How does EMDR work?
EMDR is based on the idea that anxiety is often caused by past traumatic or stressful experiences. These experiences can get trapped in the brain's memory system and continue to cause problems even after many years have passed.
EMDR works by helping the brain to process and integrate these traumatic experiences. This is done by having the client focus on the memory while also engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. The bilateral stimulation helps to activate both hemispheres of the brain and allows the client to process the memory more effectively.
Benefits of using EMDR to treat anxiety
There are a number of benefits to using EMDR to treat anxiety. Some of the most important benefits include:
- Effectiveness: EMDR is a very effective treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown that EMDR can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in people with a variety of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Speed: EMDR is a relatively fast-acting therapy. Some people experience relief from their anxiety symptoms after just a few sessions of EMDR. Deep childhood trauma may take longer to see results.
- Gentleness: EMDR is a gentle therapy. It does not require the client to relive their trauma in detail. Instead, the client simply focuses on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation.
- Safety: EMDR is a safe therapy. It is very rare for people to experience any negative side effects from EMDR.
EMDR is a good candidate for anyone who is struggling with anxiety. It is especially effective for people who have experienced trauma or stressful events in their lives. However, EMDR can also be helpful for people with anxiety that is not related to trauma.
Conclusion
EMDR is a safe and effective treatment for anxiety. It can help to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve quality of life. If you are struggling with anxiety, I encourage you to consider trying EMDR.
If you are struggling with anxiety, call Cathy at (303) 464-9830 for a free phone evaluation to see if EMDR is the right therapy for you