When we think about therapy for anxiety, many of us picture talk therapy—analyzing thoughts, identifying patterns, and developing strategies to handle overwhelming emotions. But when anxiety feels deeply embedded, like a response from the body and mind that won’t relent no matter how much we talk about it, an approach like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help target and shift the underlying source of distress.

In my work as a therapist, I often use EMDR to help clients find relief from anxiety that feels stuck and impacts everyday life. Today, I’ll share the story of a client named Sarah (name changed for confidentiality), a mother who came to me seeking help with debilitating anxiety. She was struggling to balance the pressures of her full-time job with the responsibilities of raising her two young children, and the constant, gnawing anxiety she felt was taking a toll on her ability to function at her best.

Sarah’s Struggle with Anxiety

Sarah described her anxiety as a never-ending loop of fear and dread. She woke up with her mind racing about all the things she had to do that day, and by evening, she found herself overwhelmed and exhausted. The anxiety wasn’t just mental—it was physical too. Her heart would race, her stomach would tighten, and sometimes, she’d break into a cold sweat while trying to focus on her work. These sensations were no longer just reactions to stressful situations but had become part of her daily reality, affecting her interactions with her family and her ability to focus at work.

Sarah felt guilty and ashamed. She worried her anxiety made her appear “unreliable” to her boss and believed she was letting down her family by not being fully present. She wanted to be a supportive, engaged mother and an effective employee but felt her anxiety was a barrier she couldn’t overcome.

Starting EMDR

After a few sessions to understand her background and build trust, we decided EMDR could help Sarah address the roots of her anxiety and begin releasing some of the trauma responses her body had held onto. EMDR is unique in that it doesn’t rely solely on talking through distressing thoughts; instead, it helps to reprocess how the mind and body hold onto negative memories, beliefs, and sensations.

Together, we identified a few specific memories and situations where Sarah’s anxiety felt most intense—moments that seemed to hold the most emotional charge. One memory that stood out was a time when she felt judged at work for making a small mistake and had replayed that experience in her mind, letting it fuel her belief that she was incompetent. Another powerful memory was her sense of helplessness and guilt after snapping at her kids during a moment of high stress. We also identified her body’s response as an important target for EMDR, as she often experienced physical symptoms that made her feel like her anxiety was inescapable.

The EMDR Process

In EMDR sessions, I guided Sarah through a series of eye movements while she focused on specific memories and emotions related to her anxiety. The eye movements help activate the brain’s natural ability to process and resolve distressing memories, so they no longer feel as intense or overwhelming. Over time, these movements allow the mind to reshape and “file away” memories in a healthier way, releasing the associated negative beliefs and physical reactions.

In our sessions, as Sarah recalled her experiences, I encouraged her to observe any thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations that came up. There were moments when she would recall vivid details of the past—scenes, words, and physical sensations that she hadn’t consciously noticed before. At times, the intensity of her emotions surprised her, but we worked together to create a safe, controlled environment where she could process them.

Shifts in Sarah’s Day-to-Day Life

After a few weeks of EMDR, Sarah began to notice subtle shifts. Situations at work that had once triggered intense fear felt more manageable. When something didn’t go as planned with her kids, she found herself able to respond with a calmness she hadn’t felt in a long time. The anxiety that once occupied so much of her mental space started to recede, allowing her to focus more fully on her tasks and connect with her loved ones.

One breakthrough moment came when Sarah told me she’d managed a challenging project at work without the constant fear of judgment. She felt she could trust her abilities, and that feeling of trust lingered. As we continued to work, Sarah’s anxiety symptoms became less intense and less frequent. She also began to believe she was a capable and caring mother who could navigate tough moments with her kids without falling into guilt and self-blame.

EMDR’s Impact on Healing Anxiety

EMDR doesn’t “erase” memories or make stress disappear, but it changes how we relate to our experiences, allowing us to respond in ways that are aligned with the present rather than being dictated by old fears. For Sarah, EMDR helped her reconnect with her strength and resilience, giving her the tools to approach both her job and her role as a mother with a greater sense of calm and confidence.

If you’re struggling with persistent anxiety and looking for an approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy, EMDR could offer a new way forward. In my practice, I’ve seen EMDR empower clients to face life’s demands with greater peace and freedom, helping them reconnect with their ability to live fully and authentically.

For those feeling “stuck” in anxiety, remember that healing is possible. EMDR is just one of many tools available to support you in reclaiming your life and moving forward with confidence.