Procrastination isn't about laziness or poor time management. It's often an emotional response to anxiety, fear of failure, or feeling overwhelmed. If you've tried productivity hacks, time-blocking, and motivational strategies but still find yourself stuck, the issue might run deeper than your schedule.
Common emotional triggers behind procrastination include:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy originally developed to treat trauma. It uses bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements—to help your brain reprocess difficult memories and emotional experiences.
How it works: EMDR helps you process and integrate distressing memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional reactions. This reduces the anxiety, fear, and negative beliefs that often drive avoidance behaviors like procrastination.
Unlike traditional productivity strategies that focus on behavior change alone, EMDR targets the underlying emotional and psychological patterns that fuel procrastination.
Many people who procrastinate carry deep-seated beliefs like:
EMDR helps you identify and reprocess these limiting beliefs, replacing them with more empowering perspectives. When you no longer see tasks through a lens of fear and self-doubt, taking action becomes easier.
For individuals with C-PTSD or ADHD, emotional dysregulation can make even simple tasks feel insurmountable. EMDR therapy can:
EMDR doesn't just help you cope with procrastination—it actually helps your brain form new associations. Tasks that once triggered anxiety can begin to feel more neutral or even manageable.
EMDR works best as part of a comprehensive approach. When combined with:
You get a holistic solution that addresses both the emotional roots and practical aspects of procrastination.
EMDR may be particularly helpful if you:
If procrastination has been keeping you from reaching your goals, EMDR therapy offers a way to address the emotional barriers that traditional time management can't reach. By processing the fear, anxiety, and negative beliefs at the heart of avoidance, you can finally break free from the cycle and move forward with confidence.
Ready to explore how EMDR can help you overcome procrastination?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific challenges and learn how EMDR therapy in New York City can help you create lasting change.
📞 Call us at (646) 585-1610 or book your free consultation here
How long does EMDR therapy take to work?
The timeline varies by individual, but many people notice shifts within 6-12 sessions. Procrastination patterns linked to specific traumas may resolve more quickly than those tied to long-standing beliefs.
Does EMDR only work for trauma?
While EMDR was developed for trauma treatment, it's effective for many issues rooted in emotional distress, including anxiety, phobias, performance blocks, and procrastination.
Can EMDR help with ADHD-related procrastination?
Yes. EMDR can address the emotional dysregulation and anxiety that often accompany ADHD, making it easier to approach tasks with greater calm and focus.
Do I need to relive traumatic experiences?
EMDR doesn't require detailed discussion of traumatic events. The focus is on processing the emotional and physical responses associated with memories.
Is EMDR covered by insurance?
While many insurance plans do cover EMDR therapy, our practice operates on a private pay basis and does not accept insurance. We can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.