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Is it normal to cry during Houston EMDR sessions ?

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When we think about therapy, many of us envision a quiet room, a comfortable couch, and a compassionate therapist ready to listen. But what happens when the therapy session involves more than just talking? EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a unique form of psychotherapy designed to help people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. If you’re considering EMDR or are currently undergoing it, you might be wondering, "Is it normal to cry during EMDR?" The short answer is yes, absolutely. Let’s explore why.

Women crying during an EMDR session to treat trauma. Curious about EMDR therapy timelines? While experiences vary, many notice positive shifts after a few sessions. Contact Wilson Counseling, Houston, to explore EMDR

Understanding EMDR

Before diving into the emotional responses often experienced during EMDR, it’s helpful to understand a bit about how this therapy works. EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness, especially in treating trauma and PTSD. The process involves recalling distressing memories while simultaneously focusing on external stimuli, such as lateral eye movements or hand tapping. This dual focus helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.

The Emotional Landscape of EMDR

EMDR can be an intense experience. By design, it brings up painful memories and emotions, aiming to process and integrate them into a healthier psychological framework. When you’re guided to revisit and process these memories, it’s natural to feel a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, fear, and relief. Crying is a normal and healthy part of this emotional release.

Image of a woman covering her face as she cries in therapy, illustrating how EMDR helps process deep emotions. Wilson Counseling in Houston provides a safe space for healing trauma.

Why Crying Happens

  1. Emotional Release: One of the primary reasons people cry during EMDR is emotional release. Trauma and unresolved issues can create a heavy emotional burden. As EMDR helps you process these experiences, the pent-up emotions often find an outlet through tears.

  2. Reconnecting with Pain: EMDR encourages you to confront and re-experience traumatic memories. This process can be painful, as it involves facing emotions you might have suppressed or avoided for years. Crying is a natural response to this pain.

  3. Healing and Relief: Crying can also signify healing and relief. As you work through traumatic memories, you may feel a sense of release, like a weight has been lifted. These tears are a sign that your brain is processing and healing.

  4. Empathy and Compassion: During EMDR, your therapist is there to support and guide you. Their empathy and compassion can create a safe space for you to express emotions that you might not feel comfortable showing elsewhere. This supportive environment can make it easier to cry and let go of bottled-up feelings.

Image of a women looking calm because she feels safe doing EMDR with her therapist. Curious about EMDR therapy timelines? While experiences vary, many notice positive shifts after a few sessions. Contact Wilson Counseling, Houston, to explore EMDR

The Therapeutic Role of Crying

Crying during EMDR isn’t just a side effect; it’s an integral part of the therapeutic process. Here’s why:

Emotional Catharsis

Catharsis is the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions. EMDR facilitates this by encouraging you to access and process painful memories. Crying acts as a cathartic release, helping to purge the emotional toxicity that trauma can create. When you cry, you are literally releasing toxins from your body. It’s a good thing!

Building Emotional Resilience

Experiencing and expressing emotions during EMDR can increase your emotional resilience. By allowing yourself to cry and process these feelings, you’re learning to handle emotional distress more effectively. This resilience can help you cope with future stressors in a healthier way. You are getting stronger by getting used to being upset and moving through it. You are building a tolerance muscle so to speak.

Image of a woman smiling after an EMDR session, symbolizing how emotional release strengthens trust between you and your therapist. Wilson Counseling in Houston is here to support your healing journey.

Strengthening the Therapeutic Relationship

The bond between you and your therapist is crucial for the success of any therapeutic process. Sharing such deep and vulnerable emotions through crying can strengthen this relationship. It fosters trust and demonstrates your openness to the therapeutic process, which can enhance the overall effectiveness of your therapy. If you are not sure if a therapist is right for you, Wilson Counseling offers a free phone consultation so you can interview your therapist before scheduling.

What to Do If You Feel Like Crying During EMDR

If you find yourself on the brink of tears during an EMDR session, here are some tips to help you navigate the experience:

  1. Allow Yourself to Feel: Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel and express emotions. Crying is a natural and healthy response to processing trauma.

  2. Communicate with Your Therapist: Let your therapist know how you’re feeling. They can provide support, reassurance, and guidance through the process.

  3. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that crying is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s part of your journey toward healing.

  4. Take Your Time: Healing from trauma isn’t a race. Allow yourself the time and space you need to process your emotions. Each person’s journey is unique.

Image of a man sitting on a couch who has done EMDR therapy. Curious about EMDR therapy timelines? While experiences vary, many notice positive shifts after a few sessions. Contact Wilson Counseling, Houston, to explore EMDR

Conclusion: Embrace the Tears

Crying during EMDR is not only normal but also an important part of the healing process. It signifies that your brain is actively working to process and integrate traumatic memories. Remember, therapy is a safe space designed to help you heal, grow, and build resilience. If you find yourself shedding tears during EMDR, embrace them as a sign that you’re on the path to recovery.

If you have any concerns or questions about EMDR or your emotional responses during therapy, don’t hesitate to talk to your therapist. They are there to support you every step of the way. Healing from trauma is a journey, and every tear shed is a step toward a healthier, happier you.

OTHER THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX

In addition to EMDR Therapy, Trauma Therapy, and PTSD Treatment, we have other mental health services that we offer at our Houston, TX counseling office. Our services are available for adults, children, and teens. For individuals, we offer Anxiety Treatment, Couples and Marriage Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, School and College Counseling, and Infertility Counseling. As well LGBTQ+ Counseling. Our caring therapists also offer Family Therapy, Career Counseling, and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.

If you are wondering if EMDR is for you, but you are not sure, we offer a free 15-minute phone consultation with one of our Texas therapists. Call today at 713-565-0922 to schedule!