Neurobiological foundations of EMDR therapy

Marco Pagani and Livia Sani describe the neurobiology of PTSD and brain areas affected pre and post EMDR treatment in EEG imaging.

About

“Through neuroimaging techniques such as positron emission tomography, single photon emission tomography, electroencephalography (EEG), and functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging, it has been possible to identify the brain circuits involved in the pathophysiology of PTSD. Most recently, EEG investigations, performed during the bilateral stimulation phase of EMDR sessions, have deepened the knowledge about the neurobiological processes occurring during the therapy. The comparison between the prevalent cortical activation during the first and last EMDR therapy sessions showed a significant deactivation of the orbitofrontal and subcortical limbic structures and an increased activation of the temporo-occipital cortex, mainly on the left side (see Figure 1). The EEG findings are based on the following study:

• Pagani, M., Di Lorenzo, G., Verardo, A.R., Nicolais, G., Monaco, L., Lauretti, G., Russo, R., Niolu, C., Ammaniti, M., Fernandez, I., & Siracusano, A. (2012). Neurobiological correlates of EMDR monitoring – an EEG study. PLoS ONE, 7(9), 1-12. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0045753“

—Description from publisher

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Open Access

Pagani, M., & Sani, L. (2019). Neurobiological foundations of EMDR therapy. In M Luber, (Ed.). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR therapy scripted protocols and summary sheets: Treating eating disorders, chronic pain, and maladaptive self-care behaviors. New York, NY: Springer Publishing. Open Access: https://connect.springerpub.com/content/book/978-0-8261-9472-5/front-matter/fmatter7

About the Book

“This one-stop resource focuses on applying EMDR scripted protocols to medical-related conditions. Edited by a leading EMDR scholar and practitioner, it delivers a wide range of step-by-step protocols that enable beginning clinicians as well as seasoned EMDR clinicians, trainers, and consultants alike to enhance their expertise more quickly when working with clients who present with medical-related issues such as eating and body image dysregulation, relationship distortion, chronic pain, and maladaptive self-care behaviors. The scripts are conveniently outlined in an easy-to-use, manual style template, facilitating a reliable, consistent format for use with EMDR clients.

The scripts distill the essence of the standard EMDR protocols. They reinforce the specific parts, sequence, and language used to create an effective outcome, and illustrate how clinicians are using this framework to work with a variety of medical-related issues while maintaining the integrity of the AIP model. Following a brief outline of the basic elements of EMDR procedures and protocols, the book focuses on applying EMDR scripted protocols to such key medical issues as eating and body image dysregulation, chronic pain experiences such as migraine and fibromyalgia, and maladaptive self-care behaviors. It includes summary sheets for each protocol to facilitate gathering information, client documentation, and quick retrieval of salient information while formulating a treatment plan. Protocols for clinician self-care add further to the book’s value.”

—Description from publisher

Purchase/Subscription Required

Luber, M. (Ed.) (2019). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR therapy scripted protocols and summary sheets: Treating eating disorders, chronic pain, and maladaptive self-care behaviors. Springer Publishing Company. https://www.doi.org/10.1891/9780826194725 

• ISBN:978-0-8261-9471-8
• eBook ISBN: 978-0-8261-9472-5

—Description from publisher