Most Common Ways Clients Get Triggered During EMDR — And How We Work Through Them

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most effective, research-supported therapies for trauma and distressing life experiences. Originally developed by Francine Shapiro, EMDR helps the brain reprocess difficult memories so they no longer feel overwhelming or “stuck.”

While EMDR is powerful and often life-changing, it’s also completely normal for clients to feel triggered at different points in the process. In fact, temporary activation is often a sign that meaningful material is surfacing and ready to heal.

If you’re considering EMDR — or are currently in the process — here are the most common ways clients get triggered and how we work with them safely and effectively.

1. Emotional Flooding

Some clients experience a sudden wave of intense emotion during reprocessing — sadness, fear, anger, shame, or grief that feels bigger than expected.

This can happen because EMDR activates networks of stored memory, including emotions that may have been suppressed or compartmentalized.

How we work with it:

• We slow down or pause bilateral stimulation.

• We return to grounding skills (breathing, sensory awareness, orientation to the present).

• We use “resourcing” techniques to strengthen feelings of safety.

• We titrate exposure — processing in smaller, manageable pieces.

EMDR should never feel out of control. Your therapist’s job is to help you stay within your window of tolerance — activated enough to process, but not overwhelmed.

2. Physical Sensations or Somatic Reactions

Trauma is stored not just in thoughts, but in the body. Clients sometimes notice:

• Tightness in the chest

• A lump in the throat

• Nausea

• Shaking

• Headaches

• Fatigue after sessions

These reactions can feel alarming if you’re not expecting them.

How we work with it:

• We normalize the body’s role in trauma processing.

• We help you observe sensations with curiosity rather than fear.

• We use pendulation (moving attention between distress and safety).

• We pace sessions appropriately.

The body releasing stored stress can feel intense — but it is often part of the healing process.

3. Sudden Memory Fragments or New Material Emerging

During EMDR, unexpected memories sometimes surface. Clients may think they’re working on one event, and suddenly a different memory appears.

This can feel destabilizing or confusing.

How we work with it:

• We follow the brain’s natural associations.

• We “float back” to identify earlier root experiences.

• We assess readiness before processing deeper material.

• We create a clear treatment plan so nothing feels chaotic.

The brain often knows what needs attention. Our role is to help it move safely through the process.

4. Negative Beliefs Intensifying

As clients access trauma memories, negative beliefs such as:

• “I’m not safe.”

• “I’m not good enough.”

• “It was my fault.”

• “I have no control.”

may temporarily feel stronger before they shift.

This can be unsettling, especially if clients worry they are “getting worse.”

How we work with it:

• We remind you that activation does not equal regression.

• We measure distress levels throughout processing.

• We strengthen positive, adaptive beliefs.

• We check in frequently about emotional safety.

In EMDR, distress often peaks before it decreases — similar to how cleaning a wound may sting before healing begins.

5. Triggers Between Sessions

Occasionally, clients notice increased dreams, emotional sensitivity, or triggers between sessions.

This does not mean something is wrong. It can mean your brain is continuing to process.

How we work with it:

• We develop strong coping tools before beginning trauma work.

• We create a “container” exercise to hold unfinished material.

• We encourage journaling and grounding techniques.

• We adjust pacing if needed.

Your stability always comes first. EMDR is collaborative, and we adapt the pace to fit your nervous system.

6. Fear of Losing Control

Some clients worry:

• “What if I get overwhelmed?”

• “What if I can’t stop crying?”

• “What if I uncover something I can’t handle?”

This fear itself can be a trauma response.

How we work with it:

• We spend time building trust and safety before reprocessing.

• We explain each phase of EMDR clearly.

• We ensure you have choice and control throughout.

• We can stop at any time.

You are never forced to process anything before you’re ready.

Why Getting Triggered Isn’t a Sign of Failure

EMDR works by activating neural networks connected to past experiences. Activation is part of accessing the material that needs healing.

What matters most is not whether activation happens — but whether it happens in a supported, regulated way.

With proper preparation, pacing, and therapeutic alliance, EMDR is both safe and highly effective.

What Makes EMDR Feel Safer

In our practice, we prioritize:

• Thorough assessment before beginning trauma processing

• Skill-building and nervous system regulation

• Clear consent and collaboration

• Flexible pacing

• Ongoing check-ins about safety and readiness

Healing from trauma is not about reliving pain. It’s about helping your brain file experiences away so they no longer feel like they’re happening in the present.

Final Thoughts

Being triggered during EMDR doesn’t mean you’re broken. It often means your system is ready to process something that has been waiting for attention.

With the right support, those moments of activation can become powerful turning points toward relief, clarity, and emotional freedom.

If you’re curious whether EMDR is right for you, we’re here to answer your questions and help you decide at a pace that feels safe.