Overview of AIP Model

EMDR is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. It suggests that traumatic memories are stored in a dysfunctional, "frozen" state. Through bilateral stimulation, the brain is able to reprocess these memories into an adaptive form.

History & Origins

EMDR was discovered in 1987 by American psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. While walking in a park, she noticed that her own disturbing thoughts were suddenly resolved after she spontaneously moved her eyes back and forth. This personal observation led to extensive clinical studies, initially focusing on treating PTSD in combat veterans and victims of sexual assault, eventually evolving into the comprehensive 8-phase therapy used today.

The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

EMDR is a structured therapy that involves a comprehensive eight-phase approach:

• 1

  History Taking & Treatment Planning

  The therapist identifies readiness and develops a specific treatment plan, targeting past memories, present triggers, and future goals.

• 2

  Preparation

  The therapist establishes trust and explains the process, teaching the client specific techniques to handle emotional distress (e.g., "safe place" visualization).

• 3

  Assessment

  The client identifies the specific memory to target, along with the negative belief associated with it, and formulates a positive alternative belief.

• 4

  Desensitization

  Bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones) is used while the client focuses on the traumatic memory until distress levels are reduced to zero.

• 5

  Installation

  The positive belief identified in Phase 3 is strengthened and installed to replace the original negative belief.

• 6

  Body Scan

  The client observes their physical response while thinking of the target memory and positive belief to ensure no residual bodily tension remains.

• 7

  Closure

  The therapist ensures the client leaves the session feeling better or neutral, using self-calming techniques if the memory reprocessing isn't fully complete.

• 8

  Reevaluation

  At the beginning of the next session, the therapist checks the client's current psychological state and whether treatment effects have been maintained.

What to Expect After a Session

Because EMDR stimulates the brain's natural healing processes, "reprocessing" often continues even after the session has ended. Clients are usually advised of the following potential post-session effects:

• Vivid Dreams: Increased dream activity or highly vivid dreams as the brain continues to integrate memories during sleep.
• Emotional Fluctuations: Experiencing waves of emotion, increased sensitivity, or sudden insights in the days following a session.
• Physical Fatigue: Reprocessing trauma is neurologically taxing; clients often report feeling physically tired and are encouraged to rest.

These effects are considered normal signs that the brain is actively healing and typically subside within a few days.

Key Success Statistics

Conditions Treated Beyond PTSD

While originally developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), extensive clinical research has shown EMDR to be highly effective for a wide range of psychological issues, including:

Mechanism: Bilateral Stimulation (BLS)

A core component of EMDR is the use of Dual Attention Stimuli (DAS), most commonly achieved through Bilateral Stimulation (BLS). While the client holds a distressing memory in mind, the therapist introduces rhythmic side-to-side stimulation.

This can take several forms depending on client preference:

• Visual: Following the therapist's fingers or a light bar moving back and forth with the eyes.
• Auditory: Listening to alternating tones through headphones.
• Tactile: Holding small buzzers (tappers) in each hand that pulse alternately, or physical tapping on the knees/shoulders.

It is theorized that this process mimics the psychological state of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, helping the brain process and integrate unhealed memories into the broader memory network.

Comparison with Other Therapies

Meet Mellissa

Mellissa is a dedicated therapist certified in EMDR therapy. She is passionate about helping clients navigate trauma, anxiety, and deeply rooted emotional challenges. By utilizing the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, she provides a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment for individuals to process distressing memories and find lasting symptom relief.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Take the first step toward lasting symptom relief. Please fill out the form below to schedule a consultation with Mellissa and discover how EMDR therapy can help you.