EMDR Therapy: Activating The Brain's Natural Healing Process
Release Blockages, Heal Memories, Strengthen Resilience.
The AIP model: Understanding how EMDR works
EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which explains how the brain processes and stores experiences. In a healthy organism, life events are naturally integrated into coherent memory networks that allow the individual to learn and adapt. However, overwhelming or traumatic experiences can disrupt this process so that memories are inadequately processed and stored in a fragmented, ‘frozen’ state. These unresolved memories often manifest themselves in the form of symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, emotional stress or physical tension.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) - e.g. eye movements, sounds or tactile impulses - to help the brain reprocess these unresolved memories. By activating the brain's natural healing mechanisms, EMDR enables individuals to reframe traumatic or distressing memories and integrate them into healthier patterns, reducing their emotional intensity and promoting their psychological resilience.
8 Phases Of EMDR Therapy
1. Medical history and treatment planning:
The therapist obtains a comprehensive picture of the client's past history, current challenges and therapy goals. Specific memories, triggers or negative beliefs are identified as targets for treatment.
2. Preparation
The therapist explains the EMDR process, builds a strong therapeutic alliance and teaches the client grounding techniques and coping strategies to manage their emotional distress during the sessions.
3. Assessment
The target memory is prepared in detail, incorporating the associated images, emotions, body sensations and negative beliefs. A positive belief (e.g. ‘I am strong’) is identified to replace the negative belief (e.g. ‘I am powerless’).
4. Desensitisation
In bilateral stimulation (BLS), the patient focuses on the target memory while experiencing visual, auditory or tactile stimulation. As the memory is processed, its emotional intensity gradually decreases, allowing spontaneous insights and associations to emerge.
5. Installation
The previously identified positive belief is strengthened and consolidated through BLS, helping the patient to internalise a more empowering perspective.
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6. Body scan
The patient is guided to notice any remaining physical sensations associated with the memory. If necessary, further processing is done to ensure that the body feels calm and neutral.
7. Closure
Each session is concluded with techniques to ground the patient and restore emotional balance. The therapist ensures that the patient leaves the session with a sense of stability and control.
8. Reassessment
At the beginning of the next session, the therapist reviews the progress made and assesses whether the memory has been fully processed. If necessary, new goals can be set.
A Path To Wholeness And Balance
EMDR therapy is an effective tool for releasing the brain's natural healing powers. Addressing the root causes of suffering and working through painful experiences provides a path to lasting relief and emotional resilience.
Although EMDR was originally developed for the treatment of trauma, it has been shown to be effective for a wide range of mental health issues, making it an invaluable tool for anyone seeking to overcome obstacles and improve their overall well-being.