It goes like this: Your brain processes events and stores memories in much the same way as a computer. Pathways are built and constructed for the cataloguing and retrieving of information. Sometimes, the circuitry is a little faulty – the information processing goes a little haywire and has to be, er, rewired. The EMDR Institute describes the process this way,

All humans are understood to have a physiologically-based information processing system. This can be compared to other body systems, such as digestion in which the body extracts nutrients for health and survival. The information processing system processes the multiple elements of our experiences and stores memories in an accessible and useful form. Memories are linked in networks that contain related thoughts, images, emotions, and sensations. Learning occurs when new associations are forged with material already stored in memory.

  When a traumatic or very negative event occurs, information processing may be incomplete, perhaps because strong negative feelings or dissociation interfere with information processing. This prevents the forging of connections with more adaptive information that is held in other memory networks. For example, a rape survivor may “know” that rapists are responsible for their crimes, but this information does not connect with her feeling that she is to blame for the attack. The memory is then dysfunctionally stored without appropriate associative connections and with many elements still unprocessed. When the individual thinks about the trauma, or when the memory is triggered by similar situations, the person may feel like she is reliving it, or may experience strong emotions and physical sensations. A prime example is the intrusive thoughts, emotional disturbance, and negative self-referencing beliefs of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Information processing techniques function to rewire the brain in regard to all traumas – that includes every kind of military and civilian experience. The most popular information processing modalities include:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The point of EMDR is to facilitate “the accessing of the traumatic memory network, so that information processing is enhanced, with new associations forged between the traumatic memory and more adaptive memories or information. These new associations are thought to result in complete information processing, new learning, elimination of emotional distress, and development of cognitive insights.”

For more information on how EMDR works, plus related sources and videos, read this post on our blog: PTSD Treatment: It’s All About The Eyes.

Thought Field Therapy (TFT). Discovered and developed by California clinical psychologist, Dr. Roger Callahan, TFT therapy is a tapping technique that heals trauma by moving the body’s energies in specific ways based on the meridian points on the body (the same ones used in acupuncture).

For further information about how TFT works, how it was discovered, how it continues to evolve, and how to reach Dr. Callahan read this post on our blog written by Dr. Callahan’s wife, Joanne: PTSD Treatment: Tapping Away Your Fears with Thought Field Therapy.

To view a testimonial about the success of TFT healing trauma, click here. 

For further information about the TFT process, read this open letter by Dr. Charles Figley.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Developed by Gary Craig the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an energy psychology process where the individual taps energy meridian points to release negative emotions surrounding an incident or issue. EFT is based on the Thought Field Therapy techniques developed by Dr Roger Callahan in California in the late 1980s. You can visit the Emofree site for additional information.

When an individual experiences a physical or mental trauma, the body reacts to the circumstances with various physical changes. One of those is a disruption in the flow of energy. Once the threat abates, the body then reverts back to its normal condition, most of the time. There are times, however, when some part of the energy system gets “stuck”. Then, when the person is exposed to a similar set of circumstances, the person’s reaction is affected by the “stuck” portion of the system.

EFT stimulates the energy points while the client thinks of the upset and overcomes the “blocks”, clearing the pathways. This results in the elimination of the negative emotions attached to the memory. It doesn’t change the memory, just the emotional reaction to it.

For more detailed information and related links read this interview with an EFT practitioner on our blog post: PTSD Treatment: Emotional Freedom Technique.

To see EFT in action click here.

Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT). Created by Tapas Fleming, TAT is a very easy way to end stress and create a happy life. It combines placing your hands on a few key points near your eyes and at the back of your head while you put your attention on a series of statements. 

The central idea is that when we’re very stressed or traumatized we become identified with thoughts and beliefs that seem like they’re going to help us make it through. After the trauma has passed, we’re still living our lives stuck in those points of view and it doesn’t work – we can’t relax and be happy. TAT is designed to rewire the brain to accept what happened, that it’s over now, forgiveness and apologies, and choose the positive, happy life you want.

To read an interview with Tapas Fleming about how TAT works, how it was developed, and how effective it is with trauma, visit this post on our blog: PTSD Treatment: Tapas Acupressure Technique.

To see TAT in action, click here.

(Photos: Darrow Assoc., poly_mnia, Tapping)

• Read More

  • PTSD Treatment: Alternative Therapy Options
  • PTSD Treatment: Traditional Therapy Options
  • PTSD and Talk Therapy
  • PTSD and Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  • PTSD and Exposure Therapy
  • PTSD and Information Processing Therapy
  • PTSD and Hypnosis
  • PTSD and Neuro-Linguistic Programming
  • PTSD and Self-Empowered Therapy
  • PTSD and Group Therapy