The moments after your processing session are just as important as the session itself. The post-session reflection phase helps you integrate your experience, track your progress, and capture valuable insights. This guide explains how to make the most of this critical phase.
The Post-Session Screen
After your bilateral stimulation ends, you'll be taken to the post-session screen with several important elements:
Post-Session Distress Rating
What it is: A scale from 0 (no distress) to 10 (maximum distress) to rate how you feel about your target now.
How to use it effectively:
Take a moment to check in with yourself before rating
Be honest about your current feeling—there's no "right" answer
Compare mentally to your pre-session rating
Remember that even small decreases in distress are meaningful
Why it matters: Consistent tracking of distress levels helps you:
Measure progress objectively
Identify effective approaches
Recognize patterns in your healing journey
Insights & Observations
What it is: A text field where you can record thoughts, realizations, connections, or changes you noticed during the session.
What to consider recording:
New memories or connections that emerged
Changes in how you view the target
Shifts in physical sensations
Emotional changes
New perspectives or understandings
Questions that arose
Tips for effective recording:
Write while the experience is fresh
Don't worry about perfect writing—quick notes are valuable
Include bodily sensations, not just thoughts
Note anything surprising or unexpected
Record even small shifts or observations
Optional Grounding
What it is: Access to grounding exercises to help you transition back to your day.
When to use grounding:
After emotionally intense sessions
When you feel slightly disconnected
If you need to quickly transition to other activities
As a general practice of self-care
Available grounding options:
5-4-3-2-1 Technique
Sound Mapping
Temperature Awareness
Box Breathing
Body Scan
Mindful Eating
Making the Most of Post-Session Reflection
Allow Time for Integration
Don't rush through the post-session phase
Sit quietly for a minute before rating your distress
Notice any subtle shifts in your body or emotions
Give yourself space to process what emerged
Capture Insights Effectively
Be specific rather than general
Note connections between past and present
Record physical changes as well as mental insights
Track patterns across multiple sessions
Examples of helpful observations:
"I noticed the tightness in my chest released halfway through"
"I realized this connects to an earlier memory from childhood"
"The image of the event seemed farther away and less vivid"
"I felt a sense of compassion toward myself that wasn't there before"
Review Previous Sessions
Occasionally review your past session notes to:
Identify patterns in what helps you process effectively
Notice gradual changes that might not be obvious day-to-day
Recognize connections between different targets
Appreciate your progress over time
What to Expect After Processing
Immediate Effects
You might experience:
Emotional release or relief
Mental clarity or new perspectives
Physical relaxation
Fatigue or energy shifts
Emotional sensitivity
Delayed Processing
Processing often continues after the session ends:
New insights may emerge hours or days later
Dreams might incorporate elements of what you processed
You may notice different responses to triggers
Additional memories might surface
If significant insights arise later, you can add them to your session notes:
Go to your Session History
Find the relevant session
Tap Edit on your insights
Add your new observations
Self-Care After Sessions
Consider these self-care practices after processing:
Hydrate with water or herbal tea
Gentle movement like walking or stretching
Rest if you feel fatigued
Nature time if accessible
Creative expression through art, music, or journaling
Social connection if supportive people are available
When to Schedule Your Next Session
Consider these factors when planning your next session:
How you feel emotionally and physically
Whether significant material emerged that needs further processing
Your schedule and energy levels
Whether you feel complete with the current target
Many users find a rhythm of 2-3 sessions per week provides balance between progress and integration time.
Troubleshooting Common Post-Session Experiences
If Your Distress Increased
This occasionally happens and doesn't mean the session wasn't beneficial:
Use grounding techniques
Practice self-compassion
Consider a shorter or gentler approach next time
Remember that healing isn't always linear
If You Feel Disconnected
Try a body-focused grounding exercise
Engage your senses (touch something with texture, smell something strong)
Consider physical movement
Postpone complex tasks if possible
If You Feel Emotionally Sensitive
Honor this sensitivity as part of healing
Limit exposure to stressful situations if possible
Practice extra self-care
Remember this state is temporary
Remember that each person's processing journey is unique. Trust your experience and adjust your approach based on what you learn about yourself through this process.
The post-session reflection is where much of the integration happens. By mindfully completing this phase, you enhance the benefits of your processing work and create a valuable record of your healing journey.