EMDR therapy may lead to increased emotional sensitivity, vivid dreams, and temporary anxiety, indicating that the brain is actively processing trauma. Some people might also experience brief physical sensations like lightheadedness or fatigue. These effects are usually short-lived and decrease as the therapy continues, paving the way for long-term healing.

Brainspotting and EMDR are both therapeutic techniques aimed at processing trauma, but they differ in their approaches. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation like eye movements to engage the brain’s processing mechanisms. Brainspotting, on the other hand, involves the client focusing on a specific “spot” in their visual field that correlates with emotional distress, allowing deep processing to occur. Both methods seek to resolve trauma but utilize different techniques to access and process traumatic memories.

EMDR therapy can bring about strong emotional responses as individuals work through traumatic memories, which is a sign of active processing and healing. While this may result in temporary feelings of distress or anxiety, it is part of the therapeutic journey. In rare instances, revisiting traumatic events might initially heighten symptoms, but this is typically followed by significant improvement. Having a skilled therapist ensures that these reactions are managed safely and effectively.