EMDR for anxiety and panic - a vignette

As a psychiatrist, I have had the privilege of helping many successful individuals who are looking for ways to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Today, I would like to share the story of one such client, Jane, who came to me seeking help with severe anxiety and panic attacks that were affecting her work performance.

Jane is a successful businesswoman, who has achieved great success in her career. However, despite her accomplishments, she was struggling with debilitating anxiety and panic attacks that were making it difficult for her to perform at her best. She was seeking a solution that would help her overcome these challenges and enable her to reclaim her confidence and peace of mind.

I recommended that Jane try EMDR therapy, which has been shown to be an effective treatment for anxiety, panic, and other trauma-related disorders. During our first session, Jane shared with me the experiences and events that had triggered her anxiety and panic attacks. We worked together to identify the underlying causes of her distress and develop a treatment plan that would help her address these issues.

The EMDR therapy sessions were intense and emotionally charged, but Jane was determined to make the most of this opportunity. During the sessions, she revisited her traumatic experiences, but with the support of the EMDR process, she was able to process these memories in a way that allowed her to let go of the pain and negative emotions associated with them.

As Jane progressed through her therapy, she noticed a significant improvement in her anxiety levels and a reduction in the frequency and intensity of her panic attacks. She was able to return to work with a newfound sense of confidence and was able to perform at her best. Her colleagues and superiors noticed a marked improvement in her demeanor and work performance, and she received praise for her newfound clarity and focus.

In her private life, Jane was able to establish healthier relationships and improve her overall quality of life. She felt more confident in social situations and was able to enjoy her free time without the constant worry and stress that had plagued her in the past.

In conclusion, EMDR therapy was a transformative experience for Jane. She was able to overcome her anxiety and panic attacks and reclaim her confidence, peace of mind, and quality of life. If you are struggling with similar challenges, I would encourage you to consider EMDR therapy as a solution. With the right support and guidance, you too can overcome your struggles and live a more fulfilling life.

Michiel Bosman MD

By using this site you agree to our terms and conditions. The Open Forest website is medical in nature and thus, may include health or medical information. This content is posted for informational and educational purposes only. Open Forest in no way engages in the practice of medicine and does not render medical advice. We do not provide asynchronous telemental health services or any other medical service. Nothing posted on Open Forest is intended to be used for the purposes of medical diagnosis or treatment. The use of Open Forest does not create a provider/patient relationship between a user and Open Forest. Users must always seek the advice of their physician or another qualified healthcare professional with medical questions. Users must agree to contact their healthcare professional or an emergency medical service, by dialing 911 when they believe they are experiencing a medical emergency.