u/Cold-Boysenberry624

Has anyone else experienced this during IFS/EMDR/recovery?

I’ve been doing IFS/EMDR/trauma work for years for cPTSD. My last round ended around January, and the past 6+ months have been some of the best of my life. I’m making friends, traveling, going out, genuinely enjoying life.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, I started ruminating HARD about who I was 5–10 years ago when I was in survival mode.

It’s not one specific memory; it’s an entire era. My brain replays old conversations, awkward moments, mistakes, and I get stuck in shame loops or flashbacks comparing “old me” to who I am now.

The weirdest part is that it seems to happen after really happy moments, like spending time with friends or taking an amazing vacation with my husband. And I can’t seem to connect to any parts.

I have a therapy appointment next week, but I’m curious: Is this another layer of healing? Thoughts or insights?

Has anyone else experienced this during EMDR/recovery?

I’ve been doing EMDR/trauma work for years for cPTSD. My last round ended around January, and the past 6+ months have been some of the best of my life. I’m making friends, traveling, going out, genuinely enjoying life.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, I started ruminating HARD about who I was 5–10 years ago when I was in survival mode.

It’s not one specific memory; it’s an entire era. My brain replays old conversations, awkward moments, mistakes, and I get stuck in shame loops or flashbacks comparing “old me” to who I am now.

The weirdest part is that it seems to happen after really happy moments, like spending time with friends or taking an amazing vacation with my husband.

I have an EMDR appointment next week, but I’m curious: Is this another layer of healing? Thoughts or insights?