Who Should Not Do EMDR Therapy?
The therapy that fascinates — but isn’t for everyone
Last week, over coffee with my friend Sarah (she’s a psychologist, super sharp), I asked, “Hey, is EMDR really safe for everyone?” I always thought it was this magical trauma cure, but Sarah paused and said, “Well… it’s not that simple.” That answer got me digging deep, and honestly, what I found surprised me. So let’s break it down — no fancy jargon, just real talk between you and me.
What exactly is EMDR therapy?
A quick recap
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy designed to help people process traumatic memories. It uses bilateral stimulation — often side-to-side eye movements — while recalling painful events, which somehow helps “unstick” the brain’s trauma loops. It’s shown big success, especially with PTSD.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not some magic wand you wave over anyone.
Who might NOT be a good fit for EMDR?
Individuals with untreated dissociation or psychosis
Sarah explained something that really stuck with me: if someone has severe dissociative symptoms (like feeling disconnected from reality) or active psychosis, EMDR can actually make things worse. Why? Because the therapy can open floodgates of overwhelming memories or sensations, and if the person isn’t grounded, it can destabilize them fast.
I remember Sarah saying, “I had a client once where we had to pause EMDR and first focus on stabilization for months before trying again.” That really hit me — you can’t rush into this.
People without a strong therapeutic foundation
This part surprised me. Even if you don’t have big diagnoses, if you haven’t built trust with your therapist or developed coping tools, EMDR might be premature. It’s intense work. You need to know how to handle emotional surges between sessions. I admit, I used to think, “Why not just go straight for the trauma fix?” But now, I see why the preparation phase matters so much.
When EMDR should be approached with caution
Certain medical conditions
Did you know EMDR can sometimes cause physical reactions like dizziness or headaches? If you have neurological conditions, seizure history, or heart problems, you really need to discuss this carefully with both your doctor and therapist. It’s not necessarily a no-go, but it’s not something to mess around with casually either.
Pregnancy and major life stress
Here’s a tricky one. Sarah mentioned she sometimes postpones EMDR for clients who are pregnant or under massive stress (like a recent divorce or job loss). Why? Because even if the therapy works, it can temporarily make you feel worse before you feel better — not ideal when you’re already maxed out.
Common misconceptions (and how I got them wrong)
“EMDR is gentle, so it’s safe for anyone”
Nope. It’s powerful, which is exactly why it’s risky if done at the wrong time or with the wrong setup. I definitely underestimated that before.
“You can just stop if it’s too much”
Well, technically yes, but the emotional aftershocks can linger even after a session ends. You need the right support network in place — this isn’t a one-off thing you test like a new yoga class.
Final thoughts: be informed, not scared
Before diving into this topic, I honestly believed EMDR was universally harmless. But now, after talking with Sarah and reading up, I see it’s a tool — powerful, yes, but one that needs to be used wisely.
Have you been considering EMDR or tried it before? Did you have moments where you thought, “Wait, is this really right for me right now?” I’d love to hear your story — because honestly, these personal experiences teach me more than any textbook ever could. Let’s chat!
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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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