Integration of neurofeedback into the standard EMDR protocol for the treatment of PTSD and/or attachment disorders: Case studies

Recent research in Neuroscience suggests that that the brain organizes itself in its oscillatory patterns. People with histories of early neglect and abuse, i.e developmental trauma, routinely exhibit disorganized and dysregulated brain activity that interferes with effective Adaptive Information Processing. Both Advanced Information Processing theory, as well as recent research findings, support the notion of EMDR Therapy intervening at a neurobiological level. Similarly, neurofeedback can be considered to be a neurobiologically based intervention that attempts to forge adaptive associations among neural networks in the brain. It is proposed that the addition of neurofeedback during all three trauma treatment phases (stabilization phase, trauma processing, re-integration) can assist in increasing Adaptive Information Processing by directly intervening at the level of the electrical or frequency domain of brain function. The LENS is unique in the field of neurofeedback in that the LENS feedback terminates at the scalp, rather than in a video or auditory display, which is likely more effective in facilitating the brain to re-organize its’ physiology. Case studies will be presented to demonstrate how the integration of LENS neurofeedback into the standard EMDR therapy protocol, can further increase the effectiveness and efficiency of EMDR Therapy. In addition to the standard EMDR therapy eight phase protocol LENS Neurofeedback was delivered, during an EMDR session, to clients diagnosed with complex PTSD and/or an attachment disorder. The neurobiological rationale for the integration of these techniques with EMDR Therapy is discussed.

Conference

English

Ulrich Lanius
Stephen Milstein
Len Ochs

Lanius, U., Milstein, S., & Ochs, L. (2015, April).  Integration of neurofeedback into the standard EMDR protocol for the treatment of PTSD and/or attachment disorders: Case studies. Presentation at the EMDR Canada Annual Conference, Vancouver, BC