Are there risks in EMDR therapy? Understanding the side effects

As EMDR is gaining more popularity and notoriety for being a powerful therapeutic tool, it is normal to wonder if it is safe. How can something work so quickly to transform deeply painful feelings around old  upsetting memories without any tradeoffs? Fortunately for all of us, this tool is generally very safe to use when handled by an experienced and educated clinician. There are however some side effects that would be important to be aware of so you can be mentally prepared for the journey this treatment will take you on.

By the way, I’m Cristina Lugo, LCSW. I’m a licensed therapist for teens teens, young adults, and families across Los Angeles. Over the past fifteen years I have supported many young people who felt overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, or depression and were looking for a path toward healing.

In this article, I’ll explain what EMDR therapy is, the possible side effects people may experience during treatment, and why these reactions are often part of the healing process rather than a danger.

What is EMDR therapy and why is it used with teens and young adults?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a trauma focused therapy designed to help the brain process distressing memories. When someone goes through difficult experiences such as bullying, accidents, family conflict, or other overwhelming events, those experiences can sometimes remain stuck in the brain. Instead of being processed normally, the memory continues triggering emotional distress. EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess those memories in a healthier way.

During an EMDR session, the therapist guides you through recalling certain experiences while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This can include guided eye movements, tapping, or other forms of rhythmic stimulation. This process helps the brain integrate the memory so that it no longer carries the same emotional intensity. For many young adults, EMDR therapy can help reduce symptoms of trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, and emotional triggers.

Are there any dangers from EMDR therapy?

One of the reasons people worry about the dangers of EMDR therapy is because the treatment involves revisiting emotional and painful memories. This can sound intimidating at first. However, when EMDR is provided by a highly trained and experienced therapist, the process is carefully structured and paced to support emotional safety. Most people do not experience dangerous side effects from EMDR therapy. Instead, they may experience temporary emotional or physical reactions as their brain processes difficult memories. These reactions are typically short lived and part of the healing process.

Common side effects of EMDR therapy

Although EMDR therapy is considered safe, some people may notice temporary side effects during treatment. These reactions are usually mild and tend to fade as therapy progresses.

Emotional sensitivity

You may feel more emotional after an EMDR session. Processing memories can bring up feelings that were previously avoided or suppressed. Some people feel sad, reflective, or emotionally sensitive for a short period after therapy. This emotional release is often part of how the brain begins to heal.

Fatigue after sessions

EMDR sessions can require significant mental and emotional energy. Because of this, some people feel tired or mentally drained after a therapy session. This fatigue usually fades within several hours or by the next day. Sometimes a nap or a hearty meal can really help. 

Vivid dreams or memories

Because EMDR activates memory processing, some people may experience vivid dreams or recall additional memories between sessions. This is not uncommon and usually decreases as therapy progresses.

Temporary increase in emotions

Some people may feel temporarily more anxious or emotionally sensitive between sessions.

This happens because the brain is actively reorganizing emotional information. Therapists often teach grounding techniques and coping strategies to help manage these moments.

Why do some people feel worse before they feel better?

One concern people sometimes have about trauma therapy is that they may feel more emotional during the early stages of treatment. This can happen because EMDR encourages the brain to process memories that may have been avoided for a long time. As those memories begin to surface, the emotions connected to them can temporarily intensify. However, this stage is usually temporary. Once the memory is processed, the emotional charge connected to it often decreases significantly. Many young adults report feeling relief, clarity, and emotional calm as therapy progresses.

How long do EMDR side effects last?

For most people, EMDR side effects are short lived. Emotional sensitivity or fatigue may last for several hours or on rare occasions, the next day or two after a session. As therapy continues and memories become fully processed, these reactions typically become less frequent and less intense. Therapists can also adjust the pace of treatment to ensure that you feel supported throughout the process.

Is EMDR therapy safe for young people?

EMDR therapy can be highly effective for adolescents and young adults when provided by highly trained professionals. It is widely used to treat trauma, anxiety, and stress related symptoms. EMDR therapy is considered safe because therapists carefully prepare clients before beginning memory processing and pace the treatment based on the client’s needs each session. You learn coping strategies and grounding techniques so that you can manage emotions that arise during therapy. When therapy is paced appropriately, EMDR can help you process difficult experiences in a structured and supportive way.

EMDR therapy may not be the right approach if…

Although EMDR can be highly effective, it is not always the best fit for everyone. A trained therapist will first evaluate whether EMDR is appropriate based on emotional readiness, current stress levels, and individual mental health needs. In some cases, therapists may begin with talk therapy or stabilization techniques before introducing trauma processing methods. The goal is always to make sure therapy feels safe, supportive, and manageable.

EMDR therapy in Pasadena

If you are struggling with trauma, anxiety, or depression,  EMDR therapy may be one possible path toward healing. In my work with teens and young adults in Pasadena and Northeast Los Angeles, I integrate EMDR with supportive talk therapy, mindfulness practices, and emotional regulation tools. This approach helps young people process difficult experiences while building resilience, emotional stability, and confidence.