EMDR Therapy

Woman peacefully reflecting outdoors, symbolising EMDR success indicators such as emotional calm, reduced distress, and improved daily functioning.

How Do I Know When EMDR Has “Worked” for Me?

EMDR has worked when your EMDR success indicators show up, the target memory feels neutral, your new belief feels true in your body, daily life is easier, and a follow up check confirms the gains are holding.

Smiling woman in a bright blue shirt gesturing energetically, symbolizing positive outcomes from EMDR progress tracking.

How Do EMDR Therapists Track Progress and Breakthroughs?

Therapists track EMDR progress tracking with SUD and VOC numbers each session, standardised questionnaires like the PCL-5 over time, and your personal goals, then they adjust targets and pacing based on the results.

Person with bright blue eyes wearing white headphones, while engaging in an online EMDR therapy session.

Can EMDR Therapy be Done Online?

Yes, online EMDR therapy is possible and effective for many clients when delivered by a trained therapist using safe protocols, secure technology, and a personalised plan for privacy, pacing, and after-care.

Man smiling outdoors wearing sunglasses, representing a confident and informed client who prepared with key questions for an EMDR therapist before starting sessions.

What Questions Should I Ask a Therapist Before Starting EMDR?

The best questions for EMDR therapist consults is to ask about training, safety and pacing, what sessions look like, after-care and contact options, and practical policies, so you can start therapy informed and confident.

Smiling woman wearing blue sunglasses, representing a positive outlook and effective strategies for coping with distress in EMDR therapy.

What Should I Do if EMDR Causes Intense Distress?

If EMDR causes intense distress, pause with your stop signal, ground with your therapist, follow a 24 to 72 hour care plan, and use coping with distress in EMDR strategies, contact your therapist, and call 988 or 911 if safety is at risk.

Woman feeling supported and calm after EMDR therapy, highlighting the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship for safe EMDR sessions.

How Important is the Therapeutic Relationship for Safe EMDR?

The therapeutic relationship for safe EMDR is crucial, as it creates the trust and open communication you need to explore vulnerable memories without fear. A strong alliance allows for collaborative pacing, ensures your feedback shapes each session, and supports quick rupture repair, keeping the process safe, steady, and ultimately more effective.

Smiling woman representing an EMDR client who has possibly experienced some apparent repressed memories in EMDR therapy and is continuing her healing journey.

Can EMDR Trigger Previously Forgotten or Repressed Memories?

Yes, repressed memories in EMDR can surface as fragments, body sensations, or emotional waves connected to past events. Ethical therapists ensure the process stays client-led, using stabilisation techniques to maintain emotional safety, and carefully documenting any new material. Before drawing conclusions, they seek corroboration and keep the focus on your well-being.

Smiling man feeling relief after managing EMDR side effects, including vivid dreams and fatigue, through self-care and recovery strategies.

Are Vivid Dreams or Physical Exhaustion Common Side Effects of EMDR?

Yes, vivid dreams and fatigue are common EMDR side effects because your brain is working hard to reprocess and integrate memories, much like in deep REM sleep. This mental and emotional work can leave you feeling physically drained. Supporting your recovery with rest, hydration, and gentle activities like walking or stretching can help you bounce back within a day or two.

Smiling woman near a window feeling calm and safe after her therapist helped reduce dissociation during EMDR sessions for trauma healing.

Is Dissociation Normal During or After EMDR Sessions?

Yes, mild detachment is normal during EMDR sessions, and therapists keep you grounded with techniques like sensory check-ins, adjusting to slower pacing if you have a dissociative history.

Smiling person outdoors symbolising relief and confidence gained through following the EMDR process structure in therapy.

Is EMDR a Structured or Spontaneous Process?

EMDR is both a structured and spontaneous process, combining a clear eight-phase protocol that ensures safety with the flexibility to follow your brain’s natural flow of emotions and memories during healing.