EMDR For Anxiety 

Anxiety is a common mental health issue that can affect anyone. In Australia, one in four people will experience anxiety at some point in their lives. It can manifest itself in many different ways and can be incredibly debilitating for those who suffer from it.

What is meant by ‘EMDR? 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, initially developed for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), can also be effective for anxiety disorders by helping individuals process and release the emotions and disturbing memories that contribute to anxiety.

The benefits of EMDR for anxiety

The main benefit of EMDR is that it helps:

1. Reduce anxiety symptoms, including unhelpful and persistent thoughts, physical and emotional distress;
2. Strengthen emotional regulation so that clients can experience emotional stability and control.
3. Focus on addressing childhood trauma or other life trauma that might result in PTSD and underlining generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and other anxiety disorders.

How EMDR Works for Anxiety

EMDR works by helping clients:

1. Identify and process the emotionally upsetting memories and experiences (i.e. the trauma) that may be underpinning anxiety.
2. Focus on the distressing memory while engaging in taxing the working memory with eye movements, tapping, or listening to alternative instructions during the bilateral stimulation.
3. Reduce the emotional intensity associated with the traumatic memories and experiences by de-pairing the stimulus (i.e. the emotional experience of the trauma) and the response (i.e. the anxiety symptoms).
4. Build their brain’s natural healing process by unblocking brain’s information processing system that becomes blocked or imbalanced by the traumatic experience.
5. Work in conjunction with other Cognitive Behavioral and Experiential therapies like Schema Therapy adjust and thrive.

How to seek EMDR treatment for anxiety 

If you’re considering using EMDR for your anxiety, it’s important to find an experienced practitioner who specializes in this area of treatment. They should have an understanding of how your particular condition affects you personally so they can tailor the treatment accordingly. It’s also important that you feel comfortable with your therapist so you feel able to open up about your feelings without feeling judged or embarrassed.

EMDR is a powerful tool for managing anxiety, but it’s important to remember that it isn’t a ‘quick fix’ solution – it takes time for EMDR to process the trauma , so patience is key. With regular sessions over several weeks or months however, many people report significant improvements in their mental wellbeing as well as improved quality of life overall!

Contact Franco Greco today

If you're looking for an alternative treatment option for your anxiety then consider giving EMDR a try – it could be just what you need. Contact Franco Greco on 0482 092 406

 or hello@yourpsychologist.net.au to learn more, or if you’re ready to book an appointment, click here to schedule a session now.