EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING AS A PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC APPROACH

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is empirically validated psychotherapeutic approach, which uses Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. EMDR can be applied when working with the consequences of psychological trauma and a wide range of other negative life experiences, excluding organic deficits, intoxication, and injury. EMDR therapy is conceptualized in eight phases, consisting of standardized protocols and procedures, which make easier the complete assessment of the clinical picture, patient preparation and the treatment of: past events, which place the foundations of pathology, current adverse situations and future challenges. The main focus of the therapy is the system that processes information in the brain. All dysfunctional characteristic traits, behaviors, beliefs, affects, and physical sensations are viewed from the perspective of (AIP) model as manifestations of unprocessed memories, encoded during a traumatic experience.