The Neurobiology of EMDR: Exploring the Thalamus and Neural Integration

One underlying mechanism of EMDR stimulation (BLS) is likely thalamic activation specifically of the ventrolateral and central-lateral nuclei.

Article Abstract

“Recent neuroimaging studies on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have revealed a consistent decrease in thalamic activity, relative to non-PTSD controls. Empirical studies of the past decade have shown the thalamus to be centrally involved in the integration of perceptual, somatosensory, memorial, and cognitive processes (thalamo-cortical-temporal binding). A theoretical model is proposed to suggest that one underlying mechanism of EMDR stimulation (dual-attention stimulation/bilateral stimulation [DAS/BLS] ) is thalamic activation, specifically of the ventrolateral and central-lateral nuclei. It is hypothesized that this may facilitate the repair and integration of somatosensory, memorial, cognitive, frontal lobe and synchronized hemispheric functions that are disrupted in PTSD.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Bergmann, U. (2008). The Neurobiology of EMDR: Exploring the Thalamus and Neural Integration. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(4), 300–314. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.2.4.300

About the Journal

The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR, and their application to clinical practice. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is the Official Publication of the EMDR International Association.