Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by fear, worry, and unease, which can be overwhelming and debilitating. Many people with anxiety cope with their symptoms through therapy, medication, or both. One therapy approach that has gained increasing attention as an effective treatment for anxiety is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Definition of Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It can be triggered by various stressors such as work, relationships, or financial worries. However, when feelings of anxiety persist or become severe, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting approximately 19.1% of adults annually.
Overview of EMDR Therapy for Anxiety
EMDR therapy is a relatively new form of psychotherapy initially developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, over the years, it has effectively treated various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders.
During an EMDR therapy session, your therapist will guide you through the eight phases of treatment, which include history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. The process involves recalling distressing memories while focusing on external stimuli such as rapid eye movement, movements or tapping. This technique reduces the emotional intensity associated with these memories and replaces negative beliefs with positive ones.
Unlike conventional talk therapies, EMDR therapy does not require individuals to talk extensively about their traumatic experiences. Instead, it focuses on processing the emotions and sensations associated with the event, resolving anxiety-related symptoms.
Understanding EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a relatively new form of psychotherapy initially developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, over the years, it has effectively treated various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Definition
EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, leading to negative emotions and beliefs. These negative beliefs can continue to impact a person’s life long after the event has passed. EMDR therapy aims to process these traumatic memories and replace negative beliefs with positive ones.
How it works
During an EMDR therapy session, your therapist will guide you through steps that involve recalling distressing memories while focusing on external stimuli such as eye movements or tapping. This technique reduces the emotional intensity of these painful memories and promotes a more positive outlook.
Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
History taking
The first phase of EMDR therapy involves taking a detailed history of the individual’s symptoms and identifying any traumatic events that may have contributed to their anxiety.
Preparation
In the second phase, the therapist will help the individual prepare for the EMDR therapy sessions by teaching them relaxation techniques and coping strategies to manage distressing emotions.
Assessment
During this phase, the therapist will identify specific memories to target during the desensitization phase of treatment.
Desensitization
During the desensitization phase, the individual will focus on the identified traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in external stimuli such as eye movements or tapping.
Installation
The installation phase replaces negative beliefs and emotions associated with the traumatic memory with more positive ones.
Body scan
In the body scan phase, the individual will focus on physical sensations associated with the traumatic memory and learn to tolerate them without experiencing distress.
Closure
The closure phase of anxiety treatment involves teaching the individual self-soothing techniques to manage any remaining distress.
Reevaluation
The final phase involves reevaluating the progress made during the EMDR therapy sessions and identifying any additional targets for future treatment.
Treating Anxiety with EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is a highly effective treatment option for individuals with anxiety disorders. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced traumatic events contributing to their anxiety symptoms.
Trauma and Anxiety Disorders
Relationship between PTSD and anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders are often closely related, with individuals who experience traumatic events being more likely to develop anxiety symptoms. This is because traumatic events can cause an intense emotional response that can lead to the development of physical symptoms stemming from negative beliefs and emotions associated with the emotional consequences of the event.
EMDR Treatment for Anxiety
Bilateral Stimulation
Bilateral stimulation is a key component of EMDR therapy. It involves external stimuli such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones to promote the processing of traumatic memories and reduce the associated negative emotions.
During an EMDR session, the individual will be asked to recall a distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This allows the individual to focus on the memory while also experiencing a calming and soothing sensation that can help to reduce the emotional intensity associated with the memory.
Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Movement desensitization and reprocessing (MDR) is another key component of EMDR therapy. It involves recalling traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation to promote the processing and resolution of negative emotions associated with the memory.
During an EMDR session, the individual will be asked to focus on a traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This allows the individual to process the memory in a safe and controlled environment, reducing anxiety symptoms associated with the memory.
Negative Thoughts and Beliefs
Anxiety disorders are often characterized by negative thoughts and beliefs that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. EMDR therapy focuses on identifying and replacing these negative thoughts and beliefs with more positive ones.
During an EMDR session, the individual will be asked to identify negative thoughts and beliefs associated with the traumatic memory. They will then work with their therapist to develop more positive thoughts and beliefs that can replace the negative ones. This can help to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall mental health.
Positive Beliefs
By using positive beliefs and replacing negative beliefs with positive ones, individuals can develop a more positive outlook and reduce anxiety symptoms. Positive beliefs can help individuals to feel more confident, resilient, and capable of coping with stressful situations.
During an EMDR session, the individual will be encouraged to focus on positive beliefs associated with the traumatic memory. By doing so, they can develop a more positive outlook and reduce anxiety symptoms associated with negative memory.
Body Sensations
EMDR therapy also involves focusing on physical sensations associated with the traumatic event and learning to tolerate them without experiencing distress. This can help individuals to develop greater control over their psychological and physical symptoms and reactions to anxiety-inducing situations.
During an EMDR session, the individual will be asked to identify physical sensations associated with the traumatic memory. They will then work with their therapist to develop strategies for managing these sensations without experiencing distress. This can help to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall mental health.
Efficacy and Effectiveness of EMDR Therapy
Systematic Literature Review
EMDR therapy has been extensively researched over the past few decades, with numerous studies demonstrating its efficacy in treating a wide range of mental health conditions and distressing life events. A recent systematic literature review conducted by the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research analyzed 30 randomized controlled trials and found that EMDR therapy effectively reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
Mental Health Conditions
Mood Disorders
Studies have shown that EMDR therapy can effectively treat mood disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia. The therapy has been found to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall mood significantly.
Eating Disorders
EMDR therapy has also been found to be effective in the treatment of eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Studies have shown that the therapy can reduce binge eating episodes and improve body image.
Panic Disorders
Sudden and intense feelings of fear and anxiety characterize panic disorders. EMDR therapy has been found to reduce panic disorder symptoms, improve quality of life, and decrease the likelihood of relapse.
Other Distressing Life Events
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a traumatic event that can lead to various mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. EMDR therapy is an effective treatment for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, reducing symptoms of mental health disorders and improving overall quality of life.
Adverse Life Experiences
EMDR therapy has also effectively treated trauma in individuals who have experienced adverse life experiences such as natural disasters, accidents, and medical procedures. The therapy can reduce negative symptoms of PTSD and anxiety and improve overall functioning.
Painful Events
EMDR therapy effectively reduces symptoms of chronic pain and treats trauma–associated symptoms with traumatic events. The therapy can improve pain management and overall quality of life.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Anxiety
Rapid Relief
One of the primary benefits of EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety is its ability to provide rapid relief from symptoms. Many individuals report feeling better after just a few cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, with significant improvements in anxiety symptoms.
Relaxation Techniques
EMDR therapy incorporates relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, which can help individuals manage their anxiety daily.
Positive Emotions and Thoughts
EMDR therapy focuses on identifying and reprocessing negative emotions and thoughts associated with traumatic events, replacing them with positive ones. This can help individuals develop a more positive outlook and reduce anxiety.
Veterans Affairs
EMDR therapy has been used extensively by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to treat veterans with PTSD and other mental health conditions. The same therapy technique is highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving overall quality of life for veterans.
Future Research Directions
Future research should focus on further exploring the efficacy of EMDR therapy in treating other forms of mental health conditions and other distressing life experiences and events and identifying the mechanisms by which the therapy works. Additionally, more research is needed to identify which individuals most likely benefit from EMDR therapy.
Contact me to learn more about EMDR therapy and anxiety
If you are interested in learning more about how EMDR can help you overcome the trauma you are experiencing from anxiety, please reach out!
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