Miley Cyrus is speaking candidly about a powerful mental health therapy that she credits with transforming her life and ending her stage anxiety for good. In a recent interview with The New York Times, the pop star opened up about her experience with Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), an innovative treatment that’s becoming a go-to approach for processing trauma.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR was created in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro to help people heal from distressing memories and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over the past few decades, it has steadily gained momentum among therapists and patients. EMDR uses a structured process that helps the brain reprocess unresolved memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional responses.
Wendy Byrd, president of the board of directors at the EMDR International Association, explained to NY Times that this therapy engages the brain’s natural ability to process and store information in a healthier way. “When we experience something traumatic, our processing system can get stuck,” Byrd said. “EMDR gives the brain a chance to refile those memories so they feel less threatening.”
How EMDR helped Miley Cyrus overcome anxiety?
Cyrus described EMDR as “life-saving,” saying the therapy was pivotal in helping her overcome stage fright. She compared the sessions to watching a movie in her mind and revisiting difficult experiences in a safe environment. “I came out of it, and I’ve never had stage fright again,” she shared. “Ever.”
Her story is not unique among public figures. In 2021, Prince Harry also disclosed that EMDR helped him cope with anxiety related to flying into London-a place that evoked painful memories of losing his mother, Princess Diana.
What happens during an EMDR Session?
A typical EMDR session involves exploring the details of a troubling memory, including the sights, sounds, emotions, and physical sensations connected to it. While you think about the experience, the clinician introduces what’s called bilateral stimulation, which may include guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones.
This technique helps the brain achieve what experts call dual attention: you remain aware that you’re in a safe place with your therapist (or in some cases, on a video call) while you revisit the old memory. Over time, this process reduces the intensity of the images and emotions attached to that event.
Why trauma sometimes stays 'Stuck'?
Traumatic or highly stressful experiences can overload the brain’s normal processing system. When this happens, the memory doesn’t integrate the way it should. Instead, it remains in a raw, unprocessed form. This is why seemingly harmless triggers-a barking dog, a familiar smell, or even a particular facial expression-can bring back the same panic or dread you felt during the original event.
If you’re interested in exploring EMDR, consider seeking out a licensed mental health professional who is trained in this evidence-based approach. With the right guidance, EMDR can help you rewrite the story of your past and reclaim your peace of mind.
