The History of EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. The evidence-based approach to psychotherapy emerged as a ground-breaking discovery to help treat the impacts of trauma and distressing memories. Since 1987, EMDR has evolved and expanded its application significantly.
The origins of EMDR started from an unexpected observation by Dr. Shapiro. While walking in a park, she noticed that her own distressing thoughts became less intense when her eyes moved rapidly from side to side. Intrigued, she experimented with this phenomenon, testing it on herself and later with others, finding that guided eye movements seemed to help reduce emotional distress linked to traumatic memories.
From here, Dr. Shapiro began her first controlled study in 1988. Initially she called the approach Eye Movement Desensitization (EMD) and studied individuals who had experienced trauma. The results were promising, with many participants reporting significant relief from their distressing symptoms in a short period of time.
Realizing that eye movements alone were not the sole mechanism of change, Dr. Shapiro expanded the method into a structured, eight-phase treatment protocol and renamed it Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She integrated elements of various approaches to therapy including cognitive, psychodynamic, and information processing theory. Combined, EMDR became a comprehensive and adaptable therapeutic approach.
Throughout the 1990s, EMDR gained attention in the mental health community, particularly for its effectiveness in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Numerous scientific studies validated its success, leading to official endorsements from major organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
EMDR became particularly well-known for its ability to help military veterans, survivors of natural disasters, and victims of sexual assault or childhood trauma.
EMDR has continued to evolve beyond PTSD treatment, proving effective for a variety of psychological challenges, including but not limited to anxiety and panic disorders, depression, phobias, addiction, chronic pain, and low self-esteem.
Advancements in neuroscience and trauma research have further supported the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which underlies EMDR. This model suggests that the brain has a natural ability to heal from trauma, but when memories are not properly processed, they remain "stuck," causing distressing symptoms. EMDR helps reprocess these memories, changing how they are stored in the brain and reducing their emotional intensity.
From an accidental discovery to a widely respected, evidence-based therapy, EMDR has transformed the way clinicians approach trauma treatment. Today, it continues to help countless individuals worldwide overcome past experiences and move toward healing and growth.
If you are interested in learning more about EMDR, feel free to book a Discovery Call. I would love to discuss this approach with you further to see if it aligns with your presenting concerns and goals in therapy.