What to Do when another Topic Suddenly Emerges During EMDR?
A Normal Moment in the EMDR Process
Imagine: You start your EMDR self-coaching with a clear topic. Perhaps it’s about a specific scene, a burdensome feeling, or an uncomfortable self-image. You begin the bilateral stimulation – and suddenly a completely different image appears. A memory you didn’t expect. A feeling that seemingly doesn’t fit the original topic at all.
If this has happened to you before, you’re not alone. And most importantly: It’s not a mistake. On the contrary. Such “diversions” are often a sign that your inner system is working well.
What Does it Mean when Something else Emerges?
EMDR activates your neural network – and that means: Memories, feelings, and thoughts that are interconnected start moving. Your brain doesn’t always bring to the surface what you consciously intended. Instead, it often shows you what it considers to be the most important next step.
This can be an older, deeper-lying experience. Something that has been working in the background for a long time but hasn’t been in focus until now. The emergence of a new topic is therefore not a “change of topic” in the classic sense, but a natural progression of your process.
Stay or Follow?
The central question now is: Should you stay with your original topic or follow the new impulse?
The answer, as so often, is: It depends.
If the new topic is clearly noticeable – emotionally or physically – then it’s often sensible to follow this inner path. You can continue your bilateral stimulation and observe what emerges. Pay attention to your inner stability. Do you feel safe enough? Is your “safe place” accessible? Are you internally capable of working with the new material?
If yes: Trust your process. Your brain often knows surprisingly well where it wants to go.
When You should Stop
There are also moments when it’s better to pause.
If the new topic is too overwhelming, if you feel like you’re losing ground under your feet or feeling emotionally overwhelmed – then the rule is: Stop.
Take a deep breath, end the stimulation, connect with your safe place. Perhaps now is not the right moment to go deeper. Maybe more stabilization is needed first. And that’s completely okay.
In EMDR self-coaching, this always applies: You are responsible for your safety. And pauses are part of the process – not a failure.
A Small Tip for your Progress
After each session, it’s worth making a few short notes. What was your initial topic? What emerged spontaneously? What did you feel – physically, emotionally, mentally? And how did you feel afterwards?
These small protocols help you better understand your journey. And they show you that even apparent detours often lead exactly to where real change becomes possible.
Conclusion
When another topic suddenly emerges during EMDR self-coaching, it’s not a problem – but often a gift. It shows that your inner system is active and giving you important clues. You may follow it – if you feel safe. And you may also stop at any time if it becomes too much.
Trust yourself. And trust your process.
