In An Uncertain Time…
A Letter From A Therapist: Issue 22
We are all noticing a persistent emotional undercurrent in recent times that have resulted in some as a sense of powerlessness. From global events to economic uncertainty, we often find ourselves in a predicament where the world is mover quicker than we are prepared. The result of this can manifest in increased anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and an overall sense of hopelessness. Rather than this being a representation of personal weakness, it is instead a natural human response to prolonged uncertainty. Talk therapy and cognitive processing can offer an alternative, structured approach to processing this emotional weight. Therapeutic interventions can also allow a healthy relationship to develop with a practitioner that holds a consistent safe space to process fears and develop coping strategies tailored to your needs.
Our nervous systems are developed to detect threat for preparation of seeking safety. When we are exposed to frequent distressing information or feel uncertain about the future, our brain begins to identify the environment as unsafe which activates an internal somatic stress response. EMDR therapy is designed to help the brain reformat distressing experiences so they do not hold present day emotional intensity. When we experience powerlessness, we often link present day stressors to earlier developmental experiences where we felt similarly debilitated. The process of EMDR operates by assisting the nervous system to process these connections in a more effective way to reduce recycling distress and enhance management. More directly, the process will reduce emotional reactivity to distressing information and strengthen adaptive core beliefs that we can cope and feel a sense of power and control over our lives.
It’s important to remember that we will never have control over everything that influences our lives. But what is key is embracing an experience of empowerment does not require complete power. Instead, empowerment develops with reconnecting to what is within our reach. For instance, there are ways that we can begin to have more control over our exposure to distressing information. We can set intentional boundaries with our media consumption, reconnect with community supports, or intentionally identify value-driven actions that feel purposeful to us.
A key takeaway here is that experiencing distress regarding the state of the world reflects awareness and sensitivity, not weakness. We, as human beings, are collectively navigating similar feelings and experiences. Therapy, particularly EMDR therapy, can offer a pathway to feeling more stable and capable to resiliently navigate these experiences by connecting to what is within our realm of power and control, even when larger circumstances feel unsettled. If you are struggling with persistent feelings of powerlessness, consider working with a trauma-informed therapist to assist you regain a sense of balance and internal stability.
Best Regards,
Amanda J. Nowak, LPC, LMHC
April 10th, 2026
