Understanding EMDR Therapy and How EMDR Improves Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most natural human emotions, designed to help keep us safe and alert. At its core it is our own personal built-in alarm system that is there to keep us protected. This alarm system can be triggered when your brain and body think you’re in danger-even if there is no real current threat. When your brain perceives a threat, it releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to help your body automatically fight, flight, or freeze to survive the current situation. However, anxiety isn’t only about what’s happening right now-it is typically linked to earlier experiences where you felt unsafe, powerless, or out of control. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps by identifying those earlier experiences, reprocessing the memories and negative beliefs that are attached to them to stop triggering anxiety in the present.
What Is EMDR Therapy and How Can It Help?
EMDR is a form of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It was originally created to help people recover from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it has since been shown to be helpful for a variety of issues—including anxiety, panic attacks, phobias. EMDR uses bi-lateral stimulation (usually eye-movements or tapping) to help the brain reactivate past distressing experiences that are stuck in the nervous system and helps the brain link that experience with new positive information. This helps the original memory to be stored in a more adaptive, positive, balanced way. This process helps us get “unstuck” and assists the brain in transforming all aspects of the disturbing memory, including perceptions about ourselves and the world, emotions, and sensations.
During EMDR treatment, the therapist guides the client through eight phases. Although the phases provide structure and a framework, the phases are not a rigid sequence. The healing process is unique to each individual and your body’s system guide the work and the phase of treatment that is explored in each session.
The eight phases are: 1. History Taking, 2. Preparation, 3. Assessment, 4. Desensitization, 5. Installation, 6. Body Scan, 7. Closure, 8. Re-Evaluation.
During treatment, you will likely move forward, pause, and revisit earlier phases-not because you’re going backward, but because your mind is processing deeper layers of the same issue or new memories connected to it.
EMDR changes negative beliefs fueling anxiety. Many people with anxiety hold negative automatic beliefs like: “It is all my fault,” “I’m powerless,” “Something bad is going to happen,” “I’m not good enough.” EMDR helps transform those into more realistic, kinder, helpful, empowering thoughts such as: “I can cope”, “I’m capable,” and “I’m safe now.”
EMDR helps the brain integrate new information about old memories. This emotional charge connected to the original memory fades. Therefore, this painful memory no longer triggers strong emotional or behavioral reactions. Instead of managing symptoms, it helps the brain resolve old patterns of fear.Many people often notice fewer anxiety triggers and less physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, tension. The nervous system relaxes and the original event and present-day triggers no longer feel as threatening or overwhelming. This strengthens a sense of safety and emotional resilience, and provides many with a new lasting sense of control over their lives.
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means feeling safe again! At A Link in Healing Counseling, your healing journey moves at a pace that is right for you. Our goal is for you to feel safe and supported at every step.
If you’re curious about whether EMDR could help with your anxiety, consider looking at our website and review services offered- www.linkinhealing.com
You are always welcome to schedule a free consultation, or get started by calling 248-800-8848 or by sending an email at amy@linkinhealing.com.