EMDR for Work-Related Triggers: Performance Fears, Harsh Feedback, and 'Messing Up' Memories
You nailed a presentation last week. Your boss said it was great. But instead of feeling proud, you're already worried about the next one. What if you stumble? What if someone asks a question you can't answer?
Or maybe there's something else. A mistake from years ago that still makes you cringe. Feedback from a former manager that plays on repeat. A moment when you froze in a meeting and felt everyone watching.
These memories might seem small compared to what most people think of as "trauma." But if they still carry an emotional charge—if thinking about them triggers anxiety, shame, or dread—they're affecting your work life in real ways.
EMDR therapy can help. And you don't need a PTSD diagnosis to benefit from it.
What Is EMDR and How Does It Work?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a therapy approach that helps your brain process distressing memories differently. During EMDR, you focus on a troubling memory while your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation—often eye movements, tapping, or sounds that alternate between left and right.
Here's the idea behind it: When something overwhelming happens, your brain sometimes stores that memory in a way that keeps it "stuck." The memory stays vivid and emotionally charged, as if it just happened. EMDR helps your brain reprocess that memory so it feels more like the past—something that happened, but no longer controls how you feel today.
The research supporting EMDR is strong. The World Health Organization and American Psychological Association both recommend it for trauma treatment. But many people don't realize EMDR can address more than combat trauma or serious accidents.
Can EMDR Help with Work Anxiety, Not Just "Big T" Trauma?
Yes. EMDR can help with what therapists call "small t" traumas—experiences that may not seem catastrophic but still left a mark. Performance anxiety, harsh criticism, public embarrassment, or workplace conflicts can all create stuck memories that fuel ongoing anxiety. If a past experience still triggers strong emotions when you think about it, EMDR may help reduce that charge.
Think about it this way. Your brain doesn't always distinguish between "big" and "small" threats. A critical comment from a supervisor can activate the same stress response as a more obvious danger. Your nervous system remembers that moment and stays on alert, watching for signs it might happen again.
That's why logical thinking doesn't always help. You know that one bad presentation doesn't define your career. But your body still tenses up before every meeting. EMDR works at a deeper level than talk therapy alone, helping your brain update how it stores and responds to these memories.
What Work-Related Issues Can EMDR Address?
EMDR can help with a range of work-related triggers that keep professionals stuck. Common issues include fear of public speaking, perfectionism tied to early experiences, imposter syndrome, panic attacks before meetings, and lingering shame from past mistakes. If a specific memory fuels your work anxiety, EMDR can target it directly.
Many of the professionals we work with in the Kansas City area come in with concerns like these:
A lawyer who can't shake the memory of losing an important case—even though it was years ago and their record since then has been strong.
A physician who received harsh feedback during residency and now second-guesses every clinical decision.
A business owner who froze during an investor pitch and now avoids opportunities that could grow their company.
An executive who was publicly criticized in a meeting and now dreads speaking up, even when they have valuable input.
These aren't "just anxiety." They're specific memories creating specific reactions. EMDR can help neutralize the emotional intensity so you can respond to current situations based on what's actually happening—not what happened before.
What Should I Expect in EMDR for Workplace Issues?
EMDR sessions typically begin with preparation—learning about the process and identifying which memories to target. Your therapist will help you develop coping skills first. Then, in reprocessing sessions, you'll focus on the target memory while following bilateral stimulation. Most people notice shifts within a few sessions, though the total number depends on your situation.
You don't have to describe every detail of what happened. EMDR doesn't require you to talk through the memory extensively. You hold the memory in mind while the bilateral stimulation helps your brain do the processing. Many people find this less overwhelming than traditional talk therapy.
During reprocessing, you might notice the memory shifting. It may feel less vivid, less emotionally charged, or more distant. Negative beliefs about yourself—like "I'm incompetent" or "I'll always mess up"—often shift to more balanced perspectives.
One of our therapists describes it this way: after EMDR, the memory is still there, but it no longer has the same grip on you. You can think about it without your heart racing or your stomach dropping.
Where Can I Find EMDR Therapy in Lee's Summit?
At Aspire Counseling, several of our therapists are fully trained in EMDR and work specifically with professionals dealing with work-related anxiety and trauma. We understand the pressures of demanding careers and the importance of confidential, efficient treatment. Our Lee's Summit office is convenient for clients commuting from Blue Springs, Independence, or anywhere in the KC metro.
As a private-pay practice, we don't bill insurance—which means no diagnosis on your record and no insurance company deciding your care. For professionals concerned about privacy, this matters.
EMDR often produces results faster than traditional talk therapy. Many clients see significant improvement in as few as 12 sessions. If you're dealing with work anxiety tied to specific memories or experiences, EMDR may help you move forward faster than you expected.
Want to learn more about evidence-based approaches for professionals? Read our guide to therapy for high achievers, which explains how EMDR compares to other methods like IFS and CBT.
Ready to see if EMDR is right for you? Call (816) 287-1116 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation. We also offer online therapy throughout Missouri if in-person sessions don't fit your schedule.
About the Author
Jessica Oliver, MSW, LCSW is the founder and Clinical Director of Aspire Counseling. She completed her initial EMDR training in December 2019 and has practiced it regularly since, including pursuing additional advanced EMDR training. Jessica lives in Johnson County, Kansas but practices out of Aspire's Lee's Summit, Missouri office. She particularly enjoys working with professionals navigating anxiety, trauma, and the unique pressures of demanding careers. Schedule a consultation to learn how EMDR might help you.
