects can feel uncomfortable but are not harmful. Temporary discomfort may include emotional heaviness, tiredness or brief increases in reflection. These reactions occur because the brain is working through material that was previously unprocessed. Even when the after effects feel intense, they usually indicate progress rather than a negative outcome. With preparation and grounding skills, people navigate these shifts safely.
How long do after effects of EMDR therapy last?
After effects of EMDR therapy typically last between 24 and 48 hours. People with more complex memories may notice effects for several days if the brain continues processing. The duration depends on how much material was activated during the session and how quickly the nervous system settles. Most people feel improvement once the processing cycle completes and new emotional associations stabilize.
What questions help patients understand their after effects?
Patients often ask questions to understand their after effects clearly. Helpful examples include:
- What emotions feel different compared to before the session
- What physical sensations changed during processing
- How thoughts or beliefs shifted afterward
These questions help track progress and guide future sessions.
Do positive after effects continue building over time?
Positive after effects often continue building over time. Once the brain reorganizes the target memory, symptoms related to that memory decrease. People frequently experience reduced anxiety, fewer intrusive thoughts and improved emotional regulation. These improvements tend to strengthen as additional sessions target related memories. Many describe feeling more resilient and more balanced as treatment continues.
How do after effects show that EMDR therapy is working?
After effects show that EMDR therapy is working because they signal that the brain is actively processing information. Emotional shifts, vivid dreams and reduced tension reflect changes in memory networks. As these networks reorganize, symptoms decrease. Many patients [chat with our professionals](https://www.lamhwc.com/post/emdr-therapy">EMDR) to better understand why the brain reacts this way during treatment.
Are after effects different for online EMDR therapy?
After effects are similar for online and in person EMDR therapy. The brain processes memories the same way regardless of the setting. People may even feel more comfortable online because they are in a familiar environment. Whether sessions occur through video or in the office, the brain follows the same processing steps and produces the same temporary after effects.
Start EMDR therapy in Los Angeles
To start EMDR therapy in Los Angeles, contact the Los Angeles Mental Health and Wellness Center. A licensed clinician will help explain what after effects to expect and how to navigate them comfortably.