EMDR for anxiety

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It has also been found to be beneficial for treating anxiety. Here's how EMDR might help individuals suffering from anxiety..

1. Accessing and Processing Traumatic Memories

EMDR helps by allowing clients to access and process traumatic memories that might be contributing to their anxiety. Anxiety can sometimes be exacerbated by unresolved past traumatic experiences. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) to stimulate the brain, which seems to help the brain process these emotional experiences.

2. Desensitisation

Through the EMDR process, individuals are asked to focus on traumatic or triggering experiences while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (like following the therapist’s finger moving side-to-side). This can help reduce the emotional response to a memory. Essentially, the distressing memory can lose its power to trigger anxiety as it is processed through the biltateral movements of the eyes.

3. Reprocessing

The core of EMDR involves reprocessing the distressing events in a way that decreases their disturbing effects. In the context of anxiety, reprocessing can help clients reframe and redefine experiences that may be contributing to their anxiety. For example, a past experience that led someone to feel unsafe or out of control can be reprocessed to reinforce feelings of safety and empowerment.

4. Reducing Physical Arousal

EMDR can help reduce the physical arousal associated with anxiety. The bilateral stimulation in EMDR therapy has been hypothesized to mimic the psychological state associated with Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which involves processing and integrating emotional experiences. This can lead to a reduction in physiological symptoms of anxiety.

5. Installation of Positive Beliefs

Part of the EMDR process includes developing and strengthening positive beliefs about oneself. For someone with anxiety, this might mean shifting from a self-perception of helplessness to one of being capable and in control. Reinforcing these positive beliefs can help counteract the negative thought patterns that are typical with rumination and worry.

6. Generalisation

Skills learned and emotional relief gained from processing specific traumatic or triggering events can generalise to other aspects of life. This means the therapeutic benefits gained in session can start influencing other situations where anxiety might have been a challenge, thereby improving overall functioning. We call this cross situational effect.

Research and Effectiveness

Research on EMDR has primarily focused on its effectiveness for PTSD, but there is growing evidence that it can also be beneficial for anxiety, especially when the anxiety is related to or exacerbated by traumatic events. EMDR is not a universal solution for all types of anxiety, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. However, for many individuals, especially those whose anxiety is linked with past traumas, EMDR can be a powerful tool.