Introduction
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. As Dr. Gabor Maté puts it, “Trauma is not what happened to us, but what happens inside of us because of what happens to us.”
PTSD symptoms include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, hyperarousal, emotional numbness, and avoidance behaviors. Individuals may also struggle with sleep disturbances, irritability, and an exaggerated startle response. These symptoms can severely impact daily life and relationships. PTSD can develop immediately after trauma or emerge months or years later. Treatment generally involves therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI) offers a powerful, non-invasive, and effective approach to treating trauma and alleviating PTSD symptoms.
History and Development of MEMI
MEMI was developed by Dr. Mike Deninger, PhD, and introduced in his 2021 book, Multichannel Eye Movement Integration: The Brain Science Path to Easy and Effective PTSD Treatment (Gracie Publications). It builds on the work of Steve and Connirae Andreas, who developed Eye Movement Integration (EMI) in 1989 as part of the neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) movement.
Research from the 1970s showed a connection between eye movements and the activation of different brain regions. These movements can influence how memories are processed and recalled. MEMI is a sensory-based (bottom-up) therapy that targets PTSD symptoms at their root—specifically in the limbic system.
The limbic system is responsible for emotional regulation, memory, and behaviours vital for survival, such as fear responses and motivation. MEMI helps re-organize these memories in a more adaptive way by disrupting habitual, maladaptive patterns of behaviour and thought.
What to Expect During MEMI Sessions
Unlike many trauma therapies, MEMI does not require clients to discuss or disclose their traumatic experiences, making it a kinder and gentler method.
During sessions, clients are guided through a series of eye movements and patterns.
The therapy works by guiding a client’s eyes to various points in their visual field while they think about a traumatic experience. Verbal prompts are also used to help reduce activation of the amygdala—the brain’s threat detection system that triggers fight-or-flight responses. By reducing amygdala activity, MEMI alters the emotional charge of traumatic memories, allowing them to be integrated in a more balanced way.
MEMI vs. EMDR
Both MEMI and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective treatments for trauma recovery, but they differ in their approach to eye movements. While EMDR uses simple back-and-forth eye movements, MEMI employs a wider range of movements across the visual field.
A key difference is the duration of treatment. MEMI typically requires 1-3 sessions to achieve noticeable improvements, while EMDR often requires 6-12 sessions. This makes MEMI a potentially more time-efficient option for those seeking faster relief from PTSD symptoms.
MEMI does not require the person to disclose their traumatic experience.
Who Is Suitable for MEMI?
MEMI is most effective for individuals who are open to engaging in the process of healing. As with any therapeutic approach, the client’s willingness to participate and engage with the therapy is critical to their success.
Conclusion
MEMI offers a simple yet powerful method for treating PTSD. Grounded in neuroscience, It’s non-intrusive nature and focus on the limbic system make it a particularly gentle yet effective option for those seeking relief from trauma. By utilising eye movements to interrupt and reorganise maladaptive memory patterns, MEMI offers a direct path to resolving PTSD symptoms, with promising clinical results.
Reference
Deninger, M., & Lee, J. (2022). A New PTSD Treatment Paradigm. Science of Psychotherapy, December 2022.
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