67: EMDR for Anxiety [Why EMDR Works Series]

Thanks to Gabor Maté, we know that trauma isn’t just something that happens; it’s something that happens inside of you. So when something happens to us (or doesn’t happen, like in an omission of care) and we feel anxiety, that anxiety is a result of trauma.

Anxiety can come from so many things, like overextending ourselves and trying to do too much, divorce, job loss, and even things that some might perceive as positive experiences like an upcoming social event, wedding, or vacation. And often we feel this way not because we are anxious people, but because our relationship with anxiety has been wired a certain way. And we know that neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our relationship with emotions, sense of self and identity. How cool is that?

When we can expand the definition of anxiety outside of what the DSM and the American Psychological Association tell us it is, we can start to see the value of EMDR treatment for people who experience anxiety. This is a beautiful thing.

This week on the Zero Disturbance podcast, I’m talking about what anxiety and trauma actually are, and why professional associations in the psychological space need to expand their official definitions so that more people can easily access the support and treatment they need. And I’m sharing why EMDR is a great choice for people who have experienced anxiety or who have been told they “have anxiety.” This is especially important so we can create more hope for people so they don’t think they have to “have anxiety” forever, as part of who they are.

When something traumatic happens to us, it can be healing to have a therapist listen to and/or validate our horrible experience, especially if no one else has before. However, rehashing the details of that traumatic event can be retraumatizing. Brain-based therapies like EMDR teach us that we don't have to talk about the trauma or the details if we don't want to because the real healing doesn't focus on the traumatic event itself.

The Zero Disturbance podcast is for educational purposes and is not a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or individualized mental health or medical care.

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With a Masters in Education from Vanderbilt, Kambria has been creating trainings and teaching adult learners for over 20 years. As the Director of Education and Quality Improvement at Stanford Medical School, she created ease in complex systems, thereby giving medical trainees successful learning experiences. Now, as a dedicated mom, therapist, and EMDR Consultant, Kambria knows what it means to do things efficiently, effectively, and in a learner-centered way. When she isn't podcasting or creating online courses, you can find Kambria playing with her twins on a beach in California.

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