EMDR EMDR Neurobiological Foundations 2

Question 1

Which theory proposes that bilateral stimulation during EMDR mimics the memory processing that occurs during REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

REM Hypothesis

Answer

The REM Hypothesis suggests that the bilateral eye movements in EMDR parallel the rapid eye movements of REM sleep, facilitating adaptive memory processing similar to dreaming.

Question 2

Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory is relevant to EMDR because it explains:

Accepted Answer

How the autonomic nervous system regulates social engagement and safety responses

Answer

Polyvagal Theory explains how the autonomic nervous system's three states — safety, mobilization, and shutdown — influence a client's readiness and capacity for trauma processing in EMDR.

Question 3

What does 'hyperarousal' look like neurobiologically in a trauma survivor during EMDR processing?

Accepted Answer

Elevated sympathetic nervous system activity with increased heart rate and anxiety

Answer

Hyperarousal in trauma survivors reflects heightened sympathetic nervous system activation, presenting as anxiety, increased heart rate, and heightened vigilance.

Question 4

What is the significance of 'interhemispheric communication' in EMDR neurobiological models?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral stimulation is thought to enhance communication between left and right brain hemispheres, facilitating integration

Answer

Some EMDR neurobiological models propose that bilateral stimulation enhances communication between brain hemispheres, supporting the integration of fragmented traumatic memories.

Question 5

Which part of the nervous system is associated with the 'freeze' or 'shutdown' response seen in some trauma survivors?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal vagal complex

Answer

The dorsal vagal complex, the evolutionarily oldest branch of the vagus nerve, mediates the immobilization or shutdown response seen in severe or inescapable trauma.

(EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Practice Test

(EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Practice Test

EMDR EMDR Neurobiological Foundations 2