Anxiety can be a challenging condition to manage, impacting many aspects of daily life. One promising therapeutic approach is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating trauma and anxiety.
EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that helps people heal from distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on processing and resolving traumatic memories through specific eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (like hand taps or audio tones).
Anxiety often stems from unresolved traumatic experiences. EMDR helps reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional charge. EMDR targets negative self-beliefs that fuel anxiety, replacing them with positive, empowering beliefs.
Many people with anxiety experience physical symptoms like a racing heart or tense muscles. By addressing the root cause, EMDR can alleviate these physical manifestations. Over time, EMDR helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms, making them more resilient to stress.
What to Expect from EMDR:
In EMDR the therapist and patient identify specific memories or thoughts that trigger anxiety and determine the negative beliefs associated with these memories. The patient focuses on the distressing memory while simultaneously following the therapist’s fingers moving side to side, listening to alternating sounds, or feeling taps on their hands. This bilateral stimulation helps reprocess the traumatic memory.
After the trauma memory has been processed and the patient experiences less distress as a result, the therapist then works on installing and strengthening more positive and adaptive beliefs. For example, changing “I am helpless” to “I am in control.”
During EMDR, patients may experience sensations or tension in their bodies, due to trauma often being held physically in the body. When having EMDR the patient is invited to observe any physical responses related to the memory and the therapist processes these until there is no distress left.
Each session ends with a return to a state of calm, ensuring the patient feels safe and grounded. At the beginning of the next session, the therapist assesses the progress and determines what to focus on next.
EMDR therapy is typically structured over multiple sessions, depending on the complexity of the issues being addressed. Each session is designed to ensure the patient feels safe and supported throughout the process.
While EMDR has shown great success in treating anxiety and trauma, it’s important to consult with a qualified therapist to determine if it’s the right fit for your needs. Not everyone responds the same way, but many find it to be a life-changing approach to managing anxiety.
EMDR offers a unique and effective way to address the root causes of anxiety. By reprocessing traumatic memories and reshaping negative beliefs, individuals can find relief and build a healthier, more peaceful life. If anxiety is holding you back, consider exploring EMDR with a professional therapist.
Remember, seeking help is a courageous step towards healing and well-being.
If you would like further information, please contact our reception at Mindwell Psychology on 03 5215 6262 to speak with one of our Psychologists who are experienced in using EMDR.