“The past affects the present even without our being aware of it.”
The EMDR Therapy Approach
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy used to address adverse life experiences that contribute to problems in daily living. Memory networks are the basis of pathology and health. When an experience is successfully processed (whether positive or negative), it is adaptively stored, integrating with other, similar experiences about self and other. Disruptions to the information processing system due to high arousal states from adverse life experiences result in memories that are inadequately processed and manipulatively stored. In other words, the event was too much for the brain to process at that time. As stimuli/information from the present situation (unconsciously) link to negative experiences in the past, these similarities can trigger a reaction to the present as if it were the same situation as the past.
These inadequately processed memories and their stored components (images, thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs) change during reprocessing. Reprocessing takes place when dual attention on a past memory, combined with bilateral stimulation, activates and associate process that allows relevant connections to be made. When reprocessing is successful, the previously disturbing memories are neutralized and affectively integrated with other similar experiences. What is useful is stored, available to inform future experiences; what is no longer adaptive is discarded (such as negative images, feelings, beliefs).
Francine Shapiro, PhD
This talk represents the views and experiences of the speaker as a patient and practitioner of EMDR.
Animation film explaining the working memory theory of EMDR
EMDR using sandtray & tappers for a fear-based belief. Recorded with permission at Melissa Carlson Counseling.
Goals of the EMDR Approach to Psychotherapy
To identify and reprocess memories which are the basis of current problems.
To strengthen access to adaptive memory networks to optimize client’s ability to respond appropriately to current and future life demands.
To eliminate dysfunctional memory networks, reducing vulnerability to respond inappropriately to challenging situations.
To incorporate needed skills, behaviors and adaptive beliefs about self and other, optimizing clients’ capacity to respond spontaneously and authrntically.
To achieve the most effective and efficient treatment effects while maintaining client stability and safety.
To bring contentment, satisfaction, and well-being into the client’s life.