AIP Theory
EMDR Therapy is a framework in my counseling, not merely an intervention. EMDR is an evidence-based treatment modality best known for treating the effects of trauma (including abuse and neglect) and post-traumatic stress. It is also effective for working with depression, grief, anxiety, phobias, and many other conditions. Using bilateral stimulation, EMDR serves as an effective approach to aid the mind and body in processing distressing memories and reconsolidating them as history rather than continuing to impact your present and future.
Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) theory was developed to explain the observed results of EMDR therapy delivered to individuals experiencing trauma and PTSD. The AIP model hypothesizes that maladaptively stored memories of trauma create obstacles to the rational processing of information, which occurs in the prefrontal cortex area of the brain.
EMDR Framework
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR therapy, was developed by Francine Shapiro. It is a therapeutic treatment used in counseling that helps individuals process distressing memories and overcome the associated negative emotions and beliefs. It involves bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or sounds, to facilitate the brain’s natural healing process.
EMDR is a psychotherapy that helps people heal from the effects of overwhelming life experiences.
The therapist works closely with the patient to briefly focus on a trauma memory, distressing sensation, or emotion, while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation typically involves eye movements but may include soft tapping or vibrations if preferred. Just like the eye movements that happen during REM sleep, research has shown that bilateral stimulation typically leads to a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the experiences or trauma memories.
A leading expert in the impact of trauma to the body, Bessel van der Kolk (2007) notes that EMDR consistently demonstrates greater effectiveness than medication, including Prozac. Extensive research demonstrates that EMDR is an efficient and effective psychotherapy tool proven to aid individuals recovering from trauma and PTSD symptoms (EMDRIA) as well as OCD, chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, addictions, and other disturbances (Maxfield, 2019).
The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs/Dept. of Defense, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the World Health Organization among many other national and international organizations recognize EMDR therapy as an effective treatment (EMDRIA).
Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. Guilford Publications.
Van der Kolk, B.A., Spinazzola, J., Blaustein, M.E., Hopper, J.W., Hopper, E.K., Korn, D. L., & Simpson, W.B. (2007). A randomized clinical trial of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), fluoxetine, and pill placebo in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: treatment effects and long-term maintenance. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(1), 37-46.
Mind and Body Therapy 