Hallowell Brain Health Support

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Writing a journal for post-session reflection


Processing your thoughts and feelings after a session.

Why Journaling Can Be Helpful After a Session

  • Capturing insights - journaling helps you process and integrate what emerged during the session.
  • Tracking progress - it allows you to observe how you’re evolving and how your feelings are changing over time.
  • Releasing emotions - writing can be a safe space to express difficult emotions that might arise post-session.
  • Clarity and healing - it can help bring clarity to your experience and deepen your understanding of your journey.

How to Approach Journaling After a Session

  • Don’t rush - take your time to reflect and write as you feel, without pressure.
  • Be gentle with yourself - avoid judgment or criticism; this is about processing, not analyzing or fixing things.
  • Stay focused on your experience - try to center your thoughts around what emerged during the session, rather than external distractions.
  • Keep it simple - short sentences or bullet points are fine; there’s no need to overthink the format.

Prompts for Reflecting on the Session

General Session Experience
  • What was your emotional state before the session?
  • How did you feel during the session? Were there any moments of surprise, tension, or relief?
  • What sensations or thoughts were most prominent for you during the session?
  • Did anything unexpected come up?
  • How do you feel now, immediately after the session?

Insights and Thoughts
  • Did you gain any new insights during the session? What stood out the most?
  • Were there any memories or feelings that you feel more connected to now?
  • What did you learn about yourself through this session?
  • How do you feel about your progress so far in your EMDR journey?
  • Did you notice any patterns or connections between past and present emotions?

Emotional Reactions
  • Did you experience any intense emotions during the session?
  • How did you handle those emotions? Were you able to sit with them, or did you feel the urge to suppress them?
  • Did you feel any physical sensations, such as tension or relaxation, that stood out during the session?
  • Were there any moments where you felt overwhelmed or like you needed a break? How did you manage those moments?

Safety and Grounding
  • Did you feel safe and grounded throughout the session? If not, what could help improve your sense of safety for next time?
  • Were you able to use any grounding techniques during the session? If so, how did they help?
  • How did you handle moments of discomfort or distress during the session?
  • Were there any positive or calming experiences that you want to remember?

Post-Session Emotional Check-In

Immediate Emotional State
  • How do you feel right now, emotionally and physically?
  • What is the most prominent emotion you're experiencing at this moment (e.g., relief, sadness, confusion, calm)?
  • Are you noticing any physical sensations or tension in your body?

Mood Shifts or Changes
  • Did you notice any shifts in your mood since the session ended?
  • Are there any lingering emotions you’d like to acknowledge?
  • Did anything trigger a sudden emotional response after the session?

Integrating Your Experience
  • Is there something about the session that you would like to process more?
  • How can you support yourself in integrating the work done during the session into your daily life?
  • What do you need right now to feel more at peace or balanced?

Reflection on Self-Care and Soothing Practices

  • How did you take care of yourself immediately after the session?
  • What soothing practices or self-care did you engage in post-session, and how did they help?
  • Is there anything else you feel would help you feel more grounded or settled after sessions in the future?
  • How can you continue to nurture yourself in the days following this session?

Looking Ahead

  • How do you feel about continuing your EMDR journey?
  • What are your hopes for future sessions?
  • Is there a particular area or memory you would like to focus on next?
  • How can you keep yourself motivated and supported throughout the rest of this healing process?

Gratitude and Acknowledgment

  • What progress are you proud of, even if it feels small?
  • What are you grateful for about the session or your emotional growth?
  • How can you acknowledge your strength and courage in doing this work?