EMDR therapy and the working memory hypothesis

Despite the uncertainty within the academic literature surrounding the exact mechanism of action of any psychological treatment, EMDR therapy is challenged to provide a robust explanation for its effectiveness as a treatment intervention. This chapter will explore the working memory hypothesis and how this relates to EMDR therapy.

Chapter Abstract

“EMDR therapy is an internationally recognized psychological treatment intervention for trauma. Despite the uncertainty within the academic literature surrounding the exact mechanism of action of any psychological treatment, EMDR therapy is challenged to provide a robust explanation for its effectiveness as a treatment intervention. Working memory is primarily grounded in cognitive psychology. Ostensibly, it is a crucial system for temporarily holding and manipulating information for a broad range of cognitive tasks including learning, language, reasoning, problem-solving, comprehension, performance, and guiding behavior. The hypothesis considers that cognitive tasks compete for limited resources, and therefore, its performance can be impacted by its capacity constraints. This chapter will explore the working memory hypothesis and how this relates to EMDR therapy. Additionally, in accounting for the utilization of bilateral, dual-attention stimulation (BLS), a distinctive aspect of EMDR, the issue of speed of BLS will be explored including factors such as individual variability, client preference, target memory characteristics, and somatic experience. EMDR therapists need to be flexible and responsive, adjusting the speed of BLS based on ongoing feedback from the client, while at the same time, mindful of working memory hypothesis.”

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Chapter Access

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Smith, C. & Farrell, D. P. (2024). EMDR therapy and the working memory hypothesis. In D. P. Farrell, S. J. Schubert, & M. D. Kiernan (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of EMDR therapy. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780192898357.013.46

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