Anxiety
Anxiety can be debilitating.
Derrick*, a high-achieving working professional in his early 30s, experienced his first panic attack four months before his wedding. It was a frightening experience. Out of nowhere, his heart began to pound; he felt dizzy and sick to his stomach.
While thinking he was having a heart attack, his fiancé drove him to the emergency room. When the doctors found no evidence of any heart-related issues, he was told what he likely experienced was a panic attack.
Derrick soon became overwhelmed with feelings that he might lose control, allowing another panic attack to occur. He thought he might be “going insane,” and the fear and anxiety got worse. This turned into a debilitating anxiety cycle.
Derrick decided it was time for help, and he contacted a therapist. Over time, while working with his therapist, he learned that he was in control. He eventually no longer worried about having another panic episode, and the worrisome thoughts went away.
Anxiety comes in many forms.
There are several different anxiety disorders, each having its own debilitating set of symptoms.
This includes panic disorder (fear of having panic attacks), agoraphobia (avoidance of places where panic may occur and escape may not be easy), generalized anxiety disorder (persistent and excessive anxiety and worry), social anxiety disorder (occurs in social situations where others may judge one), phobias (fear of specific things or events), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (irrational worries are managed via rituals).
Anxiety disorders often coexist with other conditions, such as depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
You are not alone.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition, affecting 301 million people in 2019, according to the World Health Organization.
The good news is there are highly effective forms of treatment for anxiety disorders. In my practice, I offer a compassionate, holistic approach to treating anxiety that addresses therapeutic lifestyle changes.
This approach includes addressing food and nourishment, relaxation techniques, daily mindfulness and movement, and sleep hygiene. I will also explore with you possible medical/organic causes of anxiety symptoms and help you to identify root psychological causes.
“Can EMDR Therapy help my anxiety?”
Yes. From a survival and evolutionary perspective, anxiety is our body’s warning system that danger is present. It can be helpful to figure out what the danger is and then address it with EMDR therapy (Fee, 2018).
EMDRIA.org explains it this way:
“While the cause and experience of anxiety varies, people suffering from it tend to overestimate the level of danger present and underestimate their ability to cope with it (Beck, Emery, Greenberg, 1985). One way this tendency can develop is from the way that past experiences were processed and are currently stored in the brain. When past distressing experiences remain unprocessed and are not integrated into adaptive beliefs, then we tend to have problems in our current functioning in the world. Anxiety can be one of those problems.” – https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/emdr-anxiety/
Together, you and I will put on our “detective hats” to figure out the source of your anxiety. Anxiety can be tied to past events, current situations, or future scenarios. The source of your anxiety is likely to be the focus of your EMDR therapy, which can be used alone or with other approaches to resolve your anxiety and achieve your goals.
As an EMDR therapist having undergone a rigorous EMDRIA-approved training program, I can help you find relief.
Are you looking for compassionate, safe care and natural relief from anxiety? If so, please call for a free 15-minute phone call.
*Name has been changed to protect client confidentiality.
References
Beck, A. T., Emery, G., & Greenberg, R. L. (2005). Anxiety disorders and phobias: A cognitive perspective. Basic Books/Hachette Book Group.
Faretta, E., & Dal Farra, M. (2019). Efficacy of EMDR therapy for anxiety disorders. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 325-332. Open access: https://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.325
Fee, J. (2018, October). Anxiety is the messenger [Video]. TEDxCSULB. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoDe1Blxb8s
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders