Our Rational

The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) theory is the foundation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. It proposes that the brain has a natural ability to process and integrate information to achieve mental health and emotional balance. The brain actually has a propensity to move toward health and wellbeing, just as our bodies do. 

The AIP also states that the past is present, there is a specific way that our brains download information from the environment that keeps us alive – our senses are the first stop in information – perceptions are formed based on that information, our prefrontal cortex keeps attention on it – we decide, good or bad – safe or not and we then have an emotional response to the information. Then we assign a meaning to the information (I am not safe, I am not good enough, etc.) and we then have a behavioral response to that information. We package that information up and save in our long term memory, so when anything similar happens, we access the templated meaning we have stored and behave accordingly. We are constantly updating the meaning to our memories.

So, when a person experiences trauma or overwhelming stress, this normal process can become disrupted, causing distressing memories, emotions, and beliefs to remain “stuck” in an unprocessed state. When we have adverse experiences, our survival brain encodes the meaning of the experience and continues to ‘look’ for the same dangers. Which makes us operate ‘as if’ we are still in danger of that overwhelming stress taking over again.  

AIP theory suggests that, through targeted therapeutic interventions like EMDR, these maladaptively stored memories can be accessed and reprocessed, allowing the brain to heal naturally and restore emotional well-being and UPDATE to an adaptive understanding of the situation we are in. Effectively updating our present understanding of self, reducing our emotional reactions that do not serve us and reinforcing the truth in the present.

This helps us to connect safer in relationships, believe in ourselves in ways we could not see before and engender an overall sense of functioning.

We know that EMDR is an evidence based treatment, meaning that it has stood the test of time, it has been tested, used and researched and found to have excellent benefits in the treatment of PTSD and other traumatic disorders. But ALSO, it is highly beneficial in addressing many more issues that affect our functioning and happiness. 

EMDR & Beyond teaches EMDR as a full psychotherapeutic model and leans into the Adaptive Information Processing theory as a way to conceptualize and understand what causes us to be unhappy or have difficulties and challenges in our lives, in emotional, psychological and in some cases physiological realms of responses to events in our lives. We are cognizant of the fact that all humans seek safety and connection – we do this in all of our interactions and it is the filter by which we engage with others. So we are all looking for Safe Connections. This is a fundamental need. Our approach of using EMDR as a full psychotherapy model is not to shut out other approaches but rather find ways to help them to integrate. We believe that by integrating other time tested models with EMDR the client will realize exponentially better outcomes.  

This is why we also provide continuing education to integrate other modalities, different topics and invite those who are not trained in EMDR to come and learn, understand from the AIP perspective to include in what they are already using to bring healing to those who suffer. 

Any program we are teaching on the AIP or EMDR procedures are reviewed by EMDRIA for approval and given a number. Our EMDRIA number is: 15007 and our EMDRIA approved programs will be followed by another number to categorize this as approved by EMDRIA. Any program not submitted to EMDRIA for approval will not have a number and not carry EMDRIA Credits.

APA approval is another way our programs are reviewed for quality and appropriateness for Psychologists and other mental health providers. We have a team of Psychologists who help to ensure the standards of APA are met as we put our programs together. Any program not submitted to APA for approval will not carry CEs. 

The APA, or American Psychological Association, sets standards for graduate programs in psychology, including for Ph.D. programs.  APA accreditation guidelines outline the necessary components. These include a foundation in scientific inquiry and research methods, along with knowledge in key areas like biological bases of behavior, cognition, development, social and personality factors.  Training in EMDR for most mental health professionals and psychologist typically takes place after matriculation through Continuing Education.

EMDR and Beyond provides those CEs to help psychologists and other mental health providers learn about trauma treatment and how to apply EMDR to other presentations in the therapy room. 

EMDR & Beyond’s trainings allow all mental health providers a larger body of knowledge to draw on to provide the best services. This is how EMDR & Beyond Empowers Clinicians to Change Lives.