Healing Trauma with EMDR Therapy: Understanding the AIP Model
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has become a popular and powerful tool for dealing with different traumas. EMDR therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 and has grown to be one of the most powerful therapies to help individuals process distressing memories and reduce the emotional intensity impacting daily functioning (Shapiro, 2018) (Hill, 2020). Some key components of EMDR therapy lie within the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) theory, which highlights how our brain processes memories, stores them, and can be effectively re-processed for healing (Hill, 2020). When thinking of trauma, this can be any unwanted situation or event that we did not want to happen. These memories often become ‘stuck’ in the brain, along with the original images, thoughts, feelings, and body sensations (Shapiro, 2018).
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is an evidence-based approach with a specific set of protocols that help an individual process and reframe traumatic experiences (Hase, 2021) (Hill, 2020) (Shapiro, 2018). Unlike talk therapy, EMDR does not require detailed discussions about traumatic experiences. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation- such as guided eye movement, taps, or auditory cues- to activate the brain’s natural ability to reprocess traumatic memories (Hase, 2021). By doing so, this helps individuals integrate these memories in ways that help reduce the emotional charge, which ultimately leads to a better psychological well-being (Shapiro, 2018).
The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model
The AIP model is the foundation of EMDR therapy as it suggests that the brain has the capability to process and store memories adaptively (Shapiro, 2018). However, when a person experiences any type of trauma, the brain may fail to fully process this event or situation causing distressful memories to become “stuck” in an unprocessed form (Shapiro, 2018). These unprocessed memories can in turn create psychological and physical symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation (Hase, 2021).
EMDR therapy helps reprocess these ‘stuck’ memories by engaging the brain’s natural memory processing systems, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. This allows traumatic experiences to be integrated into the brain’s memory network in a more adaptive way, reducing their emotional intensity and promoting healthier cognitive and emotional responses (Hill, 2020). The therapy activates the brain's natural healing mechanisms, allowing the individual to form new, adaptive associations with previously distressing experiences (Shapiro, 2018).
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy offers a wide range of benefits, making it a highly effective treatment for not just trauma, but other mental health concerns as well. Some of the key advantages include:
1. Rapid Healing
Compared to traditional talk therapy, EMDR therapy can often produce significant life changing results in fewer sessions, making it a time- efficient approach to healing.
2. Reduced Emotional Distress
By reprocessing traumatic memories, EMDR therapy can help diminish the emotional charge and physical responses associated with unwanted memories and experiences.
3. Minimal Need to Verbalize the Event
Many people who are struggling with different traumas find it extremely difficult to verbalize the unwanted memories or distressful events. EMDR therapy allows for the individual to heal without the need for detailed discussion about these memories.
4. Highly Effective for Various Conditions
Although EMDR therapy has primarily been used for PTSD, it has also been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression, phobias, and other mental health disorders.
5. Long Lasting Results
Research has shown that EMDR has been able to provide long lasting relief by organically addressing the root cause of the symptoms opposed to just managing them.
EMDR and Indigenous Healing Practices
As an Indigenous person who identifies with the Wyandot Nation of Kansas, utilizing EMDR therapy with traditional healing can be particularly effective. Holistic wellness and building resilience are vital to our community. By incorporating cultural elements into the healing process (e.g., drum beat auditory or tapping), EMDR therapy can help honor traditional ways of living while assisting in deep emotional and psychological healing (Shapiro, 2018).
Final Thoughts
While being supported in the AIP model, EMDR therapy offers an organic way of healing by using the brain’s natural ability to heal, reprocess, and integrate experiences. EMDR therapy helps an individual recover their sense of harmony and resilience. This evidence-based therapy provides an insightful opportunity for growth and recovery by addressing the root of trauma rather than just its symptoms. EMDR therapy empowers individuals to reclaim their mental and emotional well-being.
References
Hase, M. (2021). The Structure of EMDR Therapy: A Guide for the Therapist. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.660753
Hill, M. D. (2020). Adaptive Information Processing Theory: Origins, Principles, Applications, and Evidence. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 17(3), 317–331. https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2020.1748155
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. The Guilford Press.
