Why Safety is the Foundation for EMDR Therapy
In EMDR therapy, we often talk about pacing, preparation, and readiness before moving into reprocessing. This isn’t just a clinical preference — it’s a necessity grounded in both the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model and what we know from neuroscience about the brain’s response to trauma.
For therapists working in trauma-informed care, understanding why safety is the foundation of EMDR can transform clinical outcomes and client trust.
The Brain’s Survival System: Why It Stays Switched On
After trauma, the brain’s survival system — including the amygdala, hippocampus, and brainstem — can remain in a state of high alert. This “always-on” system is designed to protect the person by scanning for danger based on past experiences, even when the present is safe.
In this state:
The amygdala becomes hypersensitive, sending out danger signals at minor cues that resemble the trauma.
The hippocampus struggles to separate “then” from “now,” making triggers feel like the original event is happening again.
The prefrontal cortex — critical for reasoning, reflecting, and emotional regulation — can go offline when under stress.
This is why everyday sensations, such as a racing heartbeat, a sudden sound, or even a kind touch, can trigger intense fear, anger, or shame in trauma survivors.
The AIP Model and Safety in Trauma Processing
The AIP model, which underpins EMDR therapy, explains that trauma symptoms arise from unprocessed memories stored in their original form — complete with sensory, emotional, imagery, and cognitive elements. When these elements are triggered, they can dominate present experience.
If a client’s nervous system is dysregulated during reprocessing:
Access to adaptive memory networks is reduced.
The brain may default to overwhelm, avoidance, or shutdown.
Integration is less likely to occur.
By prioritizing safety, EMDR therapists help the brain remain in a state where adaptive networks can link with trauma memories — the key to lasting change.