Stuck in a Cycle of Reassurance Seeking? EMDR Therapy Might Help
If you struggle with intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or overwhelming anxiety, you may have wondered whether you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis, traits of OCD—such as repetitive thought loops, shame spirals, perfectionism, or a deep need for control—can make everyday life challenging. Fortunately, there is hope.
In this blog, I’ll be discussing how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is emerging as a promising treatment for those struggling with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
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.
Click the button below to begin your journey toward confidence and emotional freedom.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process distressing memories and negative thought patterns. Originally developed for trauma and PTSD, EMDR has been found effective for various mental health conditions, including anxiety and OCD-related symptoms. Through guided bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds), EMDR helps the brain reprocess stuck memories and beliefs, reducing their emotional charge and impact.
How OCD and Trauma Are Connected
Many people associate OCD with excessive handwashing or checking behaviors, but at its core, OCD often stems from anxiety and an overactive threat response. For some individuals, past trauma or distressing experiences contribute to obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors as a way to manage uncertainty and fear. EMDR can help uncover and address these underlying emotional wounds, allowing for meaningful healing and symptom relief.
How EMDR Can Help With OCD Symptoms
While traditional OCD treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) remain the gold standard, EMDR can be a powerful complement—or even an alternative—for individuals who struggle with intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Here’s how EMDR may help:
Reduces the Emotional Charge of Intrusive Thoughts – By processing distressing past experiences, EMDR helps decrease the intensity of obsessive thoughts, making them less overwhelming and distressing.
Targets the Root Cause – If OCD traits are connected to past trauma or deeply ingrained fears, EMDR can address these issues at their core rather than just managing surface-level symptoms.
Shifts Negative Core Beliefs – Many individuals with OCD struggle with self-judgment, guilt, or the belief that they are responsible for preventing harm. EMDR helps replace these negative beliefs with more adaptive, self-compassionate ones.
Enhances Emotional Regulation – By reprocessing distressing experiences, EMDR can improve emotional resilience, making it easier to manage anxiety and uncertainty without resorting to compulsive behaviors.
Is EMDR Right for You?
Do you often find yourself stuck in an upsetting thought loop or shame spiral? Does it feel like you’re drowning in worries–even if you know the worries aren’t completely rational? Maybe you’ve tried reframing your thoughts but nothing seems to help.
Does it feel like your worries are only quieted after you seek reassurance—from Google, from loved ones, or even from therapists? You know that reassurance will at least partially quiet the nagging doubt that something is wrong but the relief never lasts long, and the cycle starts all over again.
If you find yourself caught in countless negative thought spirals, but haven’t found relief through traditional counseling methods, EMDR may be the missing piece in your wellness journey. It’s particularly beneficial for those whose obsessive thoughts and compulsions are linked to past traumatic events or emotional distress.
EMDR works by addressing the root causes of obsessive thinking, EMDR offers hope for a calmer mind, greater emotional balance, and freedom from negative thought loops.
Interested in learning more about treating your OCD symptoms with EMDR? 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!