Am I Processing EMDR Correctly? 7 Signs Your EMDR Therapy Is Working

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can feel different from traditional talk therapy. Many clients wonder:

“Is this supposed to feel like this?”

“Am I processing correctly?”

“Is EMDR working for me?”

These questions are extremely common.

This guide will help you understand what healthy EMDR processing typically looks like — and when you may need more support from your therapist.

Important: Everyone experiences EMDR differently. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional guidance from a trained EMDR therapist.

1. You notice thoughts or memories pop up on their own

During or after EMDR, you may find:

Small memories surface

Connections appear between past and present

New insights “click” unexpectedly

This is not a sign something is wrong — it’s often a sign the brain is doing the exact work EMDR is designed for.

2. You experience emotional shifts (even subtle ones)

You might feel:

Lighter

Calmer

More detached from the memory

Neutral rather than activated

Some clients describe it as “the charge is gone.”

Others say the memory feels farther away.

Both are signs of healthy processing.

3. The disturbing memory starts to feel less sharp

EMDR often reduces the intensity of the memory, not erase it.

You might notice:

The image becomes less vivid

The emotions feel less overwhelming

Your body responds less intensely

This change may happen gradually over several sessions.

4. Your body reactions shift

Because EMDR activates the nervous system, you may notice:

Breathing normalizes

Tension decreases

Your body feels more grounded

These sensations often mean the brain is completing a stress response that was previously stuck.

5. You can think about the memory with more clarity

A big sign EMDR is working is when clients say:

“I see it differently now.”

“It doesn’t define me anymore.”

“I understand what happened without reliving it.”

If your thoughts feel more balanced and less reactive, processing is happening.

6. You feel more in control outside of session

Healthy EMDR often leads to noticeable changes in daily life:

More emotional stability

Fewer triggers

Easier relationships

Greater sense of safety

You may not notice these shifts week to week — but your partner, friends, or coworkers might.

7. You feel safe and supported in session

One of the strongest indicators you’re processing correctly is whether you feel:

Grounded with your therapist

Able to slow down or pause

Comfortable sharing reactions

Seen and validated

EMDR works best when the therapeutic relationship feels solid.

If something feels overwhelming, confusing, or “too fast,” this is important to tell your therapist — it does not mean you’re doing anything wrong.

🧭 What If EMDR Doesn’t Feel Right?

It’s completely normal to:

Question the process

Experience slow progress

Hit emotional blocks

Notice different reactions each week

These are all common.

What matters most is ongoing communication with your EMDR therapist.

If you feel stuck, we help clients:

Adjust pacing

Strengthen grounding skills

Prepare the nervous system for processing

Move through blocks gently and safely

EMDR is not one-size-fits-all — it can always be tailored to your needs.

⭐ Thinking About EMDR? Let’s Talk.

If you’re unsure whether your EMDR processing is “normal,” or you’re curious whether EMDR might be the right approach for you, our practice offers:

Trauma-informed EMDR therapy

A calm, supportive environment

Personalized pacing

Clear guidance so you never feel lost in the process

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

👉 Book a free 15 min. consultation here.

Let’s help your brain finally find the relief it’s been working toward.