As with any other form of psychotherapy, there may be a temporary increase in distress when using EMDR or during EMDR treatment.
- Previously unprocessed memories may surface, which are perceived as a burden.
- It is possible that during a treatment session clients may experience physical sensations and emotions particularly intense in the context of the processed experience, which neither the treating EMDR therapist nor they themselves can predict (also referred to as abreactions).
- It is possible that the brain continues to process the stressful experiences in the hours following EMDR treatment as part of the so-called post-processing, which may be expressed in newly emerging dreams, memories or feelings.
- Previously unprocessed memories may surface, which are perceived as a burden.
- It is possible that during a treatment session clients may experience physical sensations and emotions particularly intense in the context of the processed experience, which neither the treating EMDR therapist nor they themselves can predict (also referred to as abreactions).
- It is possible that the brain continues to process the stressful experiences in the hours following EMDR treatment as part of the so-called post-processing, which may be expressed in newly emerging dreams, memories or feelings.
