Episode 18: Information processing in the Brain

Today, Jen and Bridger discuss Adaptive Information Processing model (AIP) and how it’s relevant in understanding the effects of trauma.

Adaptive Information Processing (AIP)

Firstly, AIP is the foundational and theoretical model behind EMDR
It looks at our past life experiences and how they are processed in our system.
Normal experiences tend to be stored in a typical way and you may or may not be able to remember it later.
However, when something is traumatic, that typical processing system gets “stuck”.
With this being said, this memory doesn’t get stored properly in our system.
- We may then begin seeing vivid images
- Form negative thoughts/beliefs about the self
- Become hypervigilant of our environment
- Unwanted emotions
- Unpleasant body sensations
This memory will be much more easily to recall.
This particular memory will come with all the things listed above and will feel active in the present.

When trauma occurs, this creates a much larger change.
New brain pathways are created with every experience.
State-specific memory: Depending on the state you are in, it can evoke a memory that you may not have retrieved otherwise.

Triggering: this is something that resembles that stimuli enough that it taps into our memory network where the traumatic memory was stored.
Then, the flood of information occurs because the trauma wasn’t processed and stored correctly.
Remember, this all occurs below our conscious awareness.
Our responses to trauma are adaptive strategies, not a disease.
Our bodies has the ability to grow and heal, but may need some guidance and support.
Anora’s story

Check out the last episode, if you haven’t already!

Reparative experience- this can be done inside and outside of therapy
The key is the co-regulatory connection we get during therapy.
Disconfirming experiences
Our brains work to change the structural arrangements of how information is processed.
Our nervous systems are so adaptive and we are able to navigate through such difficult situations.
Also, recognize our ways as strategies instead of flawed pathologies.
Neuroplasticity: our brains are constantly, changing, rewiring and building on our implicit and explicit memories.
Lastly, every moment can be used for healing.

Check out our Trauma informed care training– for public services, groups, etc. June 3rd-June 5th