What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro and is a body-mind integrated therapy that has been proven to be highly effective for people who have experienced trauma along with other distressing situations. It is based on the Adaptive Information Processing Model and uses certain procedures and protocols to reprocess and integrate memories with bilateral stimulation. Ultimately, EMDR has been shown to be effective for trauma and other conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model: The Theory Behind EMDR

The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model is the theory behind EMDR. The AIP model focuses on the patient’s resources. The AIP model assumes that the human brain can usually process stressful information to complete integration. When this system is impaired, the memory will be stored in a maladaptive form. A particularly distressing incident may then become stored in state-specific form. When in this form, your brain lacks the ability to connect with other memory networks that hold adaptive information. The original perceptions can be triggered by a variety of internal and external stimuli.

These memory networks are the basis of perception, attitudes, and behaviour. Perceptions of current situations are automatically linked with associated memory networks. When working appropriately, the innate information processing system “metabolizes” or “digests” new experiences. Incoming sensory perceptions are integrated and connected to related information that is already stored in memory networks, allowing us to make sense of our experience. What is useful is learned, stored in memory networks with appropriate emotions, and made available to guide the person in the future.

Dysfunctionally-Stored Memories

One of the major tenets of the AIP model is that memories that are dysfunctionally stored and not fully processed form the basis for psychopathology, future maladaptive responses, and trauma symptoms. This is because perceptions of current situations are automatically linked with memory networks of these unprocessed, dysfunctionally stored memories. For example, childhood experiences may be encoded with survival mechanisms and include signals of danger that are inappropriate for adults. These past events retain their power because they have not been properly integrated into adaptive networks. When these memories are activated, even years later, they can lead to a spectrum of symptoms, including flashbacks. The problem is that these memories lack the feeling of remembering, so they feel like they are happening in the present.

When these memories become the focus of EMDR protocols and procedures to activate the information processing system. They become integrated with adaptive memory networks, which leads to a resolution of symptoms and enables learning.

Negative Behaviours and Personality Characteristics

The AIP model views negative behaviours and personality characteristics as the result of dysfunctionally held information. Negative self-beliefs are seen as a symptom of unprocessed earlier life experiences that contain that affect and perspective rather than the cause of present dysfunction. Attitudes, emotions and sensations are seen as manifestations of the physiologically stored perceptions stored in memory and the reactions to them. This view of present symptoms as the result of the activation of memories that have been inadequately processed and stored is integral to EMDR treatment.

What is Bilateral Stimulation, and How Does It Work?

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to access memory networks and move them from emotional activation to a more rational, logical state. Bilateral stimulation is the process of using sounds, tapping, or eye movements on one side of the body before crossing over to the next side, activating both hemispheres of the brain. In EMDR, bilateral stimulation targets both the left and right hemispheres of the brain to help the person properly reprocess traumatic memories.

Some examples of bilateral stimulation techniques used in therapy include:

• Eye movements: Using your eyes, you follow your therapist’s fingers, a lightbar, or virtual technology on the client’s computer screen.
• Walking/running
• Tapping/patting: Tapping your own shoulders or knees with your hands, alternating between your left and right sides.
• Tactile: These tactile devices (“buzzers”) vibrate in the client’s hands, going between the left and right sides.
• Drumming: Playing the drums involves rhythmic, alternating hand movements, which, in addition to the sound it creates, can be a powerful experience of bilateral stimulation.
• Rocking/swaying: Swaying rhythmically is an effective self-soothing activity for many adults.
• Audio Tones: Some clinicians may play calming music or audio tones using special headphones or music that alternate sound from the left to the right ear, crossing the midline of the body and activating both hemispheres of the brain.

Bilateral Stimulation in Everyday Life

We all naturally engage in bilateral stimulation daily, whether we walk, swim, ride a bike, or dance. EMDR uses this natural phenomenon to calm the nervous system and engage the reasoning part of the brain in reprocessing sensory memories.

Effects of Bilateral Stimulation

Bilateral stimulation can also be used for anxiety and coping techniques. Some common positive effects of bilateral stimulation include:

• Decreased instances of emotional and physiological disturbances
• Increased relaxation
• Can help mitigate effects of trauma brain
• Improved executive functioning
• Allows clients access to some positive aspects of their recovery experience
• Increased awareness of social support systems
• Alleviates symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, stress, and trauma
• Greater sense of resilience
• Improved, healthier coping mechanisms to deal with trauma
• Provides emotional distance between the client and their trauma

How EMDR Heals Trauma

With EMDR, it is not necessary to discuss the details of a traumatic experience, and it doesn’t have to reach the level of a criterion A event (criteria to get diagnosed with PTSD) to be helped with EMDR. In fact, some non-criterion A events have been shown to create more intrusions and PTSD symptoms than criterion A events. If you have experienced trauma symptoms after a stressful or traumatic experience, EMDR can help.

EMDR can consolidate dysfunctionally stored memories and reprocess maladaptive implicit memories, reducing symptoms. It does this by using guided instructions and bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tones, or taps) to access memory networks in order to move them from a place of emotional activation to a more rational, logical place. It can help release the brain’s natural healing processes.

EMDR reprocessing can help desensitize and heal the mental injury from a targeted memory. It can help you to gain distance between the memories so you will no longer feel like you’re reliving them, and associated thoughts and emotions will become more manageable.

Evidence-Based Treatment for PTSD

EMDR is an effective, evidence-based form of treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and is recognized for its effectiveness by the American Psychiatric Association, the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs (US), and the World Health Organization. With EMDR, it is not necessary to discuss the details of a traumatic experience. It can be effective with people from various ethnicities and backgrounds.

Other Conditions that EMDR Can Be Used For

In addition to trauma, EMDR can also be used for:

• Anxiety, including dental anxiety
• Panic attacks and phobias
• Depression and Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Substance Use Disorders, Substance Misuse, and Behavioural Addictions
• Grief and loss
• Eating Disorders
• Sleep problems associated with trauma
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Conclusion

EMDR is an effective therapy for reprocessing stressful and traumatic memories that reduces trauma symptoms and the distress associated with them. It can integrate and desensitize trauma memories and change the maladaptive thoughts and reactions associated with them.

EMDR Video

Further Reading

EMDRIA https://www.emdria.org

EMDRIA is the international association for EMDR. It has guidelines for official training, reports on research, explanations of EMDR, as well as a place to look up EMDR-trained therapists.

Getting Past Your Past – Francine Shapiro

This is a great book for people who aren’t mental health professionals. It has good explanations about trauma, EMDR, and techniques to use for trauma.