Individuals process their experiences of the external world through their senses. The information
flows through the nervous system into the brain where it is processed in the current working
memory before being stored as a memory. Behaviour is a consequence of acting on these
inputs together with referencing stored memories (experiences) and adapting to the current
situation. This is known as Adaptive Information Processing (AIP). The AIP model forms the
foundation to the theory of mind underpinning Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
(EMDR).

When an individual feels their life is at risk the sensory input floods the nervous system to the
point of overwhelming the body. The chemicals and hormones released into the body stimulate
one of three reactions; feelings of flight / fight or in extreme cases freeze. It is likely that when
the body is in flight or fight mode it is processing the experience and this can help abate the
sensory overload. When the body is unable to process what is happening the individual is prone
to collapse, faint, become dissociated and basically shut down. Whatever the cause of the
trauma, maladaptive memories and physical sensations are now lodged in the brain linked to a
sensory trigger and associated with negative cognitions about the self.

For example, a child could experience an overwhelming sense of fear and powerlessness
witnessing parents argue. As the child grows up, in this example, they are triggered by
situations where they perceive confrontation. Their behaviour changes, they may have a
propensity to become hyper aroused – showing dominating behaviour for example through
anger and violence or hypo aroused – withdrawing and becoming disconnected from the world.
In some instances the individual may find self soothing strategies helpful in addressing their
moods, for example alcohol or drugs. Generally it is understood that someone with trauma may
develop unhelpful/unhealthy addictive behaviours.

It can be appreciated therefore, that in the AIP model, by helping individuals resolve their
traumas, it is possible to remove the debilitating impact of these maladaptive memories.
EMDR protocols are scripted into 8 phases that step through working with the client in a safe
way. The client is resourced to handle the disruption of taking a traumatic memory and bringing
it into the working memory. Here it is taxed/worked on by the individual whilst at the same time
they are subjected to bi-lateral stimulation. This has the effect of stripping the trauma memory of
its previous emotional and sensory poison, breaking the trigger link and reinstalling a positive
cognition when it returns to being a stored memory. This repairs and helps the brain recover to
re-establish healthy adaptive information processing.

At the successful conclusion, clients report an increased sense of wellbeing and energy which
may be related to the fact that they are no longer having to expend energy containing and
managing the trauma.

Initially developed by Francine Shapiro
Research in the Netherlands has clinically demonstrated EMDR’s efficacy;
EMDR is recommended by NICE to treat PTSD.