The Use of EMDR in Reducing Presentation Anxiety: A Case Study

While traditional approaches to managing presentation anxiety help some students, EMDR may offer an effective intervention for those with serious presentation anxiety.

Article Abstract

“Effective presentation skills are vital for success in most organizations. Preparing students for their careers, college educators often require that students demonstrate effective presentation skills. While traditional approaches to managing presentation anxiety help some students, EMDR may offer an effective intervention for those with serious presentation anxiety. This case study involves a student with presentation anxiety referred for EMDR from an organizational communication class. The subject delivered videotaped presentations and completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) prior to and after completing three EMDR sessions. The subject’s pre–post STAI scores reduced from the 98th to the 55th percentile. Blind expert ratings of the videotaped presentations indicated pronounced performance improvement. At 12-month follow-up, the subject was successfully employed in a management position, making effective presentations without intense anxiety.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Barker, R. T., & Barker, S. B. (2007). The Use of EMDR in Reducing Presentation Anxiety: A Case Study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 1(2): 100-108. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.1.2.100

About the Journal

Journal of EMDR Practice and Research (JEMDR) is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about EMDR therapy. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR therapy and its application to clinical practice. JEMDR is the official publication of the EMDR International Association.