Anxiety can feel overwhelming—racing thoughts, a pounding heart, and a constant sense of unease. For many, it seems to linger despite trying various coping strategies. One powerful, research-backed approach gaining attention for its effectiveness in treating anxiety is EMDR therapy. If you are wondering what is EMDR and how can it help you, keep reading our article below or feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment. 

What is EMDR?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a form of psychotherapy developed to help individuals heal from emotional distress and trauma. Initially created to treat PTSD, EMDR has also shown significant benefits for anxiety, panic disorders, and phobias.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to go into detail about distressing events. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation—often through guided eye movements—to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories or anxious thoughts in a healthier way.

How Does EMDR Help with Anxiety?

Anxiety often stems from unprocessed memories or negative beliefs that the brain hasn’t fully resolved. EMDR for anxiety helps the brain “reprocess” these experiences so they’re no longer emotionally triggering. Over time, individuals find that their anxiety symptoms diminish and they gain a sense of control and calm.

The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

EMDR is a structured, eight-phase approach. If you are wondering, “What are the 8 stages of EMDR”, here is what you can expect for each phase:

1. History Taking – Your therapist gathers information about your past and identifies the root causes of anxiety. Together, you’ll pinpoint specific memories or situations to target during EMDR.
2. Preparation – You’ll learn coping strategies and calming techniques. This ensures you have the emotional resources to handle distressing material that may arise.
3. Assessment – The therapist helps you identify the negative beliefs and emotions tied to the target memory, along with a desired positive belief.
4. Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements), you focus on the distressing memory while your brain begins to reprocess the experience, reducing its emotional charge.
5. Installation – The goal here is to strengthen the positive belief, helping you replace old patterns of anxiety with healthier perspectives.
6. Body Scan – You check for any lingering physical tension or discomfort associated with the memory and continue processing if needed.
7. Closure – Each session ends with grounding techniques to ensure you leave feeling safe and in control.
8. Reevaluation – At the beginning of the next session, you and your therapist review progress and determine what to work on next.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR can be particularly effective for those whose anxiety stems from past trauma, phobias, or specific events. It’s also helpful if you’ve tried other therapies without success. At New Leaf Counseling & Wellness, our licensed therapists in Schaumburg and Naperville are trained in EMDR and can guide you through the process with care and compassion.

Take the Next Step

If anxiety is affecting your daily life, you’re not alone—and healing is possible. EMDR offers a path toward lasting relief and greater emotional freedom. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our EMDR specialists today.