Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is best known as a treatment for trauma and PTSD, but it is increasingly being recognised for its potential in treating a wider range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety. With anxiety disorders affecting millions of people in the UK and worldwide, the search for effective and evidence-based treatments is ongoing.
In this blog, we explore how EMDR may support those living with anxiety, how it works in this context and what to consider when deciding whether it’s the right treatment path for you.
Understanding the Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety is not always about present-day stressors. Often, it can stem from unresolved negative experiences in the past. These experiences may include childhood trauma, adverse life events, bullying or situations that created deep feelings of fear, shame or helplessness. You may even be wondering how to break the cycle of morning anxiety, and in some cases, people may not be consciously aware of the anxiety associated with their underlying memories, but they can still significantly shape present-day responses, behaviours and thought patterns.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), social anxiety and specific phobias can sometimes have roots in these types of unresolved or repressed experiences. EMDR’s unique approach to targeting and processing past memories makes it a valuable treatment option in these cases.
What is EMDR and How Does It Work?
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy approach developed in the late 1980s by American psychologist Francine Shapiro. It involves guiding a client through sets of bilateral stimulation – such as guided eye movements, taps or sounds – while they recall distressing memories or thoughts. This process is designed to help the brain “reprocess” these memories so that they are no longer psychologically disruptive.
The therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that psychological difficulties often arise when traumatic or upsetting experiences are not adequately processed at the time they occurred. EMDR helps to resume this processing, allowing the brain to store these memories in a more adaptive way.
For a deeper explanation of how EMDR works and its benefits, you can read our blog: How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR’s Suitability for Different Types of Anxiety
EMDR has traditionally been used for trauma-related conditions, but emerging research and clinical experience suggest it can be helpful for several types of anxiety:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD often involves a persistent sense of worry or dread that is difficult to control. In some individuals, this ongoing anxiety may be connected to unresolved past experiences that have instilled a pervasive sense of insecurity or fear. EMDR can be used to target these earlier experiences, reducing their power to influence current thought patterns and emotional responses.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety can sometimes be traced back to earlier experiences of embarrassment, rejection, or social trauma (e.g. bullying, public humiliation). EMDR helps desensitise these memories, allowing individuals to reframe their self-image and reduce the fear of future social judgement.
Specific Phobias
Phobias are often linked to specific past events – such as a dog bite, fear of flying following a turbulent flight, or an invasive medical procedure. EMDR can help to reduce the emotional charge of these memories, which can then lessen the intensity of the phobic response.
Although promising, it’s essential to remember that EMDR is not a universal remedy. A thorough psychological assessment is crucial to determine whether EMDR is the right approach. Factors such as the nature of the anxiety, presence of complex trauma, co-occurring disorders and individual readiness all play a role in treatment planning.
Reducing Anxiety and Triggers Through EMDR
EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess distressing memories so that they are no longer triggering or anxiety-provoking. When successful, clients report:
- A reduction in anxiety symptoms
- Fewer or less intense emotional triggers
- A greater sense of calm and control in everyday situations
- Improved ability to challenge negative thought patterns
In some cases, EMDR not only reduces the intensity of past memories but also enhances a person’s resilience and capacity for self-compassion. It enables clients to move forward without being held back by old patterns of fear or avoidance.
It is important to note that EMDR can also include future-focused work, such as preparing for anxiety-provoking events (e.g. public speaking or social gatherings) and enhancing coping strategies.
EMDR as Part of a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
While EMDR can be powerful, it may be most effective when integrated into a broader, well-rounded treatment plan. Anxiety is a complex condition, and some individuals benefit from combining EMDR with other therapeutic approaches, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps address the “here and now” of anxiety by challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. EMDR can complement this by addressing the deeper, historical roots.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: These techniques – such as Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy – can support emotional regulation and make clients more resilient to triggers as they process deeper material in EMDR.
- Medication: For some, a combination of EMDR and pharmacological treatment can provide relief from more severe or persistent symptoms.
A collaborative approach with a qualified mental health professional is key. At The Chelsea Psychologic Clinic, we will work with you to determine the most suitable combination of treatments based on your unique needs and goals.
Final Thoughts: Is EMDR Right for You?
If your anxiety is rooted in difficult past experiences, or if you’ve tried more traditional treatments without lasting success, EMDR may be worth exploring. It offers a different path – not simply focusing on symptom management but aiming for deep and lasting emotional resolution.
However, like any therapy, EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people may find it challenging, especially at first, and it requires a willingness to engage with tackling difficult memories. However, we will guide you through the process at a pace that feels safe and manageable. To learn more about what EMDR therapy involves, visit our blog: What Is EMDR Therapy?
Or, if you’re considering EMDR for anxiety and want to know whether it might be suitable for you, contact us today to find out more about our treatment options. We offer personalised, evidence-based care tailored to your needs, so you can move forward with confidence.
