EMDR and Performance Blocks
*Informed and inspired by the training and work of Dr. Sara Gilman
For all performers out there, most of us have experienced some form of anxiety or unpleasant tension before we perform. Sometimes we have reached a place where we are stuck or plateaued in our creative art. The therapeutic practice of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) can help to move these creative blockages through. Being the most researched form of trauma therapy, there is a specific way of isolating a memory or negative belief you are carrying, and to process it. Let’s go deeper into the world of EMDR.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization reprocessing. This is a powerful therapeutic technique that can shift perspective and help you to become free from attachments to old patterns and beliefs that are blocking your artistic expression. Often when something traumatic happens, it seems to get locked in the nervous system with the original picture, sounds, thoughts, feelings, sensory experience. Since the experience is locked there, it continues to be triggered whenever a reminder comes up in your life. It can be the basis for lots of roadblocks and “charge” in our lives such as fear and helplessness that we can’t seem to control. These are actually the emotions connected with the old experience that are being triggered, creating the “charge” that we feel.
The eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation options) we use in EMDR seem to unlock the nervous system and allow your brain to process the experience. That may be what is naturally happening in REM, or dream, sleep: These same eye movements in REM sleep may be involved in processing the unconscious material.
When There is a Blockage in Performance, Why is this Happening?
Sometimes we come to therapy not knowing what memory or belief might be stopping us from our most enjoyable and easeful performance, and this is what I would say to you: “It's linked to something that we aren’t aware of yet, but I know when we discover that link, we can process it through EMDR. The important thing to remember is that it is your own brain that will be the healing and that you are the one in control.”
This block in your creativity is a function of a nervous system that is overloaded and not reflective of your character. We are bodies with brains that contain unprocessed memories and emotions. We need to re-file these memories or beliefs in order to integrate and move through the block.
Secondary Gain
Also, something called a “secondary gain” can be present. A secondary gain is a way of hanging onto a block in performance or other life-depleting behavior or belief because of an unconscious need that is hiding under the surface. For example, if a painter is experiencing a “freeze” response when sitting down to paint, unable to come up with any new ideas or inspiration, a secondary gain may surface: “If I can’t paint then I will be free from the pressure to create something amazing.” By not being able to paint, the subconscious is protecting this artist from pressure and perhaps the fear of failure. The process of EMDR can help us identify and reprogram these beliefs so that painting will be associated with creative flow and joy again.
The Importance of Resourcing
EMDR is a powerful tool to overcome these blocks, but it must go hand and hand with what I like to call “resources” These are life enhancing behaviors, people, places, things that we program into our bodies that regulate our nervous system. They make us feel calm, content, and safe. You probably have a plethora of resources that you don’t always think of right away as resources i.e. pets, loved ones, sports, artistic expression, trees, rivers, favorite musicians, etc. I also have learned many techniques to teach you in my cosmic toolbox. Some of these include, earth breathing, finding your “moment of success”, creating your “power circle”, “safe place” exercise. Visit my trauma therapypage to find out more, and to work with me to start removing those hidden creative blocks.