Can EMDR Help With Performance Anxiety?

Performance anxiety impacts up to 20% of Americans in different capacities. We often think of it as “stage fright.” But, it’s much more nuanced than that, and can cause major issues for those who struggle with it. 

Dealing with performance anxiety can cause you to be anxious at work, giving a presentation, or sharing information with co-workers. It can even cause you to be nervous about “performing” with your own romantic partner. 

Getting to the underlying cause of your performance anxiety is the best way to start treating it. Thankfully, there are many options available to assist with that treatment. One you may not have considered, however, is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). 

EMDR is typically used to help people trying to overcome the effects of trauma. But, can it also help with performance anxiety? 

How Does EMDR Work? 

The process of EMDR relies on rapid eye movement that helps to “desensitize” you from a specific experience. That’s why it’s so helpful when it comes to trauma. If someone has experienced a traumatic event, EMDR doesn’t erase that from their mind. Rather, it helps to reduce the emotional charge from the trauma. 

The second part of EMDR is reprocessing. Again, when it comes to trauma, EMDR helps to reshape someone’s mindset about the event and change the way they process it. It doesn’t change what happened, but does change the way that person views it and the impact it has on them. 

The same process can be effective when it comes to performance anxiety. 

Using EMDR, you can essentially take control over the fear that has kept you paralyzed each time you have to perform. The situations don’t go away, but you’ll be able to view them from a different perspective and they won’t seem as overwhelming or scary anymore. 

What to Expect

By utilizing EMDR for performance anxiety, you can expect to find relief from a variety of symptoms. In general, you might feel less anxious throughout your everyday life. You’re also likely to let go of your fear of failures, experience fewer lapses in memory, and stop self-sabotaging yourself. 

When you deal with performance anxiety, it’s not uncommon to experience self-made setbacks that keep you from doing your best. EMDR can help you overcome those setbacks so you can truly give your all, every single time. 

Once those fears have been overcome, you can use EMDR to replace them with confidence. There are no more toxic mental barriers holding you back. Not only will you have better self-esteem and self-efficacy, but you might actually start to experience peace when you have to perform, rather than fear. 

Is EMDR Right for You? 

EMDR isn’t necessarily “traditional” when it comes to treating performance anxiety. However, if you’ve tried other types of therapy in the past and you’re looking for something different, it could be the ideal solution. 

One of the great things about EMDR is that it could require less talking. It’s not uncommon for people with performance anxiety to feel anxious, in general, when they have to open up to someone. Your EMDR therapist will make talking about your issues enticing. 

Everyone from athletes and musicians to CEOs has utilized EMDR to help with their performance anxiety. While everyone’s pace is different, it typically doesn’t take many sessions to overcome your fear and find your confidence. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how EMDR Therapy can help, or you’re ready to set up an appointment, feel free to contact me. At 561/866-6607.