Bayview Therapy + Fox News: How EMDR Therapy Helped Miley Cyrus Overcome Stage Fright

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Bayview Therapy team! Our founder, Dr. Kate Campbell, was recently featured in a national Fox News Health article discussing the growing popularity and effectiveness of EMDR therapy. The article, titled "Miley Cyrus reveals powerful therapy that helped her conquer stage fright," explores how EMDR therapy helped pop star Miley Cyrus overcome anxiety related to performing and stage fright.

Dr. Kate was invited to provide expert insight into how EMDR works, why it is so effective for performance anxiety, and how it helps people heal from a wide range of emotional challenges. We are honored to see our work highlighted on such a large platform and excited to continue spreading awareness about the transformative power of EMDR.

Miley Cyrus Opens Up About Her Experience with EMDR

In the Fox News article, Miley Cyrus shares how EMDR therapy helped her manage anxiety and fear associated with performing. She describes the therapy as being like "watching a movie in your mind" while staying emotionally grounded. In one EMDR session, Miley visualized a peaceful moment on a mountaintop, surrounded by her loved ones and even her childhood dog. That experience was so emotionally powerful that she said she never experienced stage fright again.

Miley's story is a powerful example of how EMDR can reach deep into the emotional memory network and help individuals process and release long-held fears. While celebrities sharing their mental health journeys can help reduce stigma, they also bring greater visibility to therapies like EMDR that are changing lives every day.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based therapy originally developed to treat trauma and PTSD, but its applications have grown far beyond that. EMDR helps people reprocess painful or distressing memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity and removes the charge those memories once held.

At Bayview Therapy, we use EMDR with children, teens, and adults to help them overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, phobias, perfectionism, and even performance-related challenges like stage fright or public speaking. Many of our therapists are trained or fully certified in EMDR and have helped clients experience significant relief and growth through this powerful approach.

How EMDR Works on a Neurological Level

During an EMDR session, the therapist helps the client focus on a specific memory, thought, or feeling while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This might include side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. The process activates both sides of the brain and helps the client reprocess the memory in a way that integrates it more effectively.

Neurologically, EMDR is thought to mimic what happens during REM sleep, the stage of sleep when the brain processes and stores emotional information. By accessing the brain's natural healing processes, EMDR allows individuals to "unfreeze" stuck memories and shift the emotional associations they carry.

A Typical EMDR Session: What to Expect

If you're new to EMDR, you might be wondering what a session looks like. At Bayview Therapy, we always begin with an intake and assessment to understand your goals, history, and what you hope to gain from therapy. Once EMDR is determined to be a good fit, your therapist will guide you through the process in a safe, supportive environment.

The session often starts with identifying a memory or issue to work on. Your therapist will ask questions to bring up thoughts, emotions, and body sensations related to that memory. Then, using bilateral stimulation, they will guide you through sets of eye movements or other techniques while you focus on the memory. The goal is not to erase the memory but to reduce its emotional impact and help you gain new insight or perspective.

Why EMDR Is So Effective for Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety, like stage fright, often stems from underlying fears or past experiences that created a sense of danger or inadequacy. These could be moments of embarrassment, rejection, criticism, or failure that got stored in the brain as emotionally charged memories. When triggered, the nervous system responds as if the person is in danger, even if the situation is safe.

EMDR helps rewire those emotional responses by allowing the brain to revisit the memory and shift its meaning. For someone like Miley Cyrus, who experienced overwhelming fear before performing, EMDR created a safe space to rewrite that fear with feelings of confidence, connection, and peace.

We see this often with our clients at Bayview Therapy. Whether they are artists, executives, athletes, or students, many have found EMDR to be a game-changer when it comes to building confidence and performing under pressure.

Why More People Are Requesting EMDR by Name

There has been a noticeable shift in recent years. More people are seeking EMDR by name, often after hearing about it from a friend, podcast, celebrity, or therapist. As mental health awareness continues to grow, so does the demand for treatments that offer real, lasting change. Read more about how EMDR therapy helped Miley Cyrus in this NY Times Article.

Unlike some approaches that focus solely on managing symptoms, EMDR goes to the root of the issue. That depth of healing is what draws people in. They want to feel better, not just cope. And when they learn that EMDR can help them get there, they are often eager to try it.

Do My Issues Qualify for EMDR?

A question we hear often at Bayview Therapy is, "Are my struggles big enough to warrant EMDR?" The answer is simple: if something is affecting your quality of life, it's worth addressing. You do not need a major trauma to benefit from EMDR. Many people use it to work through things like perfectionism, self-doubt, chronic stress, or subtle emotional wounds from childhood.

If you find yourself stuck in the same patterns, triggered by things that seem minor, or overwhelmed by emotions you cannot explain, EMDR may be the right fit for you.

Bayview Therapy’s Commitment to EMDR and Healing

At Bayview Therapy, we are proud to offer EMDR as one of our core specialties. Our team includes over 30 compassionate and experienced therapists, many of whom are EMDR-trained or fully certified. We provide therapy to children, teens, and adults across our Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, and Plantation offices, as well as through secure telehealth sessions across the state of Florida.

We understand that reaching out for help is a big step. Our goal is to make that step feel safe and supported. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, or performance anxiety, we are here to help you heal and thrive. 

Ready to Experience the Benefits of EMDR Therapy?

If you're curious about EMDR or wondering if it could help you or a loved one, we invite you to reach out for your complimentary consultation at 954-391-5305. Our Client Care Coordinator will speak with you about your needs and match you with one of our EMDR specialists.

Healing is possible, and you do not have to carry the weight of the past alone. Contact us today to take the first step.