How EMDR Therapy Eases Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can be all-consuming. They can make even the smallest tasks feel insurmountable. Typically, anxiety doesn’t just come from nowhere—there are usually deep-seated memories and feelings contributing to it. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can address the roots of your anxiety.
The Connection Between Trauma and Anxiety
Anxiety isn’t always the result of a specific traumatic event, but trauma often plays a significant role in how anxiety develops. Many people with anxiety disorders have experienced some form of trauma. These traumatic experiences range from emotional or physical abuse to chronic stress or significant life changes, like divorce or the death of a loved one.
These experiences leave an emotional imprint on the brain. When a person encounters something that reminds them of their past trauma, even in subtle ways, it can trigger an anxiety response. The brain becomes hypersensitive to perceived threats, even when no real danger exists. Over time, the anxious brain develops patterns of responses to everyday experiences that are hard to break.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a type of psychotherapy initially designed to help individuals with PTSD, but over time, therapists began using it for people dealing with various forms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
The core premise of EMDR is that it helps a person process traumatic memories or distressing thoughts in a way that reduces their emotional impact over the course of eight phases. Many people with anxiety are stuck in loops of negative thoughts and emotions, often triggered by unresolved past traumatic experiences. EMDR helps to “reprocess” these memories so that they lose their emotional charge.
The therapy does this through the use of bilateral stimulation, typically involving eye movements from side to side, to engage both hemispheres of the brain. This stimulation facilitates the processing of memories and emotions, leading to a reduction in symptoms like anxiety, panic, and intrusive thoughts.
How EMDR Treats Anxiety
History and treatment planning: In this phase, the therapist gathers information about the client’s history and determines which memories are contributing to their anxiety. A treatment plan is developed to address these issues.
Preparation: The therapist ensures the individual is ready for the intensity of EMDR. They explain the process, establish a safe space for the client, and teach techniques to manage distressing emotions.
Assessment: The therapist identifies specific memories, negative beliefs, and physical sensations that trigger anxiety. These will be the focus of the reprocessing sessions.
Desensitization: This is the core phase of EMDR, where the therapist asks the client to recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as moving their eyes from side to side or listening to alternating tones.
Installation: The therapist helps “install” positive feelings to replace the negative beliefs that were causing anxiety. For example, someone who previously believed that they weren’t safe in a specific situation might begin to instead believe in their strength and resilience.
Body scan: The client notices any lingering physical tension or sensations related to the memory. They then identify any residual anxiety that needs to be addressed.
Closure: The therapist ensures the client feels stable and grounded after each session. They may revisit techniques for self-soothing and relaxation.
Reevaluation: In later sessions, the therapist and individual assess whether the treatment is effective or if they need more sessions.
Will EMDR Help Your Anxiety?
Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR addresses the root brain patterns that contribute to anxiety. EMDR also provides faster and longer lasting relief of anxiety symptoms. A trained EMDR therapist will help you reprocess the memories that have been fueling your stress responses so that you can break free from the cycle of fear.
To find out more about how EMDR can be effective in the treatment of anxiety, please schedule a free consultation call.
About the Author
Nicole Mendizabal is a licensed marriage and family therapist providing virtual therapy services in Florida.
