Trauma and EMDR: stabilisation · worksheet 96
After a session in which difficult memories have been worked on, the brain sometimes carries on “digesting”: tiredness, dreams, emotions coming up. This is common. Planning how to look after yourself helps you get through these moments.
Before you start
- What it is for: To look after yourself after an intense session and note what comes up so you can talk about it next time.
- A few minutes after each difficult session, and perhaps a little in the evening or the next day.
- After a session working with difficult memories, processing can continue for a few hours or days: dreams, emotions, new memories. This is usually normal and passes.
- If something very intense comes up that you can’t manage, contact your psychologist.
Prefer paper? Download the PDF to print (with a page for psychologists).
What to do with your results
What comes up is not a step backwards: it is often a sign that the work is continuing. Note it briefly and bring the worksheet to your session.
If you find it hard
If you feel overwhelmed, use your resources (worksheets 45, 92, 93) and contact your psychologist. If you are in serious distress, call the emergency services.
For psychologists
The PDF also includes a page for the psychologist: how to run the exercise in session, points to watch and scientific references. You are free to use it with your clients.
For psychologists: aim, audience and duration
Prepare a simple self-care plan for the hours and days following an intense therapy session (reprocessing of memories), and what to note down.
People in trauma therapy (EMDR or other). Duration: 10 min in session; use after sessions.
References
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford.
Ogden, P., Minton, K. & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy. Norton.
These worksheets do not replace therapy. If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, call your local emergency number (112 in Europe; 3114 in France, free, 24/7).
Free worksheet for non-commercial use: you may share it with credit to the author, without modifying it (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence).
