Professional Counseling
& Peak Performance Therapy
Musicians • Actors • Dancers

Michael Gilman, LMHC

Certified EMDR Therapist & Addictions Professional

Peak Performance Specialist

What is Performance Anxiety?

Performance anxiety is a form of intense nervousness and stress that can arise before or during performances, auditions, competitions, or public speaking—sometimes even when simply imagining these scenarios. For many performers, this anxiety goes beyond "stage fright" and can feel overwhelming, interfering with preparation, focus, and the ability to perform at one’s best. It may lead to avoidance of important opportunities, self-doubt, and a sense of being blocked from personal and professional growth.

In a clinical context, performance anxiety can be linked to past experiences, internalized pressures, or fears of judgment and failure. While it may be part of a broader anxiety pattern, it often emerges in otherwise highly skilled individuals. Effective treatment includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

EMDR helps performers identify and process the deeper emotional roots of their anxiety—such as past failures, criticism, or high-stakes pressure—by using bilateral stimulation to reduce the emotional charge tied to those memories. As a result, many performers report feeling more grounded, confident, and connected to their creative or athletic flow.

Learn How We Help

EMDR Therapy
Can Restore
Emotional Balance

“I’m thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.”

– Alex Elle

A single trauma can drive a destructive path of fear.

When our brains process traumatic events we are often left with unhealthy feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that can surface months, or years, after the event.

A common misconception is that anyone can naturally overcome difficult emotions with the passage of time. When it comes to trauma, the brain often needs help moving emotions through the natural recovery process.

This is where EMDR comes in. The idea, known as the adaptive information processing model, is that you can “reprocess” a disturbing memory to help you move past it.

EMDR therapy allows us to get help processing these dysfunctional memories. A certified EMDR Therapist can help change how we think and feel about past events. We will find the root cause of your troubles and process new beliefs that will no longer trigger negative feelings.

How does EMDR therapy work?

Before EMDR

• Unresolved Trauma

• Anxiety & Depression

• Low Self-esteem

• Isolation & Detachment

• Complex trauma & PTSD

After EMDR

• Improved Physical Health

• Improved Relationships

• Self-esteem & Confidence

• Improved Memory & Focus

• Performance Enhancement

• Acceptance & Closure

• Ability to Move Forward

We start with a target memory by bringing it into the conscious mind.

Once the event is in focus, we work on desensitizing negative thoughts surrounding the memory.

Finally, reprocessing installs the behaviors and feelings you desire.

What Happens in a Therapy Session?

Not A Lot of Talking

If you are not comfortable talking about your feelings or details of the past, EMDR is a great way to process emotional pain without sharing too much. I’ll help find your target memories, but the work is done in your head, by you, and your thoughts.

It Might Get Uncomfortable

During Desensitization you will be asked to focus on a disturbing memory. I will guide you through bilateral eye movements at the same time. Reprocessing disturbing memories in this manner will result in a new and healthier recall of the event.

Proven Relief

Research proves that EMDR provides relief and assists in reaching a healthier emotional state faster than other psychotherapies. With each session as the memory becomes more distant, you will notice a positive change.

EMDR Therapy enhances Peak Performance by: