Why is EMDR so Exhausting?
If you’ve participated in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, you may have noticed that it can be quite exhausting. Maybe you’ve felt tired after participating in a therapy session with your EMDR therapist. Perhaps you’ve wondered why? After all, you just sat there all session, right?
Why do I Feel Tired After an EMDR Therapy Session?
In short, this exhaustion after an EMDR therapy session is due to the deep emotional and psychological work involved. Unlike some other forms of therapy, EMDR requires you to delve into distressing events from your past which can be emotionally draining. These events are often deeply rooted in traumatic memories, and the therapy aims to target these core issues directly. By bringing these memories and associated emotions to the surface, the brain is tasked with reprocessing them in a way that reduces their distressing impact. However, this process is far from easy.
The exhaustion many people feel after an EMDR session stems from the intensity of experiencing these emotions so deeply. While EMDR therapy is generally less intense than some other forms of psychotherapy, it still requires significant psychological effort. This is because it goes beyond just discussing current issues or surface-level symptoms; instead, it delves deep into past experiences that continue to influence present emotions and behaviors. This approach, while effective, demands considerable psychological resources.
EMDR therapy incorporates bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, which is designed to mimic the psychological state associated with REM sleep. While this stimulation is thought to aid in the more effective processing of traumatic memories, it also requires mental exertion and can contribute to feelings of feeling incredibly tired after a session. Despite the intensity of this process, it is crucial for long-term healing and emotional well-being.
As an EMDR therapist, I often answer common questions about EMDR in the Kansas City, MO area. And, this idea of being tired or mentally fatigued after sessions often comes up. At Aspire Counseling, we offer counseling near Blue Springs, MO and in Columbia, MO as well as online throughout Missouri online with many of our therapists specializing in EMDR. So, we’re pretty familiar with this tiredness than can occur.
However, it is important to understand that feeling tired after EMDR therapy is normal and a sign that the therapy is working. Often, feeling tired means that you had a particular meaningful session that day. You may not even be aware of what you really processed at first, because it’s kind of further processing under the surface for a bit. But your brain probably looked through a lot of different things along the same neural pathways in that session that were interconnected and are making new connections. So, rest assured that it’s a common experience shared by many undergoing this amazing evidence-based therapy.
Is it normal to feel exhausted after EMDR?
Feeling tired after EMDR is perfectly normal and a common experience reported by many individuals. Therapy, in general, requires significant emotional labor and can be mentally exhausting, especially when addressing deep-seated negative beliefs and traumatic memories. With EMDR, you’re delving deep into these core issues, and while your therapist will guide you to stay within your window of tolerance, it’s still challenging work.
During EMDR sessions, you’re essentially rewiring your brain and processing traumatic memories to reduce their distressing impact. This process can evoke intense emotions and may lead to feeling emotionally drained afterward. Some individuals may also experience physical fatigue as a result of the mental and emotional exertion involved in therapy.
Should I tell my therapist that I’m feeling tired after EMDR sessions?
You absolutely want to tell your therapist if you’re feeling tired after EMDR sessions.
It’s important to recognize that feeling emotionally drained or physically tired after EMDR is a natural response to the intensity of the therapeutic process. It’s a sign that you’re engaging in important work to address and heal from past traumas. However, if you’re feeling “weird” after EMDR, or feeling extremely tired after EMDR, I would encourage you to discuss these feelings with your therapists. While EMDR side effects, including tiredness, is common, your therapist can help you monitor and manage any unusual or concerning symptoms to ensure your well-being throughout the treatment process.
When you let your therapist know that you are feeling fatigued after sessions, they’ll likely normalize this experience (as we’re doing in this blog post) and talk to you about how that’s impacting your ability to go about your daily life. When you talk to your therapist about your fatigue after EMDR sessions, they can help you manage it, and provide tips to a better nights sleep. This may include finding ways to boost your energy or changing your session times. Sometimes, they might adjust the pace of therapy. This ensures you stay within your comfort zone, known as your window of tolerance. If fatigue affects your daily life or desire to continue therapy, your therapist will check more often to make sure therapy isn't too overwhelming. Your therapist's goal is to make adjustments that help you continue making progress in your EMDR journey.
Is it normal to not sleep after EMDR?
Photo by Somnox Sleep on Unsplash downloaded 8/6/24
Experiencing trouble sleeping after an EMDR session is not uncommon, though it’s also not unusual to sleep exceptionally well afterward. EMDR therapy can evoke a sense of emotional release and relief for many individuals. However, occasionally clients may find themselves restless or struggling to fall asleep after delving into difficult memories and emotions during the session.
Why might you have trouble sleeping after an EMDR session? When participating in EMDR you’re actively engaging with old memories and emotions that may have been suppressed or buried for a long time. As a result, your brain may continue processing these memories subconsciously, which can impact your ability to relax and achieve deep sleep.
If you find it challenging to sleep after an EMDR session, there are several techniques you can try to promote relaxation and restfulness. Utilizing resourcing techniques learned with your EMDR therapist, such as the container exercise, can help contain overwhelming emotions and create a sense of safety before bedtime. Progressive muscle relaxation can also be beneficial in calming both the body and mind prior to sleep.
Adopting healthy sleep hygiene practices can contribute to better overall sleep quality. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, and minimizing exposure to screens and stimulating activities before bed can all support improved sleep. However, if difficulties continue, it’s important to communicate your concerns with your therapist, who can offer personalized strategies and support to address any after EMDR session side effects.
How do you know if EMDR is working?
It’s natural to wonder whether EMDR therapy is making a difference, especially if you’re experiencing tiredness or difficulty sleeping afterward. Changes can be very subtle and may not feel obvious at first.
EMDR therapy works differently for everyone. You might notice you're less triggered by things that once upset you. Or when triggers do occur, they feel less intense. You may find yourself feeling more in control of your emotions, moving forward towards your goals, and sensing that past traumas hold less power over your life.
At Aspire Counseling, we monitor progress with a tool called Blueprint, which helps us assess changes in your symptoms at least once a month. Sometimes, you may feel like therapy isn't working, but the data tells a different story. This is the power of measurement-based care in counseling. It can show significant improvements that you might not recognize during your healing process. This perspective can be incredibly validating and inspiring, helping you to see the real progress you've made, even if some challenges remain. This is all part of the journey towards recovery, where each step forward enhances your ability to live a more empowered and fulfilling life.
Ultimately, the goal of EMDR therapy is to promote healing and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives. While the process of healing may unfold gradually and differently for each person, paying attention to shifts in how you feel and interact with the world can provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of EMDR therapy for you.
How long does it take to feel better after EMDR?
Every individual’s experience with EMDR therapy is unique, so the timeline for feeling better can vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as the nature of the trauma, its duration, and individual difference in processing emotions all play a role in determining how long it takes to notice improvements.
In general, single incident traumas may require less time to process and work through in therapy compared to chronic or complex traumas. However, it’s important to recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and everyone’s healing journey unfolds at its own pace.
After an EMDR session, some individuals may experience symptoms such as fatigue, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are typically temporary and may indicate that the therapy is initiating a process of emotional processing and healing. It’s important to communicate any symptoms after EMDR sessions with your therapist, as they can provide support and guidance to help you navigate through them.
Some individuals may start to feel better relatively quickly after beginning EMDR therapy, while others may require more time to notice significant changes. It’s essential to be patient with yourself and trust the process of healing. Continue to communicate openly with your therapist about how you’re feeling and any progress you’re experiencing, as they can provide guidance and support tailored to your individual needs. Remember that healing is a journey, and with time and perseverance, positive changes can happen.
Feeling tired after EMDR therapy is perfectly normal because your brain is engaging in intensive emotional and psychological work. During EMDR, you’re delving into distressing memories and challenging emotions, which can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. This therapy targets deeply ingrained traumatic memories and negative beliefs, requiring significant resources to process and reframe them. As a result, it’s not uncommon to feel tired after an EMDR session.
In addition to feeling tired, you may also experience trouble sleeping and notice changes in how you feel. EMDR therapy can stir up a range of emotions and thoughts, making it difficult to relax and unwind, especially in the immediate aftermath of a session. However, these experiences are part of the therapeutic process and may indicate that important emotional processing is taking place.
It’s essential to remember that you’re doing important work in therapy, and it’s okay to feel tired sometimes. Acknowledging and accepting your feelings of fatigue can be an important step in your healing journey. By continuing to work with your therapist and giving yourself the time and space to heal, you’ll be on your way to feeling better and experiencing the positive benefits of EMDR therapy. Trust in the process, be patient with yourself, and know that healing takes time and effort, but it is achievable with dedication and perseverance.
A photo of one of one of our rooms in our Lee’s Summit Missouri office, where our therapists provide counseling services for teens and adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, grief, and more.
EMDR Counseling Near Blue Springs Missouri
At Aspire Counseling, we understand the challenges that individuals face when dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, disordered eating, and more. Whether you’re a teen, college student, or adult, our team of compassionate therapists are there to support you on your journey to mental and emotional wellness.
Our therapists are not only kind and nonjudgmental, but also highly trained in evidence-based practices, ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care tailored to your unique needs. With a focus on evidence-based approaches, we are dedicated to providing effective and results-driven therapy to help you overcome life’s challenges and achieve lasting change.
With convenient locations in Lee’s Summit, MO, and Columbia, MO, as well as virtual therapy services available to anyone in the state of Missouri, we strive to make quality mental health care accessible and convenient for all. Whether you prefer in-person sessions or virtual therapy from the comfort of your own home, we’re here to meet you where you are on your journey to healing.
If you’re ready to prioritize your mental health and take the next step toward a brighter future, we invite you to contact us today. Let us help you navigate life’s challenges with compassion, expertise, and evidence-based care. Your healing journey starts here.
