Emdr Physical Symptoms And Aftermath

[tm2566]

I just had my first EMDR session on Tuesday and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I had a lot of negative effects so far and was just wondering if anyone else has felt this way before.

Our first session I was very skeptical that anything would happen. My therapist uses the little buzzers and within 30 seconds of holding the buzzers from my waist down locked up and I started shaking. For the whole session straight my legs felt like they were going to cramp because they were shaking and tensed so much. Another thing I kept feeling was this unpleasant wave in my stomach. It almost felt like being on a roller coaster but it was more frequent and unpleasant. I found that the more distressing the memory the more my stomach would contract. It was only in my lower stomach and caused me to writhe and squirm the whole session.

At one point while processing a memory of my brother touching me I arched my back so much I rose off the couch a bit. Emdr has helped me realize that memory was true because of how my body reacted. I am thankful for at least that.

The rest of Tuesday was good until I woke up on Wednesday. My legs were sore and it only got worse throughout the day. Luckily the soreness is gone after two days but I had a bad panic last night and found myself extremely depressed yesterday. Usually I can feel myself slipping but it happened out of the blue. It only lasted about 2 hours but that's very strange for me.

I guess what I'm wondering is if anyone has had any odd physical symptoms during a Emdr session and what about the days following.

 

[Justmehere]

The first time I did EMDR, I became really shaky and nauseated and then I had increased symptoms for a few days and a lot of muscle soreness. I had a different experience the handful of times I tried it.

It's typical for most trauma therapies to come with a risk of increased symptoms, and EMDR is known for often leading to processing (and related symptoms) happening after the session. My spike and symptoms also came and went fairly quickly.

What you describe is a common experience. It would be good to mention it to your therapist as well.

 

[angrypanda]

Unfortunately it's very common for me to react during emdr and up to 48 hours later. Many times I have been on the verge of vomiting and I frequently disassociate. I've had a total of about 15 sessions and I've learned to accept my body's reactions because that's part of reprocessing. Our body needs to tell it's story and the brain gets to reprocess that. Some of my most rewarding sessions have been with some super intense physical reactions. Bear with it, I can see major improvements in my life, my flashbacks and triggers.

 

[Friday]

How many memories did you do your first session? It sounds like multiple?

 

[tm2566]

How many memories did you do your first session? It sounds like multiple?

I started with one memory but ended up surfing through 4

 

[tm2566]

Unfortunately it's very common for me to react during emdr and up to 48 hours later. Many times I ha...

I hope as the sessions go on I'll be able to accept my body freaking out. It would go a lot smoother if I was able to be kind to myself instead of beating myself up for the symptoms I can't change. Often randomly if I even slightly think of one of my traumas I'll dry heave. At first that one symptom alone was enough to send me spiraling down but now that it happens at least three times a week I have gotten use to accepting it. I hope I can do the same with whatever new symptoms come to light doing EMDR.

 

[tm2566]

The first time I did EMDR, I became really shaky and nauseated and then I had increased symptoms for...

I also had random little spurts of nausea on Wednesday night. Now that I know it's coming hopefully it won't scare me as much.

 

[angrypanda]

I had to get really good at self care and frequent safety check ins with friends. I only did it every other week and that worked well for me. Emdr is not for the faint of heart and many aspects don't get easier, but if you are open and willing to do the work I've found it makes ptsd more manageable.

 

[Snowflake]

I had many emdr sessions. Some I dissociate, others I shake. I found that for at least a few days to a week afterwards I would be sick to my stomach, headache, exhausted, nightmares and just basically shut down. I have emdr usually on a Monday and my therapist calls to check in on a Tuesday and I see her on a Thursday to process the emdr through talking. It helps me get through the week and understand the emdr alittle more. It definitely works but it's not easy. My only thought is you need to focus on one memory at a time -my therapist always made sure of that.

 

[tm2566]

I had many emdr sessions. Some I dissociate, others I shake. I found that for at least a few days to a...

I only have therapy on Tuesdays but I am able to text, call, or email her whenever I need. I often email a couple days after therapy if I'm not doing good. The one memory suggestion is interesting because my therapist is the opposite. She tells me if my mind hops memories to go with it and let my mind go where it needs to go.

 

[angrypanda]

I only have therapy on Tuesdays but I am able to text, call, or email her whenever I need. I often email...

My therapist jumps with my brain too,whatever bubbles up we follow. I think the important thing is your able to trust your therapist and you do what works for you!

 

[tm2566]

My therapist jumps with my brain too,whatever bubbles up we follow. I think the important thing is yo...

The process is extremely difficult so I instinctively want to run and quit but I definitely trust my therapist.