EMOTIONAL RESPONSE THERAPY
Evidence
Emotional Response Therapy is explained by ERT theory. This detailed theory is grounded in scientific research which demonstrates how trauma occurs, why it remains and how it can be significantly reduced or eliminated. ERT is based on long-established scientific evidence and is backed up by a study into the effectiveness of its application.
"By understanding how something works,
you can begin to affect change"
ERT Theory
In order to understand why therapy works, it is important to explore the science behind how people develop trauma, why they continue to experience it and what needs to happen for them to work through it.
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There is a wealth of long established neuroscientific research that provides this explanation and it forms the basis of ERT theory.
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​Many psychological problems clients experience are formed by their neurological and physiological response to traumatic events. This comes from the hypothalamus, hippocampus and amygdala and their interactions, along with the production of hormones such as
adrenaline and cortisol.
Smith, S. M., & Vale, W. W. (2006). The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in neuroendocrine responses to stress. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 8(4), 383–395.
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​We can learn a lot about trauma by examining brain structure, hormones and neurotransmitters and by exploring the similarities and differences we have with other organisms.
Atrooz, F., Alkadhi, K. A., & Salim, S. (2021). Understanding stress: Insights from rodent models. Current research in neurobiology, 2, 100013.
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​Clients experience psychological distress because they hold on to the trauma they experience. This is explained by understanding the role of memory and synaptic plasticity.
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Citri, A., Malenka, R. (2008). Synaptic Plasticity: Multiple Forms, Functions, and Mechanisms. Neuropsychopharmacology, 33, 18–41.
Our genetics and survival instincts are key to why we might retain and continue to be affected by fear and traumatic memories.
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Having gained an understanding of how fear develops and why it may be retained, neuroscience can provide a clear scientific explanation as to the process of reducing or removing it. Synaptic plasticity and homoeostasis hold the key.
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Understanding how they can be influenced through therapy allows us to to help people work through their trauma.
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The ERT training course teaches therapists all they need to know about these neuroscientific principles to fully understand how and why ERT works and what makes it such a successful therapeutic intervention.
ERT Pilot Study
ERT has successfully helped many people overcome trauma and anxiety. A pilot study to assess the efficacy of ERT was carried out in 2023.
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This small-scale study measured the application of Emotional Response Therapy with various psychological diagnoses and further assessed the robustness of the procedure with different populations.
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ERT theory was established prior to the therapy procedure and is grounded in neuroscience. Established research explains why Emotional Response Therapy is successful in treating people for trauma and anxiety. The ERT procedure was developed by following the science and this pilot study was designed to evaluate its application within a standardised experimental method.
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Background: The study had a population of 23 people aged 13 to 70 and the assessment, therapy and follow-up were carried out by a psychologist. The presenting problems included in the study were anxiety, trauma, phobias, and grief.
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Methods: Study participants were each assessed with the use of Impact of Events Scale IES-R questionnaire and a subjective units of distress (SUDs) scale. They then received a single session of ERT lasting less than one hour. Following the therapy their SUDs scores were reassessed.
Follow-up assessments using IES-R and SUD scores were carried out at one month and three-month intervals post therapy.
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Results: The IES-R scores for all the 23 participants reduced from above clinical concern to no clinical significance. The SUD scores reduced from an average of 8 out of 10 to a 0, for all 23 clients.
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The scores remained constant over the one month and 3 month follow ups. With all clients reporting a SUD score of 0 at the three month follow up.
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All clients reported that they were no longer distressed by the memory or thought they had worked on. All the clients reported positively on the application of the therapy and how happy they were to not have to recount their distress in detail. They reported liking the simplicity of the therapy and ease of use.