Miley Cyrus Credits EMDR Therapy for Conquering Stage Fright

Singer Miley Cyrus has revealed how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy helped her overcome stage fright. This innovative approach to mental health is gaining traction, offering a new path for processing trauma and improving well-being.

Understanding EMDR Therapy

EMDR is a therapeutic method created to assist with healing from past traumas. It’s particularly well-known for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy involves moving the eyes in a specific manner while recalling distressing memories.

“Love it. Saved my life,” Miley Cyrus said. “I came out of it, and I’ve never had stage fright again. Ever. I don’t have stage fright anymore.”

—Miley Cyrus

This approach employs the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which explains how the brain stores memories. EMDR’s initial clinical trial occurred in 1989, with numerous subsequent studies supporting its efficacy. A recent study showed that around 77% of people with PTSD showed significant improvement after EMDR treatment (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2022).

How EMDR Works

In an EMDR session, a clinician asks questions to stimulate different components of a memory, including sensory details. Patients reflect on their body’s and mind’s sensations during the experience. Eye movements and tapping are incorporated to aid information processing, which can calm a person’s physiology.

This therapy helps the brain store the new memory in the same location as the original trauma, which can make the original memory feel less threatening. During her session, Miley Cyrus imagined herself on a train, reliving her past, and identifying the root of her stage fright.

“It’s like watching a movie in your mind, but it’s different than dreaming,” Miley Cyrus explained. “You’re kind of more in yourself, but still in another place of consciousness that’s really hard to describe unless you’ve been in that hypnotic state.”

—Miley Cyrus

Impact and Popularity

The therapy, while existing for decades, has recently experienced a rise in popularity. Mental health professionals have seen a surge in patients requesting EMDR therapy. Many are seeing the positive impact on friends and family.

Wendy Byrd, a professional counselor and president of the board of directors at the EMDR International Association, stated that EMDR is now frequently requested by clients. The method assists the brain in processing information, allowing it to heal from traumatic or adverse experiences.