What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which is a type of therapy that is often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. It was first developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro.
EMDR involves a therapist guiding the patient through a series of eye movements, hand taps, or sounds while the patient is focusing on a traumatic memory. The goal is to help the patient process the memory and its associated emotions in a more adaptive way, ultimately reducing the distress and negative impact of the memory.
EMDR is thought to work by stimulating both hemispheres of the brain while the patient is focusing on the traumatic memory. This may help to process the memory in a more adaptive way, allowing the patient to integrate the experience into their overall life story and move past it.
EMDR has been found to be effective in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions, and is often used in combination with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, it may not be appropriate for everyone, and should only be performed by a trained and licensed mental health professional.
EMDR involves a therapist guiding the patient through a series of eye movements, hand taps, or sounds while the patient is focusing on a traumatic memory. The goal is to help the patient process the memory and its associated emotions in a more adaptive way, ultimately reducing the distress and negative impact of the memory.
EMDR is thought to work by stimulating both hemispheres of the brain while the patient is focusing on the traumatic memory. This may help to process the memory in a more adaptive way, allowing the patient to integrate the experience into their overall life story and move past it.
EMDR has been found to be effective in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions, and is often used in combination with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, it may not be appropriate for everyone, and should only be performed by a trained and licensed mental health professional.
What is the working memory theory of EMDR?
The working memory theory is a key component of EMDR and helps to explain how the therapy works to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. According to this theory, when a person experiences a traumatic event, the memory of that event becomes "stuck" in the brain's working memory system. This means that the person is unable to fully process the memory and integrate it into their overall life experience.
During an EMDR session, the therapist uses various techniques to stimulate the brain while the person focuses on the traumatic memory. This stimulation is thought to help activate the brain's natural processing system, allowing the person to more fully integrate the memory into their long-term memory system. This integration is accompanied by a reduction in the emotional intensity of the memory, as well as a decrease in associated negative beliefs and physiological responses.
The eye movements used in EMDR are thought to facilitate this processing by stimulating the brain's bilateral hemispheres, which in turn helps to activate the natural processing system. Other forms of stimulation, such as hand tapping or auditory cues, may also be used.
The working memory theory of EMDR suggests that the therapy can help individuals who have experienced trauma to more fully process their memories and move past the associated distress. This may help to reduce the symptoms of conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
During an EMDR session, the therapist uses various techniques to stimulate the brain while the person focuses on the traumatic memory. This stimulation is thought to help activate the brain's natural processing system, allowing the person to more fully integrate the memory into their long-term memory system. This integration is accompanied by a reduction in the emotional intensity of the memory, as well as a decrease in associated negative beliefs and physiological responses.
The eye movements used in EMDR are thought to facilitate this processing by stimulating the brain's bilateral hemispheres, which in turn helps to activate the natural processing system. Other forms of stimulation, such as hand tapping or auditory cues, may also be used.
The working memory theory of EMDR suggests that the therapy can help individuals who have experienced trauma to more fully process their memories and move past the associated distress. This may help to reduce the symptoms of conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.