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Performance Enhancement
EMDR is not just for the most distressing things in our lives; it is successfully used in performance enhancement and to improve self-esteem. The power of EMDR can be used for performance enhancement; to remove obstacles, strengthen positive thinking, enhance physiological sensations, and install visualizations of success in a variety of situations.
Why use EMDR?
EMDR acts directly on the nervous system by clearing blocks or obstacles; removing traces of earlier traumatic incidents or difficult situations; reducing anticipatory or performance anxiety; and boosting confidence. The person can then perform a task optimally without being influenced by past negative events, beliefs or physiological responses. Performance Enhancement can help with situations such as:
Presentations, Interviews, Auditions, Public speaking
Stage fright, Competitions, Performances
Anticipatory anxiety
Fear of performing after an accident, difficult experience, or previous failure
Procrastination
Inconsistent performance
Lack of confidence about self or abilities
Who would benefit from Performance Enhancement?
People who are already functioning well but would like to perform even better or with more confidence and for people who give outstanding performances every time but still experience anxiety beforehand. Performance enhancement with EMDR works on making confidence and ability more congruent and reducing anticipatory anxiety to manageable levels. People who may benefit are:
Business executives, managers
Doctors, solicitors/barristers and other professionals
Women in management
Performance artists
Sports people
People returning to work e.g. after maternity leave, sabbatical, after period of ill health or surgery.
People who want to improve their hobbies
People who are good at their job but struggle with the social side e.g. corporate entertaining/networking
EMDR Performance Enhancement Process
The focus of Performance Enhancement is on resolving current difficulties and strengthening present and future performance. Some people may need some initial preparation or may need to reduce the effects of previous difficult experiences first. The process involves some or all of the following four steps:
Preparation – If appropriate a person may be prepared for performance enhancement by: increasing their stress management skills; learning to regulate emotions; strengthening existing resources and building up confidence.
Removing obstacles (the past) – Removing any residual distress (including negative beliefs) after previous difficult situations, or overcoming limitations such as increasing confidence after for example an unsatisfactory performance.
Boosting positive feelings/expectations (the present) – Increasing confidence. Strengthening current resources and installing new resources including confidence in one’s own expertise and positive beliefs about self.
Applying to forthcoming events (the future) – Rehearsing and increasing confidence for future situations.
Performance Enhancement is not suitable for:
Those who are currently struggling to cope; are currently suicidal; are currently self-harming including misuse of alcohol. People with many personal and chronic problems lastly EMDR does not work if a person is taking tranquilizers (e.g. benzodiazepines) or using cocaine.
Performance Enhancement is not a therapy and it may be more appropriate for some people to have a course of psychological therapy first. This would be discussed at the initial assessment session.
The following are examples of the issues that I have helped people with:
| Depression | Anxiety | Stress |
| Panic Attacks | Bereavement and Loss | Work Related Issues |
| Low Self Esteem | Low Confidence | Drug and Alcohol Issues |
| Sexual Abuse | Rape | Self Harm |
| Illness | Family and Relationships | Suicidal Thoughts |
| Loneliness | Mid Life Crisis | Spirituality |
