Using Beliefs to Identify Targets

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and EMDR Research by Francine Shapiro, 8/4/97
  • Cognitive-BehavioralTherapy to EMDR-An Easy Transition by Laura A. Campbell, BCSW, 8/4/97
    
    

Thank you Laura. It might be helpful for others without EMDR experience to understand that clinicians are trained to use the negative beliefs (when appropriate) for the identification of the earlier events that laid the foundation for the presenting pathology. EMDR is used to reprocess the memories of the earlier events, as well as the present life experiences that trigger the dysfunctional reactions.

The processing of the targets, means that there is an accelerated learning which takes place and the negative belief is replaced with a positive one that articulates the adaptive adult perspective on the past event. Post-treatment, when the memory is accessed deliberately, or spontaneously in life, it resides in the nervous system with the new appropriate affect, and positive beliefs/associations. There is no reason to use thought-stopping, or relaxation techniques during a previously triggering present situation (one that was previously anxiety-provoking), because the response is encoded in an adaptive manner. In other words, unless the "big rock" is truly an indication of danger in the present, the responses of the past are not elicited.

• Publication of New Controlled Study by Francine Shapiro, 8/12/97