Anxiety can feel like a constant companion that’s difficult to shake. Whether you’re experiencing panic attacks, persistent worry, or anxiety related to past trauma, finding effective treatment is crucial to reclaiming your life. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has emerged as a powerful tool for treating various anxiety disorders. At Revive Counseling in Spokane, we’ve seen remarkable transformations in clients who have undergone EMDR therapy for anxiety.

This comprehensive guide will explore how EMDR therapy works for anxiety, its effectiveness compared to other treatments, and what you can expect if you choose this therapeutic approach.

TLDR: Key Points About EMDR for Anxiety

• EMDR therapy helps process disturbing memories that contribute to anxiety symptoms through bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements.
• Research shows EMDR can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in fewer sessions than traditional therapies, with effects maintained over time.
• EMDR is effective for various anxiety disorders, including PTSD, panic disorder, specific phobias, and increasingly for social anxiety and generalized anxiety.
• Unlike CBT, EMDR requires minimal homework and doesn’t need detailed verbal recounting of traumatic experiences, making it more tolerable for many clients.

Ready to Find Relief from Anxiety with EMDR?

If you’re struggling with anxiety and wondering if EMDR therapy might help, Revive Counseling in Spokane is here for you. Our experienced therapists can help you determine if EMDR is right for your situation and guide you through the process of healing from anxiety.

Don’t let anxiety control your life any longer. Take the first step toward relief by contacting us today to schedule a consultation. We’re committed to helping you find the peace and freedom you deserve.

Understanding EMDR Therapy and How It Works for Anxiety

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a structured psychotherapy approach that helps people heal from the emotional distress caused by disturbing life experiences. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR was initially used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but has since proven effective for various anxiety disorders.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require detailed discussions about your painful memories or extensive between-session homework. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation – typically through guided eye movements – while you briefly focus on traumatic memories or anxiety triggers. This process helps your brain process these experiences in a new, less distressing way.

The foundation of EMDR therapy is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that anxiety symptoms result from unprocessed memories stored in their original, emotionally charged form. These memories contain not just the event itself, but also the negative emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs that accompanied the original experience.

The Science Behind EMDR for Anxiety

Research has shed light on why EMDR therapy works so effectively for anxiety. When you experience a traumatic or highly stressful event, your brain can become overwhelmed, preventing normal processing of the experience. These unprocessed memories get stored in isolation, disconnected from the brain’s adaptive information networks.

When something in your current environment triggers these memories – even unconsciously – you experience the same emotions, physical sensations, and negative thoughts as during the original event. This is why anxiety can feel so overwhelming and disconnected from your rational mind.

During EMDR, bilateral stimulation appears to activate both hemispheres of the brain, similar to what happens during REM sleep. This bilateral activity helps the brain process stuck memories and integrate them into your normal memory networks. Neuroimaging studies have shown that EMDR reduces activity in the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) while increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex (responsible for rational thinking).

According to a meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials, EMDR therapy demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety symptoms (effect size g = -0.71), panic disorder symptoms (g = -0.62), and specific phobias (g = -0.45). These impressive statistics highlight why EMDR has gained recognition as an effective treatment for anxiety disorders.

The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy for Anxiety

Phase 1-2: History Taking and Preparation

The EMDR process begins with your therapist gathering comprehensive information about your anxiety, its triggers, and your overall mental health history. During these initial sessions, you’ll work together to identify the specific memories, situations, or triggers that contribute to your anxiety symptoms.

The preparation phase is crucial for ensuring you feel safe and ready for the processing work ahead. Your therapist will teach you self-soothing techniques and coping strategies to help manage emotional distress that might arise during or between sessions. These might include relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices, or visualization of a “safe place” where you feel calm and secure.

During this phase, your therapist will also explain the EMDR process in detail and answer any questions you have. Building a trusting relationship with your therapist during these early sessions creates the foundation for successful treatment.

Phase 3-7: Assessment, Processing, and Installation

Once you feel prepared, therapy moves into the core processing phases. During the assessment phase (Phase 3), you’ll identify a specific anxiety-producing memory or situation to target, along with the negative belief you hold about yourself related to that memory (such as “I am helpless” or “I am in danger”). You’ll also identify a positive belief you’d prefer to hold instead.

The desensitization phase (Phase 4) is where the bilateral stimulation occurs. While focusing briefly on the target memory and the associated negative thoughts and physical sensations, you’ll follow your therapist’s fingers as they move back and forth across your field of vision (or experience another form of bilateral stimulation such as alternating taps or tones).

After each set of bilateral stimulation, you’ll report what you notice – changes in the image, thoughts, feelings, or body sensations. Your brain begins making new connections and associations, allowing the memory to be processed and stored differently.

During the installation phase (Phase 5), you’ll strengthen the connection between the target memory and the positive belief you identified earlier. The body scan (Phase 6) helps ensure that no residual physical tension related to the memory remains in your body. Closure (Phase 7) ensures you feel stable at the end of each session, even if processing isn’t complete.

Phase 8: Reevaluation and Moving Forward

Each subsequent EMDR session begins with reevaluation, where you and your therapist assess your progress since the previous session. You’ll determine whether the positive effects have been maintained and identify any new areas that need attention.

As therapy progresses, you’ll likely notice your anxiety symptoms diminishing, your negative beliefs transforming, and your confidence growing. Many clients report that situations that once triggered intense anxiety no longer hold the same power over them.

Types of Anxiety Disorders That Benefit from EMDR

PTSD and Trauma-Related Anxiety

EMDR therapy was originally developed to treat PTSD, and it remains one of the most effective therapies for trauma-related anxiety. Whether you’ve experienced a single traumatic event or complex trauma over time, EMDR can help your brain process these experiences and reduce their emotional impact.

Research has consistently shown remarkable results for PTSD treatment with EMDR. Studies indicate that 84-90% of single-trauma victims no longer meet PTSD diagnostic criteria after just three 90-minute EMDR sessions. Even individuals with multiple traumas have shown significant improvement, with 77% no longer meeting PTSD criteria after approximately six sessions.

At Revive Counseling, our trauma-informed therapy approach incorporates EMDR as a key treatment modality for clients with trauma-related anxiety.

Panic Disorder and Specific Phobias

EMDR has proven highly effective for panic disorder and specific phobias. For panic disorder, EMDR targets the memory of your first panic attack, your worst panic attack, and the catastrophic beliefs you hold about what might happen during a panic attack.

Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated EMDR’s positive effects on panic and phobic symptoms. In one study, panic attack frequency diminished significantly after EMDR treatment, with gains maintained at a 5-year follow-up assessment.

For specific phobias, EMDR helps process the memories that initiated your fear and the expected catastrophic consequences you anticipate. Whether you’re dealing with a fear of flying, public speaking, or other specific situations, EMDR can help reduce your anxiety response.

Social Anxiety and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

While research on EMDR for social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is still emerging, initial studies show promising results. For social anxiety, EMDR targets memories of social rejection, humiliation, or judgment that may have contributed to your anxiety in social situations.

For generalized anxiety, EMDR focuses on early experiences of perceived helplessness or situations where you felt unable to cope, which may have led to chronic worry patterns. The therapy also employs a “future template” technique to help you mentally rehearse handling anxiety-provoking situations with confidence and calm.

One case study of a 46-year-old client with chronic GAD who had not responded adequately to medication found that after eight EMDR sessions, the client reported significant symptom reduction below diagnostic threshold levels, with results maintained at six-month follow-up.

The Benefits of EMDR for Anxiety Compared to Other Treatments

EMDR vs. Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Both EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are evidence-based treatments for anxiety, but they work through different mechanisms. CBT for anxiety focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and gradually exposing yourself to anxiety-provoking situations. While effective, CBT typically requires extensive homework between sessions and may take 12-16 sessions to achieve significant results.

EMDR, on the other hand, requires minimal homework and often produces results in fewer sessions. A meta-analysis comparing EMDR with CBT found that EMDR demonstrated superior effectiveness in reducing anxiety (standardized mean difference = -0.71, p = 0.005).

Another advantage of EMDR is that it doesn’t require detailed verbal recounting of traumatic experiences or prolonged exposure to feared situations, making it potentially more tolerable for clients who find these aspects of traditional therapy distressing.

Success Rates and Treatment Duration

EMDR therapy typically requires fewer sessions than other traditional approaches. For single-event traumas, significant improvement often occurs within 3-6 sessions. More complex anxiety may require 8-12 sessions, which is still considerably shorter than the 12-20 sessions typical for CBT.

Research shows that approximately 70% of clients experience significant reduction in anxiety symptoms following EMDR therapy. Perhaps even more impressive, these gains tend to be maintained over time, with follow-up studies showing continued improvement even after treatment ends.

EMDR also has lower dropout rates compared to other exposure-based therapies. A meta-analysis found that the average dropout rate for EMDR was 14.9%, compared to 18% for CBT and 28.7% for prolonged exposure therapy, suggesting that clients find EMDR more tolerable.

What to Expect During EMDR Treatment at Revive Counseling

Finding the Right EMDR Therapist in Spokane

Finding a properly trained EMDR therapist is essential for effective treatment. At Revive Counseling in Spokane, we have therapists who have completed specialized EMDR training and certification. Our team includes professionals experienced in treating various anxiety disorders with EMDR, ensuring you receive expert care tailored to your specific needs.

When looking for an EMDR therapist, consider their experience with your particular type of anxiety. Ask about their training, certification, and approach to EMDR therapy. A good therapist will take time to answer your questions and help you feel comfortable before beginning treatment.

Preparing for Your First EMDR Session

Before your first EMDR session at Revive Counseling, it can help to reflect on the anxiety symptoms you’re experiencing and any past experiences you believe may be connected to your anxiety. However, don’t worry if you’re not entirely sure about these connections – your therapist will help you identify appropriate targets for treatment.

A typical EMDR session lasts 60-90 minutes, and you can expect to be in a comfortable, private setting. Wear comfortable clothing and try to schedule some downtime after your sessions, especially in the beginning, as emotional processing can sometimes continue between sessions.

Remember that while some people experience rapid relief with EMDR, others may need more time. Be patient with yourself and the process, and maintain open communication with your therapist about what you’re experiencing.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR for Anxiety

How does EMDR therapy help with anxiety symptoms?

EMDR therapy helps reduce anxiety symptoms by processing disturbing memories that contribute to your current anxiety. Through bilateral stimulation, EMDR enables your brain to reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional charge and helping you develop more adaptive beliefs about yourself and the world. Many clients report significant reduction in anxiety symptoms, including decreased physical sensations like chest tightness, racing heart, or body sensations typically associated with anxiety.

What happens during eye movement desensitization and reprocessing?

During EMDR, you’ll focus briefly on a disturbing memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically following your therapist’s fingers as they move from side to side. This eye movement desensitization and reprocessing activates your brain’s natural healing mechanisms, similar to what happens during REM sleep. Between sets of eye movements, you’ll report what you notice, allowing your therapist to guide the process.

Is EMDR effective for post-traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety disorders?

Yes, EMDR therapy is highly effective for post-traumatic stress disorder and has been recognized by organizations including the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Research also supports its effectiveness for panic disorder, specific phobias, and other anxiety disorders. The therapy helps process traumatic events and reduce the emotional reactivity associated with traumatic memories.

How many EMDR sessions will I need to treat my anxiety?

The number of EMDR therapy sessions needed varies depending on the complexity of your anxiety and whether it stems from single or multiple traumatic events. For a single disturbing memory, you might experience significant improvement in 3-6 sessions. More complex anxiety may require 8-12 sessions or more. Your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your specific needs and monitor your progress throughout the treatment.

Can EMDR help with mood disorders and general anxiety disorder?

EMDR therapy can be effective for both mood disorders and generalized anxiety disorder. Research has shown positive results for depression when treated with EMDR, with one study reporting a 55% remission rate. For general anxiety disorder, EMDR helps process the underlying memories and experiences that contribute to chronic worry and anxiety, often resulting in significant symptom reduction.

What is the role of bilateral stimulation in EMDR therapy sessions?

Bilateral stimulation is a core component of EMDR therapy sessions. This can include eye movements, alternating taps, or auditory tones that stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. This bilateral stimulation appears to help the brain process traumatic memories by engaging the brain’s natural information processing systems. Research suggests it may work by taxing working memory, triggering an orienting response, or mimicking the bilateral stimulation that naturally occurs during REM sleep.

How does EMDR compare to cognitive behavioral therapy for reducing anxiety symptoms?

Both EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective for reducing anxiety symptoms, but they work differently. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors through structured exercises and homework. EMDR focuses on processing disturbing memories that contribute to anxiety without requiring extensive homework or detailed verbal recounting of traumatic experiences. Research has shown that EMDR may produce results in fewer sessions than CBT and may be more effective for some people, particularly those with trauma-related anxiety.

Can EMDR therapy help with social anxiety disorder and specific phobias?

Yes, EMDR therapy can be effective for social anxiety disorder and specific phobias. For social anxiety, EMDR targets memories of social rejection or humiliation that may contribute to current anxiety in social situations. For specific phobias, EMDR helps process the memories that initiated the fear and the negative beliefs associated with the feared object or situation. The therapy also helps clients develop more adaptive responses to anxiety triggers through techniques like the “future template.”

What should I expect during a control group study of EMDR?

In a control group study of EMDR, participants are typically randomly assigned to either receive EMDR therapy (the experimental group) or an alternative treatment or no treatment (the control group). These studies measure outcomes such as reduction in anxiety symptoms, changes in negative beliefs, and improvement in quality of life. Research consistently shows that experimental groups receiving EMDR demonstrate significantly greater improvement compared to control groups, supporting EMDR’s effectiveness for anxiety disorders.

How does EMDR therapy address negative beliefs and emotional triggers?

EMDR therapy specifically targets the negative beliefs and emotional triggers that maintain anxiety. During the assessment phase, you’ll identify negative beliefs about yourself related to the disturbing memory (such as “I am unsafe” or “I am helpless”). Through bilateral stimulation and processing, these negative beliefs often transform into more adaptive ones. EMDR also helps desensitize emotional triggers, so that reminders of past traumatic experiences no longer activate intense anxiety responses.

Is there evidence that EMDR can help with fear response and intense emotions?

Yes, substantial evidence indicates that EMDR effectively reduces fear responses and helps manage intense emotions. Neuroimaging studies have shown that EMDR decreases activity in the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) while increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex (responsible for rational thinking and emotional regulation). This neurobiological shift corresponds with clients’ reported reduction in fear and ability to experience previously triggering situations without intense emotional reactions.

What is the connection between past memories and current symptoms in EMDR?

EMDR therapy is based on the understanding that current anxiety symptoms are often connected to past memories that haven’t been adequately processed. According to the Adaptive Information Processing model, when you experience a disturbing event, it can be stored in an isolated neural network, disconnected from adaptive information. When something in your current environment triggers these memories, you experience anxiety symptoms. EMDR helps process these past memories, reducing their emotional charge and breaking the connection between past experiences and current symptoms.