Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Information processing in the treatment of trauma

Summary & key facts

This article reviews research and theory on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment for trauma-related problems. It summarizes results from 20 controlled outcome studies and describes Shapiro's Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. The AIP model proposes that problems happen when painful experiences are not processed properly, and it hypothesizes that EMDR speeds up processing so traumatic memories can be resolved. The paper also outlines the eight phases of EMDR treatment and gives a detailed case study with an in-session transcript.

Key facts:

• The article reviews findings from 20 controlled-outcome studies of EMDR.
• The authors state that EMDR is an "efficacious and efficient" treatment for PTSD.
• Shapiro's Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model is described; it proposes that pathology results when distressing experiences are processed inadequately.
• The AIP model hypothesizes that EMDR accelerates information processing, which leads to adaptive resolution of traumatic memories.
• The article provides a detailed description of the eight phases of EMDR treatment, including procedures and clinical observations.
• The paper includes a case study with an in-session transcript showing how EMDR can be used to address past events, present triggers, and skills needed for adaptive functioning.

Abstract

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an efficacious and efficient treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This article provides a brief overview of the findings of 20 controlled-outcome studies and describes Shapiro's Adaptive Information Processing model. This model posits that pathology results when distressing experiences are processed inadequately and hypothesizes that EMDR accelerates information processing, resulting in the adaptive resolution of traumatic memories. A detailed description of the eight phases of treatment highlights the procedures, assumptions, and clinical observations that currently guide EMDR clinical practice. A case study, with an in-session transcript, illustrates the application of EMDR to address the past events that have laid the groundwork for dysfunction, the present circumstances that elicit distress, and skills acquisition needed for adaptive functioning.

Topics

Child Abuse and Trauma Identity, Memory, and Therapy Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Clinical psychology Cognitive psychology Computer science Desensitization (medicine) Distress Eye movement Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Information processing Internal medicine Medicine Neuroscience Posttraumatic stress Psychological trauma Psychology Psychotherapist Receptor Session (web analytics) World Wide Web

Conditions & symptoms

PTSD Anxiety or worry Feeling disconnected from others Poor sleep