EMDR & Taking Care of Ourselves

Detox Green sub dragonfruit for bananas, add blueberries. Chef's kiss

EMDR therapy is not for the weak, that’s for sure.

I’ve done a variety of healing modalities to process emotions and life experiences as they arise and effect my daily life. This particular run has been one for the books. I suppose the last time I dug this deep I was single, in my 20’s, and not even out of nursing school.

I write this as a reminder to anyone who needs to hear this that deep, regular, healing work can be difficult and exhausting. It can affect the way you show up, albeit, temporary, but it can affect our ability to be patient, to think, and to be present for a time. It’s not uncommon to feel “out of it” and to still be processing 24-36 hours after a big, emotional session. Sometimes up to a week. It can really muddy the waters and feel a lot worse before it feels better - especially when you're not single or in your 20's anymore.

This is a reminder to those who need to hear it to take care of yourself during those times. Let your friends and family know you’re deep in the work. Show up the best you can on those therapy days and cut yourself a little slack. Take naps, go outside, journal, breathe. Do WHATEVER it is that YOUR body and soul need to feel nurtured.

As suggested by my partner, I’ve been treating myself to Tropical Smoothie on Mondays post session. And let me tell you, it has been THE BEST THING. It’s not necessarily reward related, but more so nourishing. It’s a positive association to something that brings up a lot of old, buried, heavy stuff. It gives me some vitamins and minerals to replenish some that may have been lost during the breathing, the crying, and the moving of big energy out of my body. It gives me a little breather - the 12 minute drive there and back help me be a little more grounded and present when I come back home to take care of the kids on my solo Monday nights. My whole smoothie experience helps me take a moment for myself, and let me body know - I hear you, I see you, and we can pick this back up after the kids go to bed if needed. And we certainly have.

So, if you’re in it somewhere, too - doing the big work, I encourage you to find YOUR tropical smoothie and be proud of yourself for showing up.

“I will stay in this fire until I am free…” - unknown author

If you are looking for an EMDR therapist, or have questions about the experience, comment below! I am compiling a list of reputable EMDR therapists with current openings that I know personally, or is recommended by someone I know personally.

Happy healing!

Dot