What to Expect After EMDR Therapy: Emotional Shifts, Physical Sensations, and the Power of Self-Care
EMDR Certified Therapist in Palm City, Florida
Anxiety Therapy | EMDR Therapy
By April Forella, EMDR Therapist in Palm City, Florida
If you’ve started EMDR therapy or are considering it, you may be wondering: What happens after a session?
Whether you’re a busy professional, perfectionist, or someone who always shows up for others, starting trauma therapy can feel like a big step—especially when you’re not sure what to expect afterward. As a EMDR certified therapist in Palm City, FL, I work with high-achieving women who are ready to heal from anxiety, trauma, and burnout. One of the most common questions I get is: “What will I feel like after EMDR?”
While every EMDR journey is unique, many people experience emotional shifts, physical sensations, and even new insights in the hours or days after a session. These changes are a normal—and healthy—part of the healing process.
Emotional Shifts After EMDR Therapy
In the days following your session, it’s common to feel a shift in your emotional landscape. You might find yourself more sensitive—tearing up easily, feeling emotionally raw, or even experiencing a deep sense of relief. These fluctuations are all part of the trauma reprocessing that EMDR supports.
Instead of brushing these emotions aside, try to give them space. Activities like journaling, making art, or simply talking with someone you trust can help you stay grounded. For many of my clients who are used to holding everything together, learning to let emotions move through is one of the most healing parts of trauma therapy for women.
The Emergence of New Memories and Feelings
Sometimes, EMDR brings up memories or emotions that hadn’t surfaced before. You might find yourself recalling forgotten moments, noticing deeper layers to familiar memories, or having vivid dreams. Not everyone experiences this, but when it happens, it’s a sign that your brain is doing the work of reprocessing in a deeper way.
This can feel surprising—even overwhelming—but it’s also a powerful part of healing. If new memories or insights come up after a session, make note of them and share them with your therapist. In EMDR therapy in Palm City, FL, I help clients process these shifts at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
Physical Sensations after EMDR Therapy and the Importance of Self-Care
EMDR is not just a cognitive process—it’s somatic. That means it involves your whole body. Many people feel physically tired, foggy, or even jittery in the days following a session. This is often a sign that your nervous system is still working behind the scenes.
During this time, self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Here are a few grounding practices that support your healing:
Stay hydrated and eat nourishing foods
Move your body gently—walk, stretch, or rest as needed
Prioritize good sleep and deep rest
Limit overstimulation if you're feeling sensitive
Whether you're working with me in weekly sessions or through a personalized EMDR intensive therapy program in Florida, we always build in space for aftercare and nervous system support.
Let your support system know you’re doing trauma work. A quick heads-up that you’re in therapy and might need extra space, patience, or connection can go a long way. You don’t have to hold it all alone.
Final Thoughts
In short, your journey through EMDR therapy is deeply transformative. You’ll likely notice shifts not just in your emotions, but also in how your body feels and the way you see yourself, others, and the world around you. Right after your sessions, it’s perfectly normal to experience a mix of feelings—everything from relief and joy to sadness—as well as some physical tiredness. That’s your brain and body continuing the important work of healing long after you leave the therapy room.
Over time, many women notice profound growth—a renewed sense of who they are, and healthier ways to manage stress, anxiety, and life’s challenges. EMDR can open doors to new confidence, clarity, and freedom you might not have thought possible.
Just remember, EMDR is powerful—and for that reason, it’s essential to work with a qualified, experienced therapist who truly understands the process. When done right, EMDR can be nothing short of life-changing.
Whether you’ve just had your first session or you’re deep into the process, knowing what to expect after EMDR can bring a sense of calm and confidence to your healing journey. Emotional waves, new memories, body fatigue—it’s all part of how your brain and body move toward healing.
Be gentle with yourself. You're not doing it wrong—you're doing something incredibly brave.
Looking for an EMDR Therapist in Palm City, Florida?
I help high-achieving women in Palm City, Stuart, Port Saint Lucie, Hobe Sound, and Jupiter heal from anxiety, trauma, and the pressure to hold it all together. If you're searching for EMDR therapy near me, or interested in exploring EMDR intensives for busy women, I invite you to book a free consultation here. You deserve to feel safe, grounded, and whole.
EMDR Therapy in Palm City, Florida
April Forella, LMHC-S is an EMDR Certified therapist in Palm City, Florida. She is a compassionate EMDR therapist dedicated to helping high-achieving women overcome anxiety, grief & loss and trauma. With a deep understanding of the pressures faced by successful women, she specializes in guiding women through the healing process, using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to resolve past trauma and reduce anxiety. April’s holistic approach empowers clients to unlock their full potential, regain inner peace, and thrive both personally and professionally.
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