Why You Feel Tired After EMDR (And How to Care for Yourself) | Jenna Barnes Therapy
Whew! You just got through your very first EMDR session! You did it! High five, good job!
Right now, you’re probably feeling pretty proud of yourself, but also thinking, “Okay... now what?” Then you remember a little warning your therapist gave you about potential side effects: tiredness. And then—boom. It hits you out of nowhere. “Ugh, I am so incredibly exhausted.”
Internally, you’re thinking, “Dang, they really weren't kidding about that.” But why does this happen?
Well, I’m here to explain the what, the why, and exactly how to care for yourself after an EMDR session.
The Quick Recap
First, a refresher. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a tool used by therapists to help guide and support the healing of traumatic experiences. Think of EMDR as a way to unlock these heavy memories and reprocess them until they feel more like a boring old movie. This is known as desensitization.
You’re not erasing these memories or forgetting your past; you're just changing the "blame game" and lessening the intense, painful emotions connected to them.
Why on Earth Do I Want to Relive This?
You’re probably wondering, “Why would my therapist put me through this? Why would I willingly relive these memories?”
Think of your brain like a tiny closet. For years, you’ve been shoving old boxes, broken boxes, and random clutter into it. If that closet isn't organized and cleaned out, you’re not going to be able to see what’s actually in there. You might even trip over the clutter every time you try to close the door.
In real life, that looks like getting stuck in repetitive, sometimes unhealthy patterns. EMDR is simply the process of going into that closet, cleaning up, and organizing the untidiness.
Okay, But Why Am I So Exhausted?
Have you ever felt completely drained after watching an intense, high-stakes movie? Have you ever run a marathon? Felt brain-dead after a grueling four-hour exam?
Our brains function a lot like muscles—and during EMDR, your brain is doing heavy lifting. It gets tired! You might just be sitting on a couch, but mentally, your brain just ran a marathon up a hill.
The Game Plan: How to Recover
How do you bounce back from the post-EMDR crash? It’s simpler than you think:
Hydrate and Refuel: Drink plenty of water and eat actual, nourishing meals. Your brain needs fuel to repair.
Be Kind to Yourself: Practice some serious patience.
Permission to Rest: Say it with me: Resting is not avoidance. I am officially giving you permission to listen to your body. Your brain just did a massive workout; it deserves a nap.
Let’s Incorporate Self-Care
What does your self-care look like? My personal go-to methods involve sensory and temperature changes (like a weighted blanket or a hot shower). For you, it might look like:
Writing or journaling
Taking a quiet walk in nature
Doing a puzzle
Distracting yourself with a funny, comforting TV show
Rest periods between EMDR sessions aren't just a luxury—they are essential. Please listen to your body!
Ready for Focused Trauma Recovery?
EMDR therapy is most effective when it is structured with consistent therapeutic momentum. If you are ready to engage in deep trauma processing and attachment healing from the comfort of your own home, I offer structured 6-Session and 10-Session EMDR Bundles designed to help you build steady, lasting momentum.
To learn more about package options, investment structures, or to see if our schedules align, visit my Fees & FAQs page or reach out to book a free initial consultation today.
