EMDR. Reprocessing Maladaptive Memories. Concepts and Uses

EMDR. Reprocessing morbid memories

EMDR theory claims that positive change results from memory reprocessing due to the alteration of memory storage and the connection to adaptive memory networks. EMDR therapy identifies and processes maladaptive stored memories by boosting the ingrained information processing system using standardized protocols and techniques. These techniques comprise bilateral dual attention stimulation, such as alternating (beep) tones, taps or eye movement. 

Concepts of EMDR

Three central concepts that underlie the theory and practice of EMDR treatment are 

(1) memory networks and unprocessed memories, 

(2) information processing, and 

(3) associative channels.

Memory networks

According to the EMDR theory, memory networks are the foundation of mental health and pathology. Traumatic or distressing events can disintegrate the brain’s information processing, which leads to the experience becoming maladaptively stored in the brain along with the physical sensations, attitudes and feelings encountered at the moment of the event. These distressing recollections are stored separately and cannot connect to more adaptive information. 

Unprocessed memories of traumatic experiences and other, more frequently occurring adverse life events, such as childhood household dysfunction, fights and quarrels, abandonment and humiliations, are viewed as the basis of pathology. This pathology excludes organic cases of injury, genetic defects or toxicity. 

EMDR. Reprocessing memories and information

Processing refers to forming functional linkages between networks of information amassed in the brain. An EMDR therapist assesses the troubling memory by evoking images, thoughts, feelings and body sensations associated with the memory.

In EMDR the information and memory processing is triggered using standardized procedures of dual attention bilateral stimulation, such as tones, eye movements or taps. The EMDR therapy facilities the process of reducing the morbidity of the “rough” stored traumatizing events by making them conscious and by connecting them with adaptive information.

Associative Channels

Encoded recollections are kept in networks with neural connections to occurrences with similar information (e.g., thoughts, physical sensations, senses, emotions and views). 

Thus, EMDR therapy aims to unlock associative channels and locate interconnected memory networks. Subsequently, processing induces learning and the formation of positive associations in the form of new connections to appropriate memory networks.

Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model

The AIP model claims that successful EMDR therapy results in the arising of the targeted dysfunctional memory from its remote state to become integrated with the broader comprehensive memory networks that form the entirety of the person’s life experiences. 

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy features the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. AIP considers unprocessed memories of traumatic or adverse life experiences as the cause of pathology, except for any organic pathology, such as toxicity, physical injury and genetic factors. Memory mechanisms physically encode life experiences as memories, and associative neural networks store those recollections. These associative networks create a significant foundation for the person’s perception of new experiences and critically influence current interpretations, feelings and behaviours. 

Processing & integration of “normal” memories

Under normal circumstances, the information processing system incorporates fresh experiences into memories of earlier ones, preserving the information that is beneficial and scrapping that which is not. Subsequently, interconnected memory networks store this information merged with the corresponding emotional states to guide the individual’s future actions.

EMDR. Healing through reprocessing and integration of negative memories

Yet, increased emotional disturbance characteristic of negative experiences can interfere with the processing system’s functioning. In this case, the memory networks store the unprocessed recollections along with the feelings, attitudes and mindsets relevant to the time of the adverse event.

Adverse experiences comprise not only major traumatic events but also the more frequently occurring experiences of household disruption, humiliation, abandonment and rejection. Memory networks store such events in a way that does not let those adverse experiences link to more adaptive information. Thus, it prevents proper learning from taking place. 

Consequently, if a current event activates memory networks of dysfunctionally stored information, the physical sensations, emotions and perceptions inherent in the unprocessed adverse memory arise automatically. When this happens, “the past becomes present.” These negative feelings and attitudes affect the person’s reactions and become the causes of relationship difficulties, reduced self-efficacy and self-esteem and facilitates the onset of psychiatric co-morbidities such as depression, anxiety, insomnia or even psychosis.

EMDR memory reprocessing technique

The process underlying EMDR therapy comprises a three-pronged and eight-phase protocol.

EMDR therapists employ customized therapeutic procedures for different diagnoses (e.g. chronic pain, substance abuse, phobias, panic attacks). Nevertheless, all include the three-pronged and eight-phases protocol. 

The three-pronged EMDR approach involves reprocessing

a) earlier experiences contributing to the present disturbance,

b) current triggers that evoke disturbance,

c) behaviour patterns for positive functioning in the future. 

The eight-phase course targets the whole range of clinical symptoms provoked or aggravated by adverse experiences.

1: History Taking

2: Preparation

3: Assessment

4: Desensitization

5. Installation

6: Body Scan

7. Closure

8: Re-evaluation

What conditions does EMDR treat?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic procedure widely employed in clinical settings. An American psychologist Francine Shapiro initially devised this technique for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Subsequently, EMDR developed into the treatment of various conditions, including psychological and physical disturbance as the consequence of any earlier adverse experience perceived by the individual as disturbing and traumatic. EMDR therapists employ the EMDR technique to treat psychiatric conditions such as depression, specific phobias, social anxiety, panic attacks, adjustment disorder, impulse control disorders and eating disorders. It has also proven effective for treatment of personality disorders (e.g. obsessive-compulsive personality disorder). EMDR can also be a part of marriage therapy. For individuals without mental health and personality issues, EMDR can serve as a stress-decreasing strategy. Research has demonstrated that EMDR reduces job stress, anger and subjective distress.

Conclusion

EMDR is a therapeutic procedure used to vastly treat mental health and personality issues due to traumatic or disturbing memories from adverse events in the past. The main goal of EMDR is reprocessing those memories and dismantling their morbid influence. EMDR is best known for its effectiveness in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but its use has extended to many other conditions.

EMDR therapy is an integrative psychotherapeutic treatment that views current mental health issues as stemming from adverse experiences in the past. Neurophysiological networks have dysfunctionally stored these negative experiences as unprocessed memories. EMDR therapy employs standardized techniques, including bilateral dual attention stimulation, to activate information processing to improve the individual’s mental health.

The previously disturbing memory is now stored adaptively, and the person can recall it without negative emotions, attributions and physical sensations.