What to Expect Emotionally After an EMDR Session
If you’ve booked your first EMDR session (or you’re thinking about it), you’re probably wondering: “What the hell happens after?”
Totally fair question.
Because EMDR isn’t your typical talk-therapy hour where you process, reflect, and walk out feeling… mostly the same. EMDR works on a deeper level—your nervous system, your memories, your emotional wiring—so the “after” can feel a little different.
Let’s break it down:
1. You might feel lighter… like something finally clicked.
Some people leave a session thinking, “Wait, is that it? I expected a bigger emotional explosion.” Nope—sometimes your brain just needed the space to process, and afterward things feel clearer, calmer, or surprisingly neutral.
It doesn’t mean you did EMDR “wrong.” It means it worked.
2. You might feel tender, raw, or extra emotional.
Think of EMDR like emotional deep-cleaning. You stirred things up that may have been sitting in the dark for years.
It’s normal to feel:
Easily tearful
More sensitive than usual
Tired
A little “open” or vulnerable
This doesn’t last forever. It’s your brain reorganizing itself in real time.
3. You might not feel anything at first… and then notice shifts later.
Some people leave the session feeling totally fine and then, later that night or the next day, things hit a little differently.
You might notice:
A memory pops up
A dream feels intense
A new insight lands
A reaction (or non-reaction) surprises you
Your brain continues processing between sessions—this is one of EMDR’s strengths, not a sign something is wrong.
4. You may feel tired. Like… really tired.
EMDR uses a lot of mental and emotional energy. Don’t be surprised if you want to nap, lay low, or just stare into space for a bit.
Give yourself permission to rest. You’re not being dramatic—you’re healing.
5. Sometimes you’ll feel unsettled or “in between.”
This is common, especially early on. EMDR opens the door to new perspectives, and sometimes the brain is like:
“Hold on, let me reorganize this real quick.”
During this phase you might feel:
A little foggy
Unsure
Like something is shifting but you can’t explain it yet
This is temporary. I will help you stabilize at the start and end of every session, and the unsettling part usually smooths out quickly.
6. You may notice healthier reactions—almost without trying.
This is one of my favorite things clients report:
“That thing that usually sends me spiraling… didn’t.”
“I actually slept without my brain running wild.”
“The memory doesn’t hit as hard.”
These shifts feel subtle but powerful. They’re the early signs that the old emotional charge is dissolving.
7. You might get frustrated.
Especially if you're someone who expects results yesterday. Healing isn’t linear—this includes EMDR. Sometimes you’ll have a big breakthrough. Sometimes it’ll be a quieter session.
Both are progress.
If something feels “stuck,” tell me! There are plenty of ways to get things moving again.
How to Take Care of Yourself After a Session
A few go-tos I often recommend:
Do your best to get a good nights sleep - this further supports the work
Keep the rest of your day gentle (if you can)
Journal or voice note if anything new comes up
Move your body—walks work wonders
Stay hydrated (your brain is working hard)
Don’t overthink the session—processing continues naturally
Most importantly: trust the process. Give yourself space to feel whatever comes up, without judging it.
Final Thoughts
EMDR isn’t about perfection or forcing breakthroughs. It’s about your brain finally getting the chance to heal the way it always wanted to. No matter how you feel after a session—lighter, tired, emotional, neutral—it’s all part of the process. And you’re not doing it alone. If you’re curious about EMDR or want help navigating the emotional ups and downs, I’m here.
Book a free 15-minute consultation and let’s talk through what this could look like for you.
EMDR Therapy in Issaquah, WA | Serving Sammamish, Bellevue, North Bend & Snoqualmie
Virtual across Washington State.