Understanding Trauma and Where to start when coming to therapy ?

Freeing the Mind: How Adaptive Information Processing Helps Us Move Beyond the Past

At Finding Peace of Mind PLLC, we often hear clients say, “I know that experience is over, but it still feels like it’s happening.” Whether it's a traumatic memory, a painful relationship, or a deep sense of shame, some experiences stay stuck in the mind and body. That’s where Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) comes in—a powerful framework that helps us make sense of the past so we can finally live freely in the present.

What Is Adaptive Information Processing?

The AIP model is the foundation of EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), but it’s more than a technique—it’s a way of understanding how the brain heals. According to AIP theory, your brain is naturally wired to process and integrate life experiences. When things go well, memories are stored in an “adaptive” way—you learn from them, grow, and move on.

But when an experience is too overwhelming—like trauma, neglect, abuse, or deep emotional pain—the memory can become “maladaptively stored.” Instead of being processed and filed away, it gets stuck in raw form, with the same thoughts, emotions, and body sensations as the original event. That’s why a person might still feel panic, guilt, or worthlessness years after the event is over.

How AIP Helps You Heal

Using AIP-informed therapy (like EMDR), we help the brain access those unprocessed memories and reintegrate them in a healthy way. This doesn’t mean reliving the trauma—it means revisiting it briefly, in a safe environment, so the brain can finally do what it was designed to do: heal.

Through targeted techniques (such as eye movements, bilateral tapping, or auditory tones), the brain’s natural processing system is reactivated. People often report that the memory becomes more distant, less distressing, or even loses its emotional charge altogether.

The Freedom That Follows

When the past is no longer in the driver’s seat, everything begins to shift:

• Anxiety decreases

• Triggers become manageable

• Self-worth improves

• Relationships get healthier

• Energy that was spent on survival becomes available for growth

AIP doesn’t just help you “cope”—it helps you transform.

You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck

If you’re tired of feeling hijacked by your past, know this: it’s not a flaw in your character—it’s a stuck memory system. And with the right support, it can change.

At Finding Peace of Mind PLLC, we specialize in trauma-informed therapy, including EMDR and other AIP-based approaches, to help you process what happened—not just talk about it. You deserve a mind that feels calm, clear, and free.

Ready to move forward?Reach out today to schedule a consultation. Healing is possible—and it starts with understanding how your brain wants to heal.

Recommended Reads

If you're curious to explore more about trauma, healing, and how the brain processes overwhelming experiences, consider these trusted resources:

By Dr. Bruce Perry:

• What Happened to You? (with Oprah Winfrey) — A powerful exploration of how childhood experiences shape adult lives and how healing begins with understanding.

• The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog — Real stories from Perry’s clinical work that reveal how trauma affects the developing brain and how compassionate connection fosters recovery.

• Born for Love — A deep dive into the science of empathy and how early relational experiences affect our ability to connect.

By Dr. Francine Shapiro:

• Getting Past Your Past — A user-friendly guide to understanding EMDR and the AIP model, with tools you can apply in everyday life.

• EMDR: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures — A more clinical manual often used by professionals, offering insight into how EMDR works and why it’s so effective.