The Role of Alternating Bilateral Stimulation in Establishing Positive Cognition in EMDR Therapy
Written by: Amano T, Toichi M (2016)
Edited by: EMDR-Zone Editorial Team
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With the incorporation of bilateral stimulation, EMDR is redefining therapeutic outcomes, possibly offering quicker and more impactful relief. Dive into the details in this comprehensive study.
Purpose of the Study
The research titled "The Role of Alternating Bilateral Stimulation in Establishing Positive Cognition in EMDR Therapy: A Multi-Channel Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study" aims to explore the impact of alternating bilateral stimulation (BLS) on enhancing positive cognition during Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This is achieved by measuring the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration in the brain, specifically from the prefrontal cortex to the temporal cortex, during the recall of pleasant memories with or without BLS.
Understanding EMDR and PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a prolonged stress reaction to traumatic events. EMDR is a recognized method for treating PTSD. The therapy involves two main stages: desensitizing traumatic memories and establishing positive cognition, known as Resource Development and Installation (RDI). A unique feature of EMDR is the use of BLS, which involves alternating bilateral visual (like eye movements), auditory, or sensory stimulation (such as tactile stimulation).
BLS in RDI - A Controversial Element
While the effect of BLS in desensitizing traumatic memories is known, its role in RDI is debated. Some studies suggest that BLS might hinder the RDI process, while others advocate its importance. Previous clinical studies have shown that BLS, especially alternating bilateral tactile stimulation, was essential in RDI for patients with chronic pain and dementia.
Study Methodology and Participants
The study involved 15 healthy volunteers (10 women and 5 men) with an average age of 35.1 years. These participants were asked to recall personal and meaningful positive memories associated with well-being. Their brain activity was then measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during the recall of these memories, both with and without BLS.
Effectiveness and Results of BLS
The results indicated that, compared to non-BLS conditions, subjects felt more relaxed and had increased accessibility to their memories under BLS conditions. Specifically, a significant increase in brain activity was detected in the right superior temporal sulcus (STS) during BLS. This area is closely related to memory representation, suggesting that BLS might aid in recalling more detailed and representative pleasant memories. Additionally, a significant reduction in activity was observed in the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with emotion regulation, indicating that BLS induces relaxation and comfortable feelings.
Conclusions and Implications
The study's findings suggest that BLS, especially when used in RDI, may enhance the recall of more representative pleasant memories and induce a sense of relaxation. This indicates a crucial neural mechanism where emotional processing is prioritized over higher cognitive processing during RDI. Given the evidence, BLS in RDI might be beneficial in enhancing overall mental well-being and reducing PTSD symptoms.
For more detailed information, here is the link for the original article: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0162735&type=printable
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