SEMANA DE LA CIENCIA 2025. 22. Conferencia: Trauma y Memorias Patogénicas desde el modelo EMDR.

SEMANA DE LA CIENCIA 2025. 22. Conferencia: Trauma y Memorias Patogénicas desde el modelo EMDR.

🎙 Nuria Codoni and Mabel Medina 👥 12K 📅 November 20, 2025 ⏱ 69 min 👁 573 📄 conference talk 🧭 2026-08-13
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

EMDRtraumapathogenic memoriesadaptive information processingneural networks

Summary

This conference, part of the Science Week 2025, is presented by Nuria Codoni and Mabel Medina, both directors of EMDR centers. They explain the concept of pathogenic memories within the EMDR therapeutic model. They begin by introducing the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which posits that the mind naturally tends toward health, similar to the body’s healing process. Using a video of neurons connecting, they illustrate how memories are stored in neural networks and how adaptive processing integrates experiences into learning. However, some memories become ‘stuck’ or unprocessed, leading to pathology. They distinguish between traumatic memories (meeting DSM-5 criteria) and other non-traumatic but pathogenic memories, such as those from relational experiences, neglect, bullying, or chronic stress. The key factor is the individual’s sense of helplessness and the availability of internal and external resources at the time of the event. They emphasize that the problem is not the event itself but the failure to process it, influenced by subjective and developmental factors. They introduce the concept of ‘pathogenic memories’ as memories that generate symptoms, including those with positive valence that can still lead to maladaptive patterns. They discuss how unprocessed memories remain fixed in their original emotional, cognitive, and somatic state, and how the system attempts to resolve them through flashbacks, nightmares, or avoidance. Finally, they highlight the importance of developmental windows and the role of caregivers in providing emotional regulation, concluding that the impact of an event depends on the individual’s resources and state at the time.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The talk provides a clear and accessible explanation of the EMDR model and the concept of pathogenic memories. It offers valuable insights into how unprocessed experiences can lead to psychological symptoms, emphasizing the role of subjective experience and developmental factors. The argumentation is coherent and grounded in clinical practice, with references to established theories (AIP, DSM-5) and authors like Francine Shapiro. However, it lacks empirical data or case studies to support some claims, and the presentation is more descriptive than analytical.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The talk demonstrates a good understanding of the EMDR framework and references relevant theoretical foundations. However, it does not provide specific citations or sources for many claims, and the mention of ‘Antonieta Contré’ and ‘developmental windows’ is not elaborated with references. The title accurately reflects the content, and the presentation is consistent with the stated topic. No comments were provided for analysis.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content: a conference on trauma and pathogenic memories from the EMDR model.

Quality & Reliability

7/10

The talk is given by two professionals (directors of EMDR centers) and is based on established EMDR theory and clinical practice. It references DSM-5 criteria and mentions authors like Francine Shapiro and Antonieta Contré. However, it is a conference presentation without peer-reviewed citations or empirical data, and some claims (e.g., developmental windows) are presented without detailed evidence.

Key Moments

Cited Sources

  • DSM-5 — Referenced for criteria of traumatic experiences.
  • Francine Shapiro — Mentioned as the originator of the AIP model and EMDR.
  • Antonieta Contré — Mentioned for the concept of subjective and developmental moments.

Concurring Sources

Contribution & Novelties

The talk provides a clear synthesis of the EMDR model and the concept of pathogenic memories, emphasizing that not only traumatic events but also non-traumatic experiences can lead to pathology if not processed. It highlights the role of subjective experience, developmental windows, and available resources. The presentation is valuable for clinicians and the public interested in understanding trauma from an EMDR perspective.

Pour aller plus loin :

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in information quantity and quality, with moderate technical level and reliability. This indicates a well-structured and informative presentation, but with room for more rigorous scientific backing.

Reliability 7/10