Panic attacks can strike without warning, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, terrified, and out of control. For many, these episodes are more than just moments of intense fear—they can feel life-threatening. If you’ve been searching for a way to regain control and reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, you may have come across EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as a potential solution. But can EMDR therapy in Houston stop panic attacks? Let’s dive into how EMDR works and how it can specifically target the underlying issues that fuel these sudden, distressing episodes.
The Unexpected Nature of Panic Attacks
One of the most challenging aspects of panic attacks is their unpredictability. Unlike other anxiety-related symptoms that may build gradually or be triggered by specific situations, panic attacks can happen seemingly out of nowhere. You might be sitting in a meeting, driving your car, or even lying in bed, and suddenly, a wave of intense fear or discomfort crashes over you. Your heart races, your chest tightens, and you feel an overwhelming urge to escape. These symptoms can be so intense that many people feel like they are having a heart attack or that they might die.
This unexpected nature of panic attacks often leaves individuals feeling helpless and fearful of when the next attack might occur. According to research, panic attacks are frequently experienced as life-threatening events, which can amplify the sense of terror and helplessness during and after the attack.
How Panic Memories Resemble Traumatic Memories
Interestingly, the memories of panic attacks in those with panic disorder can resemble the traumatic memories often seen in individuals with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Just like PTSD, people with panic disorder might painfully reexperience their panic attacks in the form of intrusive recollections, images, or even flashbacks. These recurrent memories can trigger subsequent panic attacks, creating a vicious cycle where the fear of having another attack actually contributes to its occurrence.
This similarity between panic memories and traumatic memories is one reason why EMDR, a therapy initially developed for trauma, can be particularly effective for treating panic disorder. EMDR’s ability to target and reprocess these panic memories can help reduce their emotional charge, making it less likely that they will trigger future panic attacks.
How EMDR Specifically Works for Panic Attacks
EMDR works by helping individuals process and reprocess distressing memories and the negative beliefs associated with them. In the context of panic attacks, this means addressing the specific memories of past panic episodes, as well as the fears and beliefs that have developed around them.
Here’s how EMDR can specifically work for panic attacks:
Desensitizing Panic Memories: By focusing on the memories of past panic attacks, EMDR helps to desensitize these memories, reducing the intense emotional response they trigger. This process can help break the cycle of fear that often leads to recurrent panic attacks.
Reprocessing Traumatic Beliefs: Many people with panic disorder develop negative beliefs about themselves or the world as a result of their panic attacks. For example, you might start to believe that you are powerless to stop an attack or that something is seriously wrong with your body. EMDR works to reprocess these beliefs, replacing them with more positive and realistic ones, such as “I am safe” or “I have control over my body.”
Reducing Sensitivity to Triggers: Panic attacks can be triggered by specific situations, sensations, or thoughts. EMDR helps to reduce your sensitivity to these triggers by reprocessing the underlying associations you have with them. Over time, this can make you less reactive to the things that once triggered your panic.
Addressing Other Stressful Life Events: There is evidence to suggest that panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) often develops after other stressful life events. EMDR can be used to process and heal from these earlier life stressors, which may be contributing to the development or maintenance of panic disorder.
Can EMDR Really Stop Panic Attacks?
So, can EMDR really stop panic attacks? The answer is complex. While EMDR can be highly effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, it’s not a magic cure. The therapy works by addressing the underlying causes of panic attacks—such as unresolved trauma, negative beliefs, and sensitivity to triggers—rather than simply suppressing the symptoms.
For many people, this leads to a significant reduction in the occurrence of panic attacks. Some may find that their panic attacks stop altogether, while others might experience them much less frequently and with less severity. However, as with any therapy, results can vary depending on the individual, the nature of their panic disorder, and their level of engagement in the therapy process.
How Long Does It Take for EMDR to Work for Panic Attacks?
The timeline for seeing results with EMDR can vary widely. Some people notice a reduction in panic attacks after just a few sessions, while others may need several months of therapy to see significant changes. On average, clients typically start to notice improvements within six to twelve sessions. However, it’s important to approach EMDR with patience, as healing from panic disorder is often a gradual process.
Are EMDR Results Permanent?
One of the key benefits of EMDR is that the results can be long-lasting. By reprocessing and desensitizing the memories and beliefs associated with panic attacks, EMDR can lead to enduring changes in how your brain processes fear and anxiety. This means that, for many people, the reduction in panic attacks can be permanent. However, it’s important to note that while EMDR can provide significant relief, it doesn’t erase memories or eliminate the possibility of future anxiety. Ongoing self-care and, in some cases, booster sessions may be recommended to maintain the benefits of EMDR.
Final Thoughts: Finding Relief from Panic Attacks with EMDR
Living with panic attacks can be incredibly challenging, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face them alone. EMDR offers a unique and powerful approach to reducing the intensity and frequency of panic attacks by targeting the underlying causes that drive them. If you’re in Houston and struggling with panic attacks or acute anxiety, reach out to one of Wilson Counseling’s EMDR-trained therapists today. You deserve to live a life free from the constant fear of panic, and EMDR could be the key to helping you find lasting relief.
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OTHER THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX
In addition to EMDR Therapy, Trauma Therapy, and PTSD Treatment, we have other mental health services that we offer at our Houston, TX counseling office. Our services are available for adults, children, and teens. For individuals, we offer Anxiety Treatment, Couples and Marriage Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, School and College Counseling, and Infertility Counseling. As well LGBTQ+ Counseling. Our caring therapists also offer Family Therapy, Career Counseling, and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.
If you are wondering if EMDR is for you, but you are not sure, we offer a free 15-minute phone consultation with one of our Texas therapists. Call today at 713-565-0922 to schedule!