Dangers of EMDR Therapy

A close up of a question mark on a wooden cube. This could represent the questions people may have before working with an EMDR therapist in St. Paul, MN. Learn more about EMDR therapy for trauma

Have you ever had a friend or family member say “EMDR works! It’s like a miracle?”. What many people neglect to mention are the possible challenges of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and what it took for their healing to be actualized. Albeit, EMDR has excellent research to back up its effectiveness in treating PTSD, stress-related disorders, anxiety, and depression, among other issues, if applied too swiftly without appropriate resources in place the method can cause unnecessary trouble. In this blog, we will discuss what is in the range of normal and what should cause you pause.

Here are some of the possible reactions or drawbacks of EMDR therapy: 

1. Experiencing Emotional Distress in Session & Post Session

EMDR requires the individual to access the past, troubling event, memory, image, or bodily sensation. Accessing information will bring with it the stored emotions associated, causing distress for many while going through Phase 4 of the 8 Phase process. Emotions can feel strong and difficult during the session and linger post-session. In working with effective, trained EMDR therapists the reactions should be short-lived and supported with resources developed in Phase 2. If these emotions are causing you to react significantly, triggering panic attacks or losing large periods to dissociation, it is likely that you require more work with Resourcing and need to slow the process down. 

2. Physical Symptoms

Engaging with past experiences can also bring up physical symptoms, such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, nausea, or headaches. These reactions are common and welcome, although uncomfortable. Your body will recall what occurred through somatic reactions, requiring space and attention to even the slightest physical sensations. Allowing the body to process the stuck or unresolved physical experiences is the way to full recovery. Again, when symptoms like these persist or cause such distress or dissociation the process of EMDR must be supported and tailored to the specific need. 

3. Emergence of New Memories

It is quite common for individuals in EMDR to recall forgotten memories, remember more details of memories or timeframes in their past, or unearth suppressed memories hidden behind an amnesia barrier.

hands holding cutouts of puzzle pieces: one in the shape of a human profile in blue with missing pieces, and the other a red puzzle piece, symbolizing the benefits of working with an EMDR therapist in St. Paul, MN.

Once the individual is present at the moment, their adaptive information model is robust enough to handle the past, and they feel safe enough to engage, memory recall often comes bubbling up. Recollection can be distressing and activate the fight, flight, and freeze response. If this occurs it is best for the therapist to pivot to regaining safety within their Window of Tolerance and resume with a more structured approach. In some cases, it is necessary for the therapist to be trained in depth with a dissociation model, like Ego State Therapy, AIR Network Therapy, or Structural Dissociation Therapy to manage the interactions. 

On the flipside it is also very common, and pleasant, to recall past positive experiences. This often occurs when the weight and pain of negative experiences are alleviated. The space for positive recall is made and up they come!

4. Delayed Reactions

We call it an “emotional marathon”. Oftentimes, post-EMDR, clients might feel drained emotionally or physically for a few days. This is a time of digesting the work, processing the new learning, and tucking in the outstanding information from the work they started in the office. Many individuals experience flashbacks, vivid dreams, sadness, grief, and anxiety between sessions. Some people report being more on edge with their partners, friends, and loved ones.  If these symptoms are occurring at a tolerable level, the client is encouraged to continue their daily life, using their Resources from Phase 2 when needed. If these symptoms are highly distressing this is to be discussed in session and the work is then titrated for the process to be more digestible. Often taking smaller pieces of the past or utilizing other tactics like the Flash Technique or Thought Field Therapy to reduce the intensity in a less activating way can get the process running more smoothly. 

5. Risk of Re-Traumatization

There is a risk of re-traumatization. If EMDR is not conducted in a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship or if the individual has ongoing, current trauma or abuse happening retraumatization or abreaction could occur. An inexperienced EMDR therapist could also miss the cues that a client is out of their Window of Tolerance and re-traumatization or overwhelm could occur. It is important in these cases to speak up or send an email to your provider right away if it is not being handled in a timely manner. It is also important to check that the therapist you are working with has been through EMDR training and/or is working with an EMDR Consultant to provide the best possible care. 

6. Ineffectiveness for Some Clients

EMDR may not work for some clients, especially right off the bat. Clients with Dissociative Disorders require internal work prior to engaging with memory activation to ensure their system is functioning congruently and open to the difficult process. Cases of true narcissistic personality disorder can also pose a threat to success, interfering with the ability to take feedback or engage with vulnerability. If EMDR is not working, there are many other therapy interventions that could be helpful. 

7. Dependency on the Therapist

Attachment is of utmost importance for each client to know who they can depend on and who will be there for them. In EMDR therapy the therapist is to be consistent and attuned to the emotional experience of the individual. In some cases, therapists lapse boundaries and create an environment where the client is overly dependent on them to provide emotional regulation and reassurance. In these cases, re-establishing the boundaries of client-therapist relationships is essential. It is important for the client to know the therapist cares and will maintain attunement as well as grow and learn their ability to identify their emotions and ask for their needs and wants to be met in an adult and clear way.  

Mitigating Risks

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To reduce the chance of encountering these dangers it is suggested to work with a licensed EMDR therapist or a therapist who is working with a supervisor and EMDR Consultant on an ongoing basis. Ensure there is a comprehensive assessment and stabilization resources in place prior to engaging with trauma desensitization and reprocessing. Keep the line of communication for feedback and questions open with your therapist to address any concerns and take time to rest, reflect, and recover in between EMDR sessions.

Start Working With an EMDR Therapist in St. Paul, MN

If you are considering EMDR therapy, it is indeed miraculous to be able to recover fully from the trauma of the past, and our team encourages you to discuss the potential risks to ensure you feel emotionally prepared for the process. You can start your therapy journey with Sage Leaf Wellness by following these simple steps:

  1. Contact us today for personalized EMDR therapy tailored to your needs.

  2. Meet with a caring therapist

  3. Start understanding the risks and benefits of EMDR therapy!

Other Healing Services at Sage Leaf Wellness

At Sage Leaf Wellness, we are committed to helping you heal. EMDR therapy in Saint Paul, MN, isn’t the only service that our team offers. In addition to EMDR, we use many other theories and methods including Anxiety Therapy,Trauma Therapy,Marriage and Couples Counseling, and more. Hop over to our scheduling link to set a free consultation or appointment today!

Benjamin Kelley