An orienting reflex/external inhibition model of EMDR and thought field therapy

The clinical phenomena of the conduct of EMDR and Thought Field Therapy were interpreted within the concepts of classical conditioning.

Article Abstract

“The clinical phenomena of the conduct of EMDR and Thought Field Therapy were interpreted in light of concepts in the field of classical conditioning with emphasis on the orienting reflex and its external inhibiting effects on conditioned responses. A model was proposed using the temporary suppression through external inhibition of the fear and avoidance conditioned responses to disturbing memories. The clinically helpful effect proposed is the emergence of previously suppressed competing responses to the troublesome memories. Those newly emerged responses are responsible for spontaneous cognitive restructuring of the meaning attribution of the memories, thus lowering SUDS ratings.”

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Article Access

Open Access

Denny, N. R. (1995). An orienting reflex/external inhibition model of EMDR and thought field therapy. Traumatology, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/153476569500100101