EMDR Treatment For Anxiety

Psychologist Francine Shapiro developed eye movement desensitisation and reprogramming therapy (EMDR) in the 1980s. Whilst primarily used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it has become known for treating and combatting severe anxiety. 

Symptoms of Anxiety

Many people experience feelings of anxiety. People can feel nervous and jittery about many life events, such as a problem at school or a deadline at work, which is normal. However, people with anxiety can struggle with this feeling persistently. Even if there is nothing to be worried about, feelings of anxiety can interfere with everyday life for many people.

Symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person but can include:

• Feelings of dread and panic
• Difficulty focusing on tasks
• Avoidance of triggers
• Rapid heart rate 
• Panic attacks 

Anxiety can stem from many places. Some people are more naturally anxious than others – this is known as trait anxiety. Other people have diagnosable anxiety disorders, such as:

• Agoraphobia – those with agoraphobia have an intense fear of places or situations that make them feel trapped or stuck. This can stem from a traumatic incident where they were powerless or couldn’t get out.
• Generalised anxiety disorder – abbreviated to GAD, people with this condition experience constant worry about many things, even if they are ordinary or routine.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – people with PTSD can experience intense anxiety and avoid specific places or feelings out of fear and worry. 

Anxiety can be a considerable struggle to deal with in everyday life; however, many treatments are available for anxiety, and EMDR is proven to be highly effective. 

EMDR and Anxiety

The primary focus of EMDR is directing eye movements in specific patterns whilst imagining distressing and anxiety-inducing scenarios. Gradually, the therapist will direct thoughts to become more positive whilst continuing with the eye movements, allowing the anxiety to dissipate. 

Through this process, clients can then regain control over their emotions, and research has shown that EMDR can lead to sharp decreases in negative emotional states.

When people go through a traumatic experience, negative emotions arise and interfere with memory storage. Various triggers can then occur, including smells, sounds and images, that cause feelings around the experience to resurface, and in many cases, cause anxiety. This anxiety can prevent people from doing many things out of fear that their anxiety will worsen.

The eight phases of EMDR help the therapist to plan how they will treat anxiety:

1. Client history and treatment planning – the client and therapist will plan how best to treat the anxiety.
2. Preparation – the client is prepared for the start of EMDR therapy by the therapist. Coping techniques are discussed to help the client deal with the heightened emotions that may arise during the sessions.
3. Assessment – a negative memory is selected and assessed by the therapist and client, and a positive replacement is chosen.
4. Desensitisation – the therapist works with the client to reduce their reaction to the negative memory. The client will recall the memory and direct their eye movements according to the therapist’s instructions. 
5. Installation – the therapist helps the client install a positive memory in the place of the negative one.
6. Body scan – the client thinks about the negative memory and assesses any emotional and physical reaction.
7. Closure – the therapist will help the client overcome any emotional reactions using techniques learned in the preparation phase.
8. Reevaluation – both therapist and client review the session and evaluate the effects. 

This process helps alleviate anxiety symptoms quickly and effectively, including helping with physical symptoms caused by anxiety such as muscle tension. 

Benefits of EMDR for Anxiety

EMDR can have more benefits beyond decreasing negative thinking and resolving traumatic memories. It:

• Improves self-esteem – by changing negative thoughts and working through distressing memories, many find that their self-esteem improves through EMDR therapy. 
• Works quickly – EMDR has been shown to be effective in as little as three sessions. Overall, EMDR is a brief form of therapy that can take only weeks to complete.
• Requires minimal talking – EMDR does not require a lot of talking to be effective, as clients have to picture negative thoughts and experiences rather than talking about them. This can be highly beneficial for those who struggle to talk about their trauma. Using EMDR for anxiety is an internal process that helps many people find inner peace and stillness. 

One study also found that EMDR therapy is just as effective as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in treating panic disorder and anxiety symptoms. In fact, there is evidence to say that EMDR can work more quickly and effectively than CBT. 

Another benefit of EMDR therapy for anxiety is that it can teach many practical mindfulness techniques, and therapists can teach clients techniques to deal with heightened emotions during sessions, which are valuable tools to regulate their emotions between treatments.

Downsides of EMDR

EMDR is a safe treatment option that can help with many mental health conditions. There are a few potential side effects to be aware of before starting treatment, including:

• Vivid dreams
• Increased amounts of distressing memories
• Extremely heightened emotions and physical sensations

These symptoms are usually resolved as treatment progresses, though clients should keep their therapist updated on their symptoms and address any issues in future sessions. 

Conclusion

Anxiety can be a debilitating condition to live with. Whilst there may not be any specific cause for anxiety, in some cases, it can stem from complex trauma. People can experience many negative emotions when dealing with their anxiety and may feel limited by their mental health.

EMDR therapy can help those struggling with anxiety find rapid relief and begin the healing process by reprocessing negative memories and replacing them with positive ones. 

Contact Vitalis Wellbeing today to find out how EMDR therapy can change your life. Our team offers comprehensive therapy options suitable for everyone, including remote services, to ensure EMDR therapy is accessible to everyone who needs it.