Does EMDR Therapy Help With Anxiety?

Anxiety can show up in many ways. You might overthink conversations, anticipate everything that could go wrong, feel tense even when life seems calm, or find yourself reacting strongly to situations you thought you had already moved past.

If you have tried to understand your anxiety but still feel stuck, you may be wondering whether a different therapeutic approach could help.

EMDR therapy may be considered as part of treatment for some people experiencing anxiety, particularly when distress is connected to traumatic or other upsetting experiences. Whether it is appropriate depends on your symptoms, history, goals, and a clinician’s assessment.

Can Anxiety Be Connected to Past Experiences?

Sometimes present-day situations can remind us of earlier experiences. For example:

• Feedback at work may bring up memories of being harshly criticized.

• Conflict with a partner may activate fears connected to earlier relationships.

• Making a mistake may trigger a deep sense of shame or failure.

• Uncertainty may feel especially difficult if past experiences taught you that things can change suddenly.

These are examples, not explanations for everyone’s anxiety. Anxiety can have many contributing factors, and a therapist can help you explore what may be relevant in your own life.

How Might EMDR Fit Into Anxiety Treatment?

EMDR is a structured therapy most firmly established for PTSD. Depending on the person and the clinical situation, a therapist may consider EMDR-informed work with distressing memories or experiences that appear connected to current anxiety.

The process may involve identifying a specific experience, preparing for the work, and using bilateral stimulation while attending to aspects of the memory. The therapist monitors your responses and adjusts the pace as needed.

EMDR is not a guarantee that anxiety will disappear, and it is not a replacement for every other form of anxiety care. Some people may benefit from other approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, skills-based treatment, medication consultation, or a combination of supports.

What If I Have High-Functioning Anxiety?

You may be meeting responsibilities and appearing capable to others while privately experiencing persistent worry, perfectionism, tension, or difficulty relaxing.

You do not have to wait until you reach a breaking point to seek help. Therapy can help you understand your anxiety and identify treatment options that fit your needs.

If earlier experiences seem to be connected to your current reactions, you could ask a therapist whether EMDR is worth considering. The therapist can help determine whether that approach fits your circumstances or whether another treatment would be more appropriate.

Questions to Ask Before Starting EMDR

If you are considering EMDR for anxiety, you might ask:

• What training and experience do you have with EMDR?

• How would you assess whether EMDR is appropriate for my concerns?

• What preparation would we do before processing memories?

• What happens if I feel overwhelmed during a session?

• How will we monitor my progress?

• Are there other approaches we should consider?

You deserve clear answers and a treatment plan that respects your needs and preferences.

Learn More About EMDR and Anxiety Therapy

At Gaining Grace LLC, you can explore therapy options for anxiety and learn more about whether EMDR may fit your goals.

Visit our EMDR Therapy and Anxiety Therapy pages to learn more, or reach out to discuss your questions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR  

Hey, I'm Brooke -- I'm a licensed anxiety and addiction therapist serving individuals, adolescents, and couples in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. My experience brings both a personal and professional perspective to the work that I do with my clients. If you are interested in learning more about the therapy process and would like to schedule a free consultation, I would love to schedule a free, ten-minute phone consultation with you!

This article is educational and does not provide a diagnosis or determine which treatment is right for you.