Journal of Emdr Practice and Research 

About: Journal of Emdr Practice and Research is an academic journal published by Springer Nature. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing & Anxiety. It has an ISSN identifier of 1933-3196. Over the lifetime, 382 publications have been published receiving 5231 citations.

EMDR and the Adaptive Information Processing Model Potential Mechanisms of Change

Abstract: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach guided by the adaptive information processing (AIP) model. This article provides a brief overview of some of the major precepts of AIP. The basis of clinical pathology is hypothesized to be dysfunctionally stored memories, with therapeutic change resulting from the processing of these memories within larger adaptive networks. Unlike extinction-based exposure therapies, memories targeted in EMDR are posited to transmute during processing and are then again stored by a process of reconsolidation. Therefore, a comparison and contrast to extinction-based information processing models and treatment is provided, including implications for clinical practice. Throughout the article a variety of mechanisms of action are discussed, including those inferred by tenets of the AIP model, and the EMDR procedures themselves, including the bilateral stimulation. Research suggestions are offered in order to investigate various hypotheses.

A working memory explanation for the effects of eye movements in EMDR.

Abstract: Research has consistently demonstrated that performance is degraded when participants engage in two simultaneous tasks that require the same working memory resources. This study tested predictions from working memory theory to investigate the effects of eye movement (EM) on the components of autobiographical memory. In two experiments, 24 and 36 participants, respectively, focused on negative memories while engaging in three dual-attention EM tasks of increasing complexity. Compared to NoEM, Slow-EM and Fast-EM produced signifi cantly decreased ratings of image vividness, thought clarity, and emotional intensity, and the more diffi cult Fast-EM resulted in larger decreases than did Slow-EM. The effects on emotional intensity were not consistent, with some preliminary evidence that a focus on memory-related thought might maintain emotional intensity during simple dual-attention tasks (Slow-EM, No-EM). The fi ndings of our experiments support a working memory explanation for the effects of EM dual-attention tasks on autobiographical memory. Implications for understanding the mechanisms of action in EMDR are discussed.

EMDR, Adaptive Information Processing, and Case Conceptualization

Abstract: EMDR is an integrative, client-centered psychotherapy approach that emphasizes the brain’s information processing system and memories of disturbing experiences as the bases of those pathologies not caused by organic defi cit or insult. EMDR addresses the experiences that contribute to clinical conditions and those needed to bring the client to a robust state of psychological health. Overviews of the history, development, and research that have established EMDR as an empirically supported treatment are provided. Subsequent to an explanation of the adaptive information processing model, an extended case example is used to illus trate the recommended EMDR case conceptualization and eight phases of treatment. This approach is used to process the early memories that set the foundation for the pathology and the present situations that trigger the dysfunction, while providing templates for appropriate future action that incorporate the information and behaviors needed to overcome skill and/or developmental defi cits. The benefi ts of integrating EMDR and family systems perspectives to provide the most comprehensive therapeutic effects are described.

Validity of the Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale in EMDR

Abstract: To test the psychometric properties of the Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS), this study analyzed the data from 61 patients treated with EMDR. The pretreatment self-reported questionnaires, the in-session records of EMDR, and the Clinical Global Impression–Change (CGI-C) scale at the termination of EMDR were reviewed. The initial score of the SUDS at the first session was significantly correlated with the patient’s level of depression, the state anxiety, and distress from the impact of events. The final score of the SUDS at the first session was significantly correlated with the CGI-C score at termination. Consequently, this study confirmed that the SUDS in EMDR sessions has good psychometric properties.

Early EMDR Intervention (EEI): A Summary, a Theoretical Model, and the Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP)

Abstract: This article examines existing early EMDR intervention (EEI) procedures, presents a conceptual model, and proposes a new comprehensive protocol: the Recent-Traumatic Episode protocol (R-TEP). A review of research and important professional issues regarding application and parameters are presented. The commonly used EEI protocols and procedures are summarized, with the inclusion of descriptive case examples from the Lebanon war and a review of related research. Then a theoretical model is presented in which traumatic information processing is conceptualized as expanding from a narrow focus on the sensory image (perceptual level) to a wider focus on the event/episode (experiential level) and finally to a broad focus on the theme/identity (meaning level). The relationship of this model to the Recent-Traumatic Episode protocol is articulated and case examples are presented. Theoretical speculations are discussed relating to attention regulation and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. Further research is encouraged.