The connection between computer science and neurobiology is quite fascinating. Our minds use "working memory" the same way computers use RAM, and we have permanent memory analogous to how servers use storage arrays. We can conceptualize adverse memories as being stored in a corrupted memory block and EMDR can be used to move the data from a corrupted block to a memory block stored on a "good" sector. If the mind's storage array is the fascia and spread throughout the body then the somatic symptoms represent the corrupted disk sectors that stop causing the symptom when the adverse memory is no longer stored in that sector. My first career was in software engineering and EMDR is fascinating for me from that perspective.
“Patients like it (the Working Memory Theory of EMDR) because it’s easy to understand.” So do therapists. This is because it is a Psychological Theory (that purports to explain brain function) whose language is familiar e.g. short term memory, long term memory. In contrast, current brain-based models include relevant structures and mechanisms e.g. frontal eye fields, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, central executive network, network anticorrelation, mismatch negativity, global neuronal ignition etc. As a result, these models are not accessible to the non-neuroscientist. However, they are empirically verifiable (fMRI, EEG etc.) and therefore falsifiable- essential characteristics of any scientific theory. If there is enough interest, perhaps these models will be “translated’ into language and concepts accessible to the non-neuroscientist.
I’m not sure why it has to be either/or for bilateral processing vs working memory. It’s clear both reconsolidate memory, both involve a mismatch, both reconsolidate memory. 2.0 (as with Flash technique) gets there quicker but I’m not sure new and improved (which I use) nullifies bilateral processing.
I have ADHD. Part of ADHD means we have working memory deficits. I’d would love to know how these deficits impact how we both process trauma as it happens and how it might affect the effectiveness of this therapy. Most people with ADHD also have something called RSD (rejection sensitive dysphoria) although not a recognised disorder, most people with ADHD are hyper sensitive to criticism. We do experience more criticism, but I also wondered if the working memory deficits play a part in how we process criticism and trauma. Autistic people also have working memory deficits, but not as severe as ADHDers. People with ADHD and Autism are much more likely to have anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, emotional disregulation and I wonder how our working memory problems affect our ability to process our emotions.
I havent seen the video but since i gave adhd too i can share my experience with you. We do have working memory issues yes. I dont know how it affects the way we respond to trauma but i think that trauma is taxing the working menory and makes the deficit even more. I ve seen through the three years i am doing psychotherapy that as I release trauma my working memory improves. I think rds is caused by the thousands of time times we felt not enough because we daydreamed , we ve been shouted on , forgot what to say etc. Its all about self esteem and if are always the black sheep you internalise the voices of others. I dint know if the lack of working memory is making us unable to process our emotions but i think the problem is that we trully feel the feelings. The intensity is much greater , thats why most of adhder are artists and creators. And i also know that through therapy those feelings can be regulated and managed. So i would suggest to dig your past and also try emdr. Its a really fast way to overcome anything.
So I could watch a shorter movie after I’m triggered. As long as I’m engaged in both the movie and body sensation etc. the therapy happens. What’s missing?
The connection between computer science and neurobiology is quite fascinating. Our minds use "working memory" the same way computers use RAM, and we have permanent memory analogous to how servers use storage arrays. We can conceptualize adverse memories as being stored in a corrupted memory block and EMDR can be used to move the data from a corrupted block to a memory block stored on a "good" sector. If the mind's storage array is the fascia and spread throughout the body then the somatic symptoms represent the corrupted disk sectors that stop causing the symptom when the adverse memory is no longer stored in that sector. My first career was in software engineering and EMDR is fascinating for me from that perspective.
Fantastic discussion... followup would be great re. all the 'questions'! thanks Rotem!!!
“Patients like it (the Working Memory Theory of EMDR) because it’s easy to understand.” So do therapists. This is because it is a Psychological Theory (that purports to explain brain function) whose language is familiar e.g. short term memory, long term memory. In contrast, current brain-based models include relevant structures and mechanisms e.g. frontal eye fields, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, central executive network, network anticorrelation, mismatch negativity, global neuronal ignition etc. As a result, these models are not accessible to the non-neuroscientist. However, they are empirically verifiable (fMRI, EEG etc.) and therefore falsifiable- essential characteristics of any scientific theory. If there is enough interest, perhaps these models will be “translated’ into language and concepts accessible to the non-neuroscientist.
Merci!
You are so very welcome! Are you an EMDR Therapist?
I’m not sure why it has to be either/or for bilateral processing vs working memory. It’s clear both reconsolidate memory, both involve a mismatch, both reconsolidate memory. 2.0 (as with Flash technique) gets there quicker but I’m not sure new and improved (which I use) nullifies bilateral processing.
I have ADHD. Part of ADHD means we have working memory deficits.
I’d would love to know how these deficits impact how we both process trauma as it happens and how it might affect the effectiveness of this therapy.
Most people with ADHD also have something called RSD (rejection sensitive dysphoria) although not a recognised disorder, most people with ADHD are hyper sensitive to criticism. We do experience more criticism, but I also wondered if the working memory deficits play a part in how we process criticism and trauma.
Autistic people also have working memory deficits, but not as severe as ADHDers. People with ADHD and Autism are much more likely to have anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, emotional disregulation and I wonder how our working memory problems affect our ability to process our emotions.
I havent seen the video but since i gave adhd too i can share my experience with you. We do have working memory issues yes. I dont know how it affects the way we respond to trauma but i think that trauma is taxing the working menory and makes the deficit even more. I ve seen through the three years i am doing psychotherapy that as I release trauma my working memory improves.
I think rds is caused by the thousands of time times we felt not enough because we daydreamed , we ve been shouted on , forgot what to say etc. Its all about self esteem and if are always the black sheep you internalise the voices of others.
I dint know if the lack of working memory is making us unable to process our emotions but i think the problem is that we trully feel the feelings. The intensity is much greater , thats why most of adhder are artists and creators. And i also know that through therapy those feelings can be regulated and managed. So i would suggest to dig your past and also try emdr. Its a really fast way to overcome anything.
The Topic is really interesting but i really have Problems with understanding it because of way de Jong presents it. Find it confusing
So I could watch a shorter movie after I’m triggered. As long as I’m engaged in both the movie and body sensation etc. the therapy happens. What’s missing?