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Side Effects of EMDR Therapy

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EMDR therapy is a type of therapy that is used to help people who have experienced trauma. EMDR therapy can be used to help people with PTSD, as well as to help people who have experienced other traumas like sexual assault or domestic violence. EMDR therapy can be beneficial for many people, but there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. Luckily the side effects are not dangerous and will typically subside as you continue treatment.  In this article, we will discuss the potential side effects of EMDR therapy so that you can be prepared for them.

What is EMDR Therapy?

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EMDR therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is proven to be very effective in treating conditions like PTSD. EMDR therapy stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it is a type of therapy that uses eye movements to help the brain process and heal from trauma.  It is a more holistic approach to helping people with managing and processing their trauma and PTSD, rather than turning to medications.

When a person experiences a traumatic event, their brain may not be able to process the experience properly or in a healthy manner. This can lead to symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. EMDR therapy can help the brain to process and heal from trauma by using eye movements to stimulate different parts of the brain. This can help the person to process their trauma and to eventually heal from it.

EMDR was first developed in the late 1980’s by Francine Shapiro.  Today, EMDR therapy is recognized by the World Health Organization, the US Department of Veteran Affairs, and even the US Department of Defense.

Who Benefits From EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy has been used to help people who have experienced a wide variety of traumas, including sexual abuse, military combat, and natural disasters. While EMDR therapy can be an extremely effective treatment for PTSD, it can also help people who are dealing with other conditions or mental health issues.  These include panic disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, insomnia, depression, psychosis and more.

There are many benefits of EMDR therapy. EMDR therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD, and it can also help people who are dealing with other mental health issues. EMDR therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that can help people to heal from their trauma and to live healthier, happier lives.

There are a wide range of benefits for individuals who go through EMDR therapy.  For example, they are able to increase the overall quality of their day-to-day life.   They experience relief from their emotional distress and are able to ease their somatic symptoms as well.  EMDR therapy can also work faster than other options, like CBT therapy.

What are the Side Effects of EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a safe and effective treatment for many mental health issues. However, like any treatment, there are potential side effects of EMDR therapy.  Luckily, these side effects are not harmful and will most likely subside as time goes on. 

Side effects may include feeling dizzy or lightheaded, feeling nauseous or sick to your stomach, having a headache, increased anxiety, or trouble sleeping.  Some EMDR patients have also reported having vivid dreams as well.  The beginning of the therapy treatment can bring up some feelings of emotional distress, but you will see improvement in your feelings as time goes on.  

However, if you do experience any of these side effects, you should tell your therapist so that they can help you manage them. 

Managing EMDR Side Effects

If you are experiencing any side effects from EMDR therapy, the best thing to do is to talk to your therapist about them. Your therapist can help you manage the side effects and make sure that they do not interfere with your treatment. 

If you are having trouble sleeping, your therapist may suggest that you take a break from EMDR therapy or that you try another type of therapy. It is important to remember that the side effects of EMDR therapy are usually not dangerous, and they will typically go away after a few sessions of EMDR therapy. 

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EMDR therapy can be an effective treatment for many people, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects before you begin. If you are experiencing any side effects from EMDR therapy, the best thing to do is to talk to your therapist about them. Your therapist can help you manage the side effects and make sure that they do not interfere with your treatment. Remember, the side effects of EMDR therapy are usually not dangerous, and they will typically go away after a few sessions of EMDR therapy. 

If you are considering EMDR therapy, or if you are already in EMDR therapy, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. Talk to your therapist about any concerns that you have, and remember that the side effects of EMDR therapy are usually not dangerous. If you are having trouble sleeping, your therapist may suggest that you take a break from EMDR therapy or that you try another type of therapy.

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