This model aims to identify ego states that are stuck in the past and help them get unstuck by remediating those unmet developmental needs.
Alternating bilateral stimulation (made popular by EMDR therapy) is applied at key points in the protocol to enhance the process.
The DNMS focuses special attention on healing maladaptive introjects (wounded ego states that mimic abusive, neglectful, or dysfunctional caregivers.
The model assumes that these ego states cause the most trouble for clients, so helping them heal may result in a significant benefit—leading to a decrease in unwanted behaviors, beliefs, and emotions.
The DNMS assumes an introject can form when mirror neurons fire during significantly positive or negative relationship events.
[9] Gallese believes this process to be a basic functional mechanism of the brain, which engages automatically and unconsciously, not the result of a willed or conscious cognitive effort, not aimed at interpreting the intentions of others.
According to this hypothesis, healthy parts of self form in response to positive, affirming relationships with role models who are loving and attuned.
They live in the present; feel and manage the full range of emotions; hold positive beliefs about self and world; engage in appropriate, desirable behaviors; and have an adaptive point of view.
They live in the past; are stuck in painful emotions; hold negative, irrational beliefs about self and world; engage in unwanted or inappropriate behaviors; and have a maladaptive point of view.
Some hold raw emotions, like anxiety, terror, anger, sadness, grief, despair, shame, and hopelessness.
According to this hypothesis, maladaptive introject is a part of self that forms when mirror neurons fire in the presence of a significant role model who is physically or emotionally wounding (such as an abusive or rejecting parent.)
Next a series of steps are employed to identify a group of important maladaptive introjects connected by a common theme, such as rejection, abuse, or enmeshment.
[12] While these published case-studies tend to support the assertion that the DNMS is effective, they do not meet the criteria for empirical research.