Why Your Anxiety Feels Stuck—and How EMDR Can Help
When Anxiety Doesn’t Budge—Even When You “Know Better”
You’re successful. Capable. Maybe even the one everyone else turns to in a crisis. On the outside, it looks like you have things under control—but inside, it’s a different story.
You feel constantly on edge. Your mind won’t shut off. You might overthink everything, feel emotionally drained, or get stuck in worst-case scenarios. Maybe you’ve already tried deep breathing, journaling, or even traditional talk therapy… and yet the anxiety still lingers.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many high-functioning adults experience anxiety that feels stuck. But that doesn’t mean you’re broken—or that you just need to “try harder.” It could mean your anxiety is rooted in experiences your nervous system hasn’t fully processed yet.
That’s where EMDR therapy comes in.
What Is EMDR Therapy (And Why Is It So Effective for Anxiety)?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a research-backed therapy that helps people process distressing memories, negative beliefs, and stuck emotions—without having to talk through every detail.
Unlike traditional therapy that focuses on insight and coping strategies, EMDR helps the brain reprocess past experiences that may be fueling your current anxiety.
Many clients come to EMDR saying:
“I know my fear doesn’t make sense, but I can’t control it.”
“I’ve done so much work on myself, but something still feels unresolved.”
“I’m tired of feeling anxious even when nothing is technically ‘wrong.’”
With EMDR, you don’t just manage anxiety—you address the underlying causes.
In this blog, I’m discussing the common signs of anxiety & how EMDR can help,—even if traditional talk therapy hasn’t been helpful in the past.
Hi, I’m Amanda Parmley, MA, LCMHC
I am a counselor in Carolina Beach, NC, and I specialize in helping adults improve self-esteem, decrease anxiety, and move past trauma. I provide EMDR therapy to help clients process the deep-rooted beliefs and experiences that keep them stuck in cycles of stress, self-doubt, and anxiety.
Ready to get unstuck? Click the button below to schedule your free consultation.
Why Your Anxiety Might Feel “Stuck”
Anxiety that doesn’t improve with logic or coping skills often has roots in unprocessed past experiences. These could be:
Moments where you felt powerless or overwhelmed
Childhood dynamics that shaped your sense of safety
Stressful events that didn’t seem “traumatic” at the time, but left a mark
Your brain and body remember these experiences—especially when they were too much to fully process in the moment. EMDR helps complete that process, so your nervous system can finally exhale.
Signs Your Anxiety May Be Trauma-Linked (Even If You Don’t Realize It)
You don’t need a “capital T” trauma to benefit from EMDR. Even smaller experiences—like being constantly criticized, dismissed, or overwhelmed—can create stuck patterns of anxiety.
Some signs your anxiety may be trauma-linked:
You’re hyper-alert or constantly scanning for what might go wrong
You feel a sense of dread or tension that doesn’t match the situation
You intellectually know you’re safe, but your body feels otherwise
You keep looping through the same anxious thoughts, even after reassurance
EMDR helps your brain and body disentangle the past from the present.
EMDR for Anxiety: What Sessions Look Like
EMDR doesn’t involve talking through every detail of your past. Instead, we work together to:
Identify the memories, body sensations, or beliefs linked to your anxiety
Use bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to reprocess them
Help your nervous system “digest” the experience, so it no longer feels threatening
Most clients feel lighter, calmer, and more present after sessions—without needing to relive their trauma.
And the best part? EMDR can be just as effective online as in person.
“But I’m High-Functioning… Do I Really Need Trauma Therapy?”
This is a common question.
You might be showing up for your job, family, and friends—but still feel exhausted inside. You may not identify as someone who’s “been through trauma,” but you do feel:
Overwhelmed by small triggers
Anxious even during “good” times
Like you’re always bracing for something to go wrong
If you’ve ever wondered “Why can’t I just relax?” — EMDR might be the missing piece.
You don’t have to live with anxiety forever. EMDR therapy offers a powerful, evidence-based way to help your brain and body feel safe again—so you can finally relax, focus, and enjoy life without constant internal tension.
Offering EMDR therapy in person at Carolina Beach, NC and online across North Carolina and Florida*.
Interested in learning more? Schedule your free consultation below:
How to Start Therapy with Amanda Parmley, MA, LCMHC:
1. Click the button below to request a free 15-minute consultation.
2.
Complete a short intake questionnaire.
3. Complete
the required screener
& take the phone call from Amanda Parmley at the prearranged & agreed-upon time.
4. Start your journey
to feeling better.
Additional Services Offered by Amanda Parmley, MA, LCMHC:
I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, past trauma and low self-esteem, specifically through the use of EMDR. Experiencing chronic insomnia? I also provide CBT-I.
Interested in counseling and want to use your insurance? I accept many insurance plans. Reach out today to inquire whether I’m network.
Interested in attending counseling in the office? I'm located at 1328 N Lake Park Blvd, STE 109, Carolina Beach, NC 28428. Once you cross over Snow's Cut Bridge, take the first left at the light & I am located in Carolina Beach Pavilion.
Online Counseling
Are you interested in counseling but live too far to commute to the session? If you are located within the state of North Carolina & are interested in online counseling, reach out today to discuss whether this is the right option for you.
*Now Offering Telehealth for Florida Residents – Private Pay Only
I am now available to see clients in Florida via secure telehealth sessions. If you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, or low self-esteem, virtual therapy can provide the support you need from the comfort of your home. Contact me to learn more or schedule a session today!