EMDR is a therapeutic method developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., beginning in 1987.

Originally, EMDR was used specifically for treating traumas such as those experienced by Viet Nam veterans or rape victims. During the past 12 years therapists and researchers worldwide have taken an interest in EMDR. In fact, there are currently more controlled studies supporting EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma than any other therapeutic method. Since its inception, EMDR methodology has been expanded and refined to include applications for grief, phobias, anxiety and panic, aspects of depression, childhood abuse, performance anxiety and, more recently, addictions.

Training by affiliates of the EMDR Institute in Palo Alto, CA is considered mandatory for EMDR, and EMDR should be used only by appropriately trained and licensed or certified clinicians. Currently there are more than 27,000 licensed mental health professionals in 52 countries who have been trained.

Related Links:

EMDR Institute: The official home page

EMDRIA: The International EMDR Association

David Baldwin's Trauma Information Pages

Hope Morrow's listing: Over 300 On-line Articles on Trauma

Ricky Greenwald's Child Tauma Pages

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