Memories are made of this: Understanding disorders of memory and their treatment with EMDR therapy

EMDR Therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD, a disorder based on a malfunction of normal memory processes. However, many clients present with memory dysfunction that falls into other diagnostic categories which should respond to the same approach. This hypothesis will be explored by reviewing what is currently known about memory formation and reconsolidation, including recent PTSD and MDD neuroimagery research done before and after therapy with PTSD gold standard therapies (Cognitive Behavioral and Processing Therapy, Exposure Therapy and EMDR). A broad range of case studies including First Responder and First Nations Clients will be used as illustrative examples. Important questions posed are why a trauma-memory focused approach is so effective, but also why some clients do not respond to this approach. Finally, the need for an extensive preparation phase in these unresponsive clients, prior to processing, will also be discussed.

Conference

English

Robert Ferrie

Ferrie, R. (2018, April). Memories are made of this: Understanding disorders of memory and their treatment with EMDR therapy. Presentation at the EMDR Canada Annual Conference, Québec City, QC