If you’re dealing with anxiety, you’ve probably tried a few different ways to manage it. Maybe you’ve heard about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and are curious about whether it could work for you. EMDR is a unique approach that’s been gaining attention for its effectiveness in treating not only anxiety but also a variety of other mental health issues.
But what exactly is EMDR, and what can you expect if you decide to give it a try for your anxiety? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how EMDR works, what the therapy process looks like, and some common questions and concerns you might have, including how long it takes to see results, whether you might cry during sessions, and how it compares to other treatments like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a therapeutic approach initially developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s to help people process traumatic memories. Over the years, its application has expanded, and it’s now widely used to treat various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, and even specific phobias.
The therapy involves recalling distressing memories or triggering thoughts while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. The idea is that this dual attention task helps to desensitize the memory or thought and allows the brain to reprocess it in a less distressing way.
How Does EMDR Work for Anxiety?
Anxiety often involves patterns of negative thinking and fears that are rooted in past experiences or traumas. For instance, if you’ve had a negative experience that made you feel unsafe, your brain might hold onto that memory and react with anxiety in similar situations, even if there’s no real danger.
EMDR works by targeting these specific memories or thoughts that contribute to your anxiety. During a session, your therapist will help you identify the memories or thoughts that are most distressing. You’ll then focus on these while engaging in the bilateral stimulation. Over time, this process helps to reduce the emotional intensity of the memories or thoughts, making them less likely to trigger anxiety. EMDR is often the preferred treatment for PTSD.
EMDR's effectiveness is closely tied to the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that the brain has a natural ability to process experiences in a healthy way. However, when an experience is too overwhelming, it can get "stuck," leading to symptoms like anxiety. EMDR helps "unstick" these memories, allowing the brain to process them properly, which can lead to lasting relief from anxiety and other symptoms.
This process is somewhat similar to what happens during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, where the brain naturally processes and integrates experiences from the day. By simulating this process while you're awake, EMDR helps reprocess traumatic or distressing memories, reducing their impact on your current mental state.
How Long Does It Take for EMDR to Work for Anxiety?
One of the most common questions people have about EMDR is how long it takes to see results. The answer can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their anxiety. Some people start noticing improvements after just a few sessions, while others might need several weeks or months of therapy.
On average, many clients begin to see a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms within 6 to 12 sessions. However, it’s important to approach EMDR with patience, as healing from anxiety is a process that can take time. The key is consistency and working closely with your therapist to address all the underlying issues contributing to your anxiety. You can read more about what to expect from EMDR therapy in Houston in this post.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for EMDR to Treat Anxiety?
While EMDR can be highly effective for many people, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are a few situations where EMDR might not be the best fit:
Severe Dissociative Disorders: Individuals with severe dissociative disorders may find EMDR too overwhelming, as it can sometimes trigger dissociation or make it worse. In such cases, other forms of therapy might be recommended first to build emotional stability.
Unresolved Complex Trauma: If you have complex trauma (multiple traumatic experiences), it might be necessary to first work on stabilization and emotional regulation before diving into EMDR.
Active Substance Abuse: If you’re currently struggling with substance abuse, EMDR might not be the best approach until you’re in a more stable place in your recovery. Substance use can interfere with the therapy process and make it harder to achieve the desired results.
Lack of Readiness: EMDR requires active participation and a willingness to confront distressing memories and emotions. If you’re not ready to engage fully in the process, it might be better to start with another form of therapy that helps you prepare for EMDR.
Is EMDR or CBT Better for Anxiety?
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and EMDR are both effective treatments for anxiety, but they work in different ways. It is also possible to do EMDR and CBT in therapy. You don’t have to pick either or.
CBT: CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. It’s a structured, goal-oriented therapy that helps you develop coping skills and strategies to manage anxiety in the moment.
EMDR: EMDR, on the other hand, targets the root causes of anxiety by reprocessing distressing memories and negative beliefs. It’s less about changing your thoughts in the present moment and more about reducing the emotional charge of past experiences that trigger anxiety.
So, which is better? It depends on your needs and preferences. Some people respond better to the structured approach of CBT, while others find that EMDR’s focus on processing past experiences is more effective. In many cases, a combination of both therapies might be the best approach. Your therapist can talk to you about how each of these therapies can be used to target specific problems you are having.
Integrating EMDR with Other Therapies
While EMDR can be incredibly effective on its own, it can also be beneficial to integrate it with other therapeutic approaches. For example, combining EMDR with mindfulness practices can help enhance the therapy's effects by teaching you how to stay grounded and present during challenging moments.
In some cases, therapists might recommend using EMDR alongside body-based therapies like yoga or somatic experiencing. These therapies focus on the physical sensations associated with anxiety and can complement the emotional and cognitive work done in EMDR. By addressing both the mind and body, this integrative approach can provide a more holistic path to healing.
Additionally, some individuals find that combining EMDR with traditional talk therapy or CBT allows them to address different aspects of their anxiety. While EMDR focuses on reprocessing past experiences, CBT can help you develop practical strategies for managing anxiety in your daily life. Together, these therapies can provide a comprehensive toolkit for overcoming anxiety.
Besides other types of therapies, here is a post covering other resources for people who have experienced trauma in the Houston area.
What Are the Downsides of EMDR?
While EMDR can be highly effective, it’s important to be aware of some potential downsides:
Emotional Intensity: EMDR can bring up intense emotions, which can be overwhelming for some people. This is why it’s important to work with a trained therapist who can help you navigate these emotions safely.
Temporary Increase in Symptoms: In some cases, symptoms might temporarily worsen before they improve. This is often a sign that the therapy is working, but it can be challenging to go through.
Not a Quick Fix: While EMDR can lead to rapid improvements, it’s not a quick fix. The therapy requires time, effort, and a commitment to the process.
Not Suitable for Everyone: As mentioned earlier, EMDR is not suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain mental health conditions or those who are not ready to engage fully in the process. It’s not appropriate for people who are actively suicidal.
Real-Life Example: How EMDR Helped Sarah Overcome Her Anxiety about Driving
To make this more tangible, let’s consider a hypothetical example. Sarah had been struggling with anxiety for years, particularly after a car accident that left her feeling vulnerable and fearful of driving. Despite therapy and medication, she still experienced intense anxiety every time she got behind the wheel, which eventually led to her avoiding driving altogether. This avoidance began to affect her daily life, as she relied on others for transportation and missed out on social events.
When Sarah decided to try EMDR, she was skeptical but willing to give it a shot. In her sessions, her therapist helped her identify the specific memories and thoughts that triggered her anxiety, particularly the moments right before the accident when she felt a loss of control. As Sarah focused on these memories during the bilateral stimulation, she began to reprocess them in a way that reduced their emotional charge.
After several sessions, Sarah noticed a significant shift. The memories of the accident no longer triggered the same intense fear, and she felt more in control of her emotions when thinking about driving. Gradually, Sarah started to drive short distances again, and over time, she regained her confidence behind the wheel. The anxiety that once seemed insurmountable had diminished, allowing her to reclaim her independence and participate fully in life again.
Addressing Misconceptions About EMDR
Despite its growing popularity, EMDR is sometimes misunderstood. Let’s address some common misconceptions:
Misconception 1: EMDR Is Hypnosis: EMDR is not the same as hypnosis. While both involve a focused state of awareness, EMDR is a fully conscious process where you remain in control at all times. The goal of EMDR is to help you process memories and emotions, not to alter your state of consciousness.
Misconception 2: EMDR Is Only for Trauma: While EMDR was initially developed for trauma, it has been found effective for a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and more. Its adaptability makes it a valuable tool for many different conditions.
Misconception 3: EMDR Works Instantly: While some people experience rapid improvements, EMDR is not a quick fix. Like any therapy, it requires time and commitment to achieve lasting results. The process can be intense, and it’s important to be patient and allow yourself the time to heal.
Additional Common Questions:
Will I Cry During EMDR?
Crying during EMDR sessions is not uncommon, and it’s perfectly okay if it happens. EMDR can bring up intense emotions as you work through distressing memories or thoughts, and crying can be a natural release of those emotions. Your therapist is there to support you through this process, and feeling emotional during therapy is often a sign that you’re engaging deeply with the material and making progress.
That said, not everyone will cry during EMDR, and that’s okay too. Everyone processes emotions differently, and the experience can vary from person to person. The important thing is to be open to whatever emotions arise and to trust that your therapist will guide you through them.
Can EMDR Stop Panic Attacks?
Yes, EMDR can be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Panic attacks often stem from specific triggers or memories that are deeply ingrained in the brain. EMDR works by desensitizing these triggers and reprocessing the memories, making them less likely to provoke a panic response.
Many people who undergo EMDR for panic disorder find that their panic attacks become less frequent and less severe over time. Some even experience complete relief from panic attacks after completing a course of EMDR therapy.
Can EMDR Treat Health Anxiety?
Health anxiety, sometimes referred to as hypochondria, involves excessive worry about having a serious illness, often based on normal bodily sensations. This type of anxiety can be challenging to manage because the worry feels very real and persistent.
EMDR can be an effective treatment for health anxiety by targeting the underlying fears and beliefs that drive the anxiety. For example, if your health anxiety is rooted in a past experience of illness or loss, EMDR can help you process those memories and reduce their impact on your current anxiety levels.
Final Thoughts: Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’re struggling with anxiety and looking for a therapy that addresses the root causes, EMDR could be a valuable tool in your treatment plan. It’s a powerful approach that has helped many people find relief from anxiety, panic attacks, and other related issues. However, it’s important to consult with a qualified therapist to determine if EMDR is the right fit for you and to discuss any concerns you might have. You can contact our EMDR-trained therapists at Wilson Counseling and call us for our free 15 minute consultation at 713-565-0922.
Remember, healing from anxiety is a journey, and it’s okay to take your time finding the right path for you. Whether you choose EMDR, CBT, or another form of therapy, the most important thing is to keep moving forward and seeking the support you need.
OTHER THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX
In addition to EMDR Therapy, 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, Divorce Counseling, Infertility Counseling, Perinatal and Postpartum Treatment, Teen Counseling, Parenting Counseling, and Family Therapy. As well as Eating Disorder Therapy, School and College Counseling, ADHD Treatment, Autism Therapy, Trauma Therapy, PTSD Treatment, Chronic Pain Therapy and LGBTQ+ Counseling. Our caring therapists also offer Career Counseling, and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.
Ready to take the first step? Reach out to Wilson Counseling today. Within this secure haven, we'll navigate the signs together with empathy and understanding, empowering you to embark on a journey toward a life filled with healing and resilience. Call today at 713-565-0922.
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