A four activity model of psychotherapy and its relationship to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and other methods of psychotherapy

This article, by Howard Lipke, Ph.D., presents a general, information processing model of psychotherapy based on Shapiro’s methods of EMDR therapy.

Article Abstract

“This paper presents a general, information processing, model of psychotherapy based on Shapiro’s EMDR, that includes both recently developed and traditional psychotherapy methods. It is posited that methods of psychotherapy can be conceptualized as employing up to four categories of activity to promote adaptive functioning. These activities include: 1. accessing of information already acquired 2. introduction of new information 3. facilitation of the processing of information 4. inhibition of accessing. The third category, facilitation of processing, includes abstract activity, and represents a relatively new development in psychotherapy.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Purchase/Subscription Required

Lipke, H. (1996). A four activity model of psychotherapy and its relationship to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and other methods of psychotherapy. Traumatology, 2(2),  https://doi.org/10.1177/153476569600200201

About the Journal

“Traumatology^® is a primary reference for professionals all over the world who study and treat people exposed to highly stressful and traumatic events, such as terrorist bombings, war disasters, fires, accidents, criminal and familial abuse, hostage-taking, hospitalization, major illness, abandonment, and sudden unemployment.”

—Description from publisher