Course Details

This short reading, based on the article "Neuropsychology of Chronic Pain and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing" by Mark Grant, discusses how chronic pain is processed in the brain and the role of neuroplasticity in maintaining pain memories. It explains the hierarchical and lateralized nature of brain structures involved in pain processing, including the thalamus, somatosensory cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. The article also explores the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model of EMDR therapy, which aims to reprocess maladaptive pain memories through a structured eight-phase approach. A case study of a chronic pain sufferer named Angela illustrates how EMDR therapy can alleviate both physical and emotional distress associated with chronic pain, highlighting the potential of this therapy to restructure neural networks and improve patient outcomes.

  • Understand the hierarchical and lateralized structure of the brain in pain processing.

  • Identify the main brain areas involved in the pain circuit and their specific functions.

  • Explain the concept of pain memories and the central sensitization model of chronic pain.

  • Describe the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model and its relevance to EMDR therapy.

  • Outline the eight-phase approach of EMDR therapy and its application to chronic pain treatment.

  • Analyze a case study to understand the practical implications and effectiveness of EMDR therapy in chronic pain management.

Course curriculum

    1. Neuropsychology of Chronic Pain & EMDR by Mark Grant

    2. Chronic Pain Quiz

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