How EMDR Can Help You Find Peace from Anxiety for women in oregon
Have you ever felt like your anxiety won’t let go, no matter how much you analyze or talk about it? While talk therapy can help, it sometimes misses the deeper roots of anxiety. You might still feel stuck in a loop of overthinking, carrying that familiar tension in your chest or a sense of dread. Anxiety can feel exhausting and ever-present. But what if there was a way to gently release the stress your body has been holding? That’s where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) comes in.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is a therapy that helps you heal from past experiences contributing to anxiety. It’s not about endless analysis or talk sessions. EMDR focuses on helping your brain and body process old memories and feelings so they don’t keep showing up in the present.
Here’s how it works: During an EMDR session, your therapist guides you through distressing memories while using techniques like eye movements, tapping, or gentle sounds to stimulate both sides of your brain. This helps your brain “reprocess” memories, reducing their emotional charge. Over time, triggers that once caused intense anxiety feel manageable—even neutral.
Photo by Evie Martinez via Unplash
Why Does EMDR Work for Anxiety?
Anxiety often stems from your body’s stress response. When something overwhelming happens, your brain and nervous system might not fully process it. Instead, the stress gets "stuck" in your body, leaving an emotional residue. This can manifest as chronic worry, racing thoughts, or physical symptoms like a tight chest or upset stomach.
Many people try to think their way out of anxiety. They analyze, problem-solve, and replay situations in their minds. But anxiety often lives in the body, not just the mind. EMDR helps address these unprocessed stressors directly, allowing your body to let go of them for good.
Moving Beyond Overthinking
If you’ve ever tried to "figure out" your anxiety only to feel more stuck, you’re not alone. EMDR bypasses the need to overanalyze. Instead of getting lost in your thoughts, EMDR creates a safe space for your brain and body to heal naturally.
During a session, you don’t need to relive painful memories in detail or explain everything. The process is gentle and paced to suit you. Many people describe it as "letting go" of tension they’ve carried for years.
Debunking the Myth: EMDR Is Only for PTSD
One misconception I have heard clients share about EMDR is that it’s only used for PTSD. While it’s true that EMDR is highly effective for trauma, it’s also a powerful tool for addressing anxiety, phobias, and other emotional challenges. You don’t need a specific trauma or PTSD diagnosis to benefit.
Anxiety often stems from unresolved experiences that may not seem traumatic but still affect how you feel and react today. For example, moments of rejection, failure, or criticism—even subtle ones—can leave an emotional imprint. EMDR helps process these experiences, freeing you from their lingering effects. Whether your anxiety is rooted in big events or a buildup of smaller stressors, EMDR can help you find relief.
What to Expect from EMDR
Here’s what you can expect when trying EMDR:
A Safe Space: I’ll work with you to build trust and establish a supportive atmosphere as you explore what’s bothering you.
Personalized Care: EMDR is tailored to your needs. I’ll work with you to identify the memories, feelings, or stressors fueling your anxiety.
Quick Results: Many people notice significant changes in just a few sessions. EMDR aims for lasting relief, so you don’t keep revisiting the same struggles.
Mind-Body Connection: EMDR addresses the whole system, helping you find balance and peace.
EMDR Can Be Done Virtually
I want you to know that EMDR can work beautifully even in a virtual setting. If coming into an office feels overwhelming or just isn’t practical for you, we can still make EMDR work. Using secure online platforms, I guide you through the same techniques you’d experience in person, whether it’s following visual cues on your screen, using audio tones, or doing simple hand movements.
Many clients find virtual EMDR just as effective and sometimes even more comfortable because they can do it from their own safe space. My goal is to make sure you feel supported every step of the way, whether we’re meeting in person or online. The process is adapted to meet your needs, so you can experience the full benefits of EMDR without leaving home.
Addressing Common Concerns About EMDR
It’s natural to feel hesitant or unsure about starting a new therapy. Here are some common concerns and how EMDR handles them:
“What if I can’t remember my past experiences?” EMDR doesn’t require you to recall every detail of your past. The process works even if your memories are vague or incomplete, or if we need to focus on feelings instead. I’ll be here to guide you gently through whatever comes up.
“Will I have to relive painful emotions?” While EMDR helps process distressing memories, it does so in a way that feels manageable. You won’t be left to face overwhelming feelings alone—I’ll be there to ensure that the process feels supportive, and we’ll work at your own pace.
“What if I feel worse before I feel better?” It’s possible to experience temporary discomfort as you work through deeply held emotions, but this is part of the healing process. Most people find that the relief and breakthroughs far outweigh the challenges, and people most often feel lighter or more connected after EMDR sessions.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’ve been feeling stuck, wondering why nothing seems to truly ease your anxiety, EMDR might be the missing piece. It’s a therapy that doesn’t just manage symptoms—it helps you heal at a deeper level. Whether your anxiety stems from past trauma, ongoing stress, or even things you can’t quite put into words, EMDR can provide relief and clarity. You don’t have to face it alone, and you don’t need to have all the answers before we begin. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
A Path Toward Healing
Imagine waking up with a lighter heart, feeling calm and grounded for the first time in ages. Picture walking through your day with confidence, no longer weighed down by the anxiety you’ve carried for so long. EMDR isn’t just about getting by—it’s about finding real peace and freedom. If this sounds like the life you’ve been longing for, let’s talk. Together, we’ll take this journey toward healing, one step, one session, one breakthrough at a time.
If you’re ready to explore how EMDR can help, I’m here to support you.
ways to work with me:
Online counseling for clients located in Bend, Oregon and the state of Oregon. Click here to schedule a free consultation.
Read more about my work with clients on anxiety here.
1:1 Yoga Therapy online, for clients located globally. Click here to schedule.
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