Unlocking Trauma: Understanding the AIP Model of EMDR

In the vast expanse of the human mind, where memories reside and emotions ebb and flow, a vault freezes in time traumatic memories. Francine Shapiro presented the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model to understand how some memories get trapped. The model is the foundation of her EMDR therapy which she designed to free the individual from these rascal, life disrupting memories.

Her groundbreaking approach to psychotherapy is akin to a key unlocking the chains of distressing memories, offering a path to healing as profound as it is unique. It is here, within the AIP model, that we discover the brain’s remarkable ability to heal itself, to rewire the narratives of trauma, and to emerge not just unburdened, but empowered. As we delve into the intricacies of this model, we embark on a journey through the psyche’s own natural healing process, exploring how, with the right guidance, it can resolve the unresolved and turn pain into potential. 

Introduction

EMDR aims to facilitate the reprocessing of these memories through bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, sounds, or taps, to help clients integrate these memories in a more adaptive way, reducing their distress. The AIP model guides the EMDR therapist in understanding and addressing the underlying mechanisms involved in the processing of traumatic memories.

This model emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing the unprocessed memories that contribute to psychological distress and dysregulation. Through the eight phases of EMDR therapy, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation, the therapist helps the client to access and reprocess these memories, transforming the experience and associated beliefs to promote healing and adaptive functioning.

The AIP model of EMDR thus provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of trauma. This model points to effective treatment to help individuals process and integrate the experience into a healthy life.

The AIP Model of EMDR

The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model is a fundamental theoretical framework that underpins Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Developed by Francine Shapiro (1989), the AIP model describes how distressing experiences can become maladaptively stored in the brain. These maladaptive stored memories lead to psychological disturbances. This model serves as the basis for understanding the underlying mechanisms of EMDR therapy.

Key Components of the AIP Model

Information Processing System

The AIP model views the human brain as an information processing system that naturally seeks equilibrium. It achieves equilibrium through adaptive resolution of experiences. When an individual encounters a distressing or traumatic event, the normal information processing system may become overwhelmed, causing the memory of the event to be dysfunctionally stored. Shapiro explains that the adaptive information processing model represents the brain processes constant striving for survival and mental health.

Under normal conditions, we process stimuli in a way that makes sense. Almost as if we figuratively say, “Ah, that makes sense.” Normal processing of information allows the experience to flow through our interpretive mind, make sense of the experience (assimilate or accommodate) and allow it to pass through. However, some events just don’t make sense or we can’t make sense of them. Some of these memories get stuck. EMDR is theorized to get those memories unstuck.

Bruce Ecker, Robin Ticic, and Laurel Hulley wrote:

“EMDR is understood as functioning to update the client’s memory network by bringing about a genuine resolution of negative emotional experiences rather than engaging in counteractive managing of symptoms” (Ecker et al., 2012).

See Information Processing Theory for more on this topic

Memory Networks

According to the AIP model, memory networks consist of linked associations, thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations related to the distressing event. Various internal or external stimuli can trigger these unprocessed memories, leading to emotional and behavioral disturbances.

Shapiro explains:

“In very simple terms, a memory network represents an associated system of information. No one knows what memory networks actually look like, but we can picture them metaphorically as a series of channels where related memories, thoughts, images, emotions, and sensations are stored and linked to one another” (Shapiro, 2017, p. 32).

Blocked Processing

In cases where the brain’s information processing system is unable to effectively integrate the distressing memory with more adaptive information, the memory remains “stuck” in its dysfunctional state. The blockage in processing contributes to development of psychological symptoms. Shapiro designed EMDR therapy to unblock the memory channel. By freeing the channel, the flow allows processing to resume, and healing to begin.

EMDR Therapy

The main objective of EMDR therapy is to facilitate the reprocessing of distressing memories. EMDR accomplishes this goal by engaging the natural information processing mechanisms of the brain. Through bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, taps, or tones), EMDR helps access and process these unprocessed memories, allowing for the adaptive resolution of the traumatic experiences.

Shapiro explains that EMDR’s ability “to open memory networks and process old experiences” allows people to emerge from treatment “healed beyond their original complaint” (Shapiro & Forrest, 2016).

Shapiro wrote:

“One of EMDR’s main assumptions is that activating the processing of the trauma memory will naturally move it toward the adaptive information it needs for resolution. If you seem blocked in any area, you also now know that there are options to allow you to move from feeling “stuck” into a life of new possibility and potential” (Shapiro, 2017, p. 30).

Adaptive Resolution

As EMDR therapy progresses, the maladaptively stored memories are reprocessed, leading to the desensitization of associated emotional and physiological responses. This allows for the integration of adaptive information. Accordingly, this integration aides the transformation of the memory network and alleviates psychological distress.

References:

Civilotti, C., Margola, D., Zaccagnino, M., Cussino, M., Callerame, C., Vicini, A., & Fernandez, I. (2021). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Child and Adolescent Psychology: a Narrative Review. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 8(3), 95-109. DOI: 10.1007/s40501-021-00244-0
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Ecker, Bruce; Ticic, Robin; Hulley, Laurel (2012). Unlocking the Emotional Brain: Eliminating Symptoms at Their Roots Using Memory Reconsolidation. Routledge; 1st edition. DOI: 10.4324/9780203804377; APA Record: 2012-30913-000; ISBN-10: 0415897173
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Maxfield, Louise (2019). A clinician’s guide to the efficacy of EMDR therapy [Editorial]. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 239-246. DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.239
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Shapiro, F. (1989). Eye movement desensitization: A new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2(3), 199–221.  DOI: 10.1016/0005-7916(89)90025-6
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Shapiro, Francine (2017). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. The Guilford Press; Third edition. ISBN: 9781462532766; APA Record: 2017-40757-000
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Shapiro, Francine (2013). Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy. Rodale Books. ISBN: 9781609619954
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Shapiro, Francine; Forrest, Margot Silk (2016). EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma. Basic Books; 1st edition. ISBN: 9780465096749; APA Record: 1997-97511-000
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