Is It Common to Cry During EMDR?

EMDR is one of the most effective ways to facilitate the release of deeply held trauma and achieve profound healing. Tears are often a meaningful part of the therapeutic process. It is because they signify the release and processing of deeply held emotions. As an EMDR-trained counselor, Liz Chelak focuses on reducing the impact of traumatic memories so you can find inner peace. Liz helps you understand that healing comes from within and releasing trauma from the body is the only way to recover from the distress you have experienced. She explains why crying is a frequent and necessary part of therapy and demystifies the experience so you can benefit from this therapy and heal successfully.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories and distressing experiences. EMDR involves recalling distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following the therapist’s finger movements with the eyes or listening to alternating auditory tones.

This process can activate the brain’s natural healing mechanisms, causing a surge of emotions associated with the traumatic event. It is because the brain is still confronting emotionally intense memories. As individuals confront or re-experience these memories, the emotional intensity can become overwhelming and bring up emotional responses, most likely tears.

Why Do People Cry During Emdr Therapy?

Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy treatment addresses various mental health concerns, particularly trauma, or PTSD. It has been observed that during EMDR sessions, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience strong emotions and even weep.

As human beings, we have a wide range of emotions. While most of us try to hold our emotions in, they often come out when we feel safe enough to express them. The therapeutic relationship and the safety of the therapy room, even within the privacy of an online therapy session can be that safe space where you may react strongly and shed tears.

How you respond to EMDR usually depends on your personal history, your level of comfort during the session, the specific trauma you are thinking about, how your body processes trauma, and many other factors. Some people may cry frequently during EMDR sessions, but some people may not shed tears at all. Every individual’s emotional response is unique and influenced by their experience and coping mechanisms. There is no single, right or wrong way to respond.

Remember, your therapist is not trying to make you cry. It is the emotional intensity triggered by recalling traumatic memories that is affecting your emotions. Your unique response to therapy makes you act this way, and every individual’s therapeutic journey is different.

Crying is a basic human emotion, and when remembering their trauma or talking about it, many people can become emotional. Whether it is EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or talk therapy, exploring deep-rooted emotions and confronting past trauma can evoke strong emotional reactions. Also, therapy is deeply personal, and the expression of emotions like crying is natural, which may be a healthy aspect of the healing process.

What Triggers Tears During the Emdr Sessions?

When you engage in EMDR therapy, you are guided through a process of revisiting traumatic memories. EMDR therapy focuses on processing and desensitizing the emotional charge associated with trauma memories.  This revisiting is not just recalling events but also actively engaging with the emotions and sensations that arise as a result and immerse you in that trauma.

As you re-experience and confront traumatic memories head-on, it causes a resurgence of emotions associated with those events. In most cases, the emotional intensity of relieving distressing experiences can be overwhelming, leading to tears as a natural response and release.  This emotional process allows you to gradually untangle yourself from the grip of past trauma, paving the way for healing and resolution.

Does Everyone Cry in Counseling?

NO. Not everyone will cry during EMDR or other forms of counseling as emotional responses vary greatly among individuals. While some may find themselves shedding tears as they process deeply held emotions, others might experience different forms of emotional release, such as feelings of relief, anger, or even numbness.

EMDR therapy often involves challenging and reframing negative core beliefs that have developed as a result of trauma. These core beliefs, shaped by past experiences, can significantly impact one’s self of sense and worldview. As you confront these ingrained beliefs and work through them with the guidance of a therapist, it can evoke strong emotions as you struggle with aspects of your identity and perception of the world. Tears may come as you ultimately confront and come to terms with these core beliefs.

How Does Emdr Work?

During your EMDR session, your nervous system, along with your brain, is repeatedly stimulated. This is done through a moving visual object or audio tone, which is designed to stimulate both the left and right hemispheres of your brain.

This intense activation of your nervous system leads to different responses after your session, depending on what happened during the session where you left things.

Here are the three most common emotional responses experienced by clients after an EMDR session and what they mean:

• Intense emotions – If you find yourself furious or in tears after a session, it is a good sign, which means your session has been a success. When your brain and nervous system respond to the issue you are focusing on, you bring these emotions to the surface and express them. This results in a heightened emotional reaction.
• Peace and relaxation – If you feel like you have moved past the issue you wanted to work on after a session, it is a common response, especially if you worked through the breathing exercises. Some people may find that feeling at peace is one of the most straightforward responses that indicates a successful session.
• Numbness – At times, your brain and nervous system may take longer to process what happened during the session, which is completely normal. When you think about it, symptoms of PTSD and anxiety may also take some time to manifest themselves. Having vivid dreams later is a sign that your brain is processing things belatedly.

Is Crying During Emdr a Good Sign? Are There Any Benefits to It?

Most people may see crying during a therapy session as distressing or a bad sign, but it can actually be a sign of progress and emotional healing. Crying is a natural outlet for releasing pent-up emotions and tension associated with traumatic experiences. As you allow yourself to express emotions, break down, and weep, you may experience a sense of relief and catharsis, which makes way for deeper healing and resolves past traumas.

Crying during an EMDR therapy session can lead to a reduction in psychological stress. Tears contain stress hormones, and their release through crying can help regulate the body’s stress response. This psychological release can result in relaxation and calmness, giving you a chance to engage fully in the therapeutic process. Not only this, you may feel lighter and more at ease the following day after an EMDR session, as the emotional burden of past trauma is gradually lifted.

Research shows that crying during EMDR sessions can cause a breakthrough in therapy. It indicates that you are engaging with the therapy process on an emotional level, which is important for achieving therapy goals and resolving trauma-related symptoms. Shedding of tears can signify a willingness to confront and process difficult emotions, which is a crucial step towards healing and emotional growth.

According to experts, the therapeutic benefits of crying during EMDR therapy sessions are multifaceted. It not only provides emotional release and reduces physiological stress but also helps in lasting healing, which continues even after the session. By embracing your emotions and expressing yourself through tears, you can facilitate better healing and recovery from trauma.

How Do Therapists Respond to Crying in EMDR?

Therapists are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for their patients so they can explore their emotions freely.  Therapists trained in EMDR therapy understand the delicate nature of emotional processing and are prepared to handle the various emotional responses, including crying, during the therapy sessions.

When clients express their emotions, particularly through tears, therapists respond with empathy and compassion as they know what you are going through. They strive to create a safe space where you feel comfortable and supported in your journey towards healing. This environment enables you to express your emotions openly as you know they will be understood and accepted.

Here are some of the ways your therapist may respond if you are struggling with emotions during therapy:

• They offer validation by acknowledging your emotions and reassuring you that it is normal and acceptable to cry during therapy. You will most likely hear, ‘It is ok to cry’.
• They also provide an understanding environment and empathy to comfort you during the emotional release so you feel emotionally safe while navigating your feelings.
• They encourage you to practice self-compassion and kindness towards themselves as you experience emotional intensity during therapy. They urge you to be gentle with yourself and guide you regarding self-soothing techniques to manage distress.

They continue with the EMDR protocol following the emotional release, as they know it is an essential aspect of the therapy process, and guide you to facilitate healing and resolution of traumatic memories.

You will notice that your trauma therapist gently encourages you to acknowledge the emotion and go with it to ensure emotional transformation and deeper healing.

If you have heard stories about EMDR therapy and the idea of potentially crying during a counseling session makes you uneasy, call Trauma Therapy Center to learn more about it from EMDR-trained counselor, Liz Chelak. She creates a safe space for her clients where emotions can surface so healing can take place, and guides you through these moments, providing the support you need to navigate this path. Her trauma-informed approach and years of experience empower you to heal from trauma and find inner peace successfully.