The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model is the theory behind EMDR therapy. It suggests that our brains naturally want to heal and make sense of experiences, but when something overwhelming happens, those memories can get “stuck” in an unprocessed form. This can show up as distressing emotions, negative beliefs, or physical reactions.

In EMDR, the AIP model guides treatment by helping your brain reprocess those stuck memories so they can be stored in a healthier way. This allows past experiences to lose their emotional intensity and stop interfering with your life today. LEARN MORE

The working memory theory helps explain why EMDR is effective. Our long-term memory can hold an unlimited amount of information, but our working memory—the part of the brain we use to actively think about and process information in the moment—has limited capacity.

In EMDR, you bring up a difficult memory while at the same time engaging in a back-and-forth task, such as eye movements, tapping, or tones. Doing both at once gently “overloads” your working memory, which makes the memory less vivid and less emotionally overwhelming.

As we repeat this process, the brain is able to re-store the memory in long-term memory in a calmer, less distressing form. The memory itself doesn’t disappear—it just loses the strong emotional charge that once made it so upsetting. LEARN MORE

Polyvagal theory helps us understand how the body and nervous system respond to stress, challenge, and safety. Traditionally, we’ve thought of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) as having two main modes:

• Fight or Flight – the activating response that helps us deal with danger by mobilizing energy.

• Freeze or Faint – the shutting-down response that protects us when escape doesn’t feel possible.

Polyvagal theory adds a third response called the social engagement system. This is a unique blend of activation and calming that allows us to connect, communicate, and feel safe with others. When our environment feels safe, our social engagement system supports us in navigating relationships, expressing ourselves, and moving through emotions more fully.

As therapist Deb Dana and others explain, when we experience safety, our nervous system naturally shifts into connection. This means that healing often begins not just in our thoughts, but in how our body senses safety, calm, and connection.

• Intro to Polyvagal Theory and the Triune ANS

• How your body makes the decision

• How trauma impacts the body

In EMDR, we use what’s called a dual attention stimulus to help your brain process experiences in a new way. The most common form is gentle eye movements, but we can also use tapping, tones through headphones, or other alternating left-right sensations.

These back-and-forth movements are thought to support the brain’s natural ability to heal by making it easier to reprocess difficult memories. While researchers are still studying exactly how this works, many studies show that it can help reduce emotional distress and lessen the vividness or intensity of troubling memories.

Most importantly, you are always in control of the process—we’ll work together to find the method that feels most comfortable and supportive for you.