Healing the Present by Reprocessing the Past

Image from: The fading of negative experiences. (2022). Cbs.mpg.de. https://www.cbs.mpg.de/the-fading-of-negative-experiences

The phrase “the past is in the present” captures a core idea in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: unresolved past experiences can remain active in the nervous system and continue to affect how we feel, think, and respond in the present (Shapiro, 2014). These reactions are not just memories. They are a re-experiencing of emotions, beliefs, and sensations that were never fully processed. EMDR helps bring those memories to the forefront so they can be reprocessed and integrated, reducing their impact on an individual in the present (Shapiro, 2014).

According to the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which guides EMDR therapy, many psychological disorders stem from unprocessed memories of earlier adverse experiences, (except in cases involving organic deficits or physical injury) (Shapiro, 2014). When distressing events overwhelm our ability to cope, they can be stored dysfunctionally in our brains along with the original emotions, body sensations, and beliefs that occurred at the time of the event. This can contribute to symptoms like flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or maladaptive behaviors in the present (Shapiro, 2014). Furthermore, these unprocessed memories are not limited to trauma classified under PTSD. A range of negative experiences can become stored dysfunctionally (Shapiro, 2014).

Processing these memories through EMDR therapy allows for resolution by helping the brain reprocess the memory so it is stored with more appropriate emotional and cognitive responses. This shift is thought to move the memory from implicit to explicit systems, allowing for greater integration and emotional healing (Shapiro, 2014). Through EMDR, distressing experiences can be transformed into memories that no longer cause emotional pain (Shapiro, 2014),

Research supports the AIP model’s view that even common life stressors, such as relationship or work problems, can cause significant distress (Shapiro, 2014). In some cases, these experiences may result in more symptoms than major trauma (Shapiro, 2014). EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective for these types of experiences as well. Two randomized controlled trials found that even when the distressing experiences did not meet full PTSD criteria, EMDR still led to significant symptom reduction, often within just three sessions (Shapiro, 2014).

By helping the brain process memories that are “stuck,” EMDR therapy frees individuals from reactive patterns that no longer serve them. This allows the past to truly remain in the past and no longer dictate present emotions or behaviors (Shapiro, 2014).

References:

Shapiro F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in

medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life

experiences. The Permanente journal, 18(1), 71–77. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/13-098