Treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with EMDR
Description
One of the most popular theories of how EMDR works comes from Francine Shapiro who has, as mentioned before, developed EMDR therapy. Her theory of explaining EMDR is called the “Adaptive Information Processing Model”.
The basic assumption of the model is that all humans possess an information processing system that processes experiences and stores these as memories in a way that they are easily accessible and linked to a network of accompanying images, sensations, emotions and beliefs.
When it comes to a threatening and traumatic event such as those causing PTSD, that processing system may sometimes not work sufficiently. As a result of this the event is linked only with negative images, beliefs and sensations. A connection with more adaptive (=alternative explanatory) information does not take place. This may be due to the strong negative feelings involved. Therefore whenever the person thinks of the traumatic event again only bad memories will come up again since the event has not yet been processed and stored in an entire and appropriate way.
EMDR can then help to further process stressful events by a learning process that first links the negative memories to the eye-movements. The negative memories are then connected to more adaptive and positive beliefs that the client and the therapist have discussed previously. [Excerpt]
The basic assumption of the model is that all humans possess an information processing system that processes experiences and stores these as memories in a way that they are easily accessible and linked to a network of accompanying images, sensations, emotions and beliefs.
When it comes to a threatening and traumatic event such as those causing PTSD, that processing system may sometimes not work sufficiently. As a result of this the event is linked only with negative images, beliefs and sensations. A connection with more adaptive (=alternative explanatory) information does not take place. This may be due to the strong negative feelings involved. Therefore whenever the person thinks of the traumatic event again only bad memories will come up again since the event has not yet been processed and stored in an entire and appropriate way.
EMDR can then help to further process stressful events by a learning process that first links the negative memories to the eye-movements. The negative memories are then connected to more adaptive and positive beliefs that the client and the therapist have discussed previously. [Excerpt]
Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Rothmayr, C. (2009). Treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with EMDR. (Doctoral dissertation, Vanderbilt University). Retrieved from http://healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu/EMDR_PTSD.htm
Citation
“Treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with EMDR,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 12, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/22116.