EMDR came from a discovery that occurred by chance. Its creator, Dr. Francine Shapiro, went for a walk when she was feeling very distressed. As she walked over the rough terrain, she noticed that her eyes were darting back and forth. She also noticed that she began to feel much calmer, and she wondered if the eye-movements had something to do with it. She formulated a theory and began to test it, refining the theory and the process into EMDR as we know it today.
Here is how researchers believe it works
Memories are stored in networks. This means they are organized into a system where they are linked in a meaningful way by topics that relate and connect. All of our experiences are integrated into the neural network. When we access one memory, we have access to the other memories in that network as well. That is, when we remember something, we can also recall similar incidents that occurred. This allows us to generalize experiences and to pull learning from similar situations. Activating a specific memory network allows us to access all of the skills, problem solving, coping mechanisms associated with that network.
However, when we experience trauma, it impacts the way our memories are stored. Memories associated with trauma are not integrated properly into the neural network. They remain outside or “stuck”, and they are unable to link up to the greater network and the helpful information that network contains.
Think of this like a filing cabinet. All of the memories and experiences are papers that are stored in files in the filing cabinet. But when trauma happens, the papers aren’t put away in the right file. They are flying around loose. They can’t get to the file where they belong, they are stuck outside of the cabinet.
To help the trauma memories integrate into neural network (put the papers in the right files) EMDR uses these following techniques: dual-attention, bi-lateral stimulation, and exposure.
Dual-attention
Dual attention means focusing on two things at once. You focus on the memory that you have chosen to work on, while also paying attention to eye-movements, hand tapping, or sound administered by the therapist. When the brain focuses on the past and the present at the same time, it helps the brain process the trauma.
Bi-lateral stimulation
The eye-movements, tapping, and sound are called bi-lateral stimulation. It is believed that bi-lateral stimulation puts the brain into a state that mimics a REM sleep stage. During REM sleep, our brains process and integrate information. By inducing a REM-like state with bi-lateral stimulation, it is thought that we can trigger the brain to start processing.
Exposure
Spending time working on the distressing memories, while also focusing on safety and containment, helps reduce the intensity of the feelings. The brain notices these memories coming up in a safe environment and it starts to realize that it is no longer a threat.
From: An EMDR Therapy Primer, Second Edition: From Practicum to Practice by Barbara Hensley
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures by Francine Shapiro
Jessica Fukushima
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