EMDR Research
Clinician's Guide to EMDR Therapy Research and Books
For a comprehensive list of peer-reviewed journal articles and professional books on the scientific investigation of EMDR Therapy, click HERE.
EMDR is internationally recognized as an empirically supported treatment
EMDR Therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that is internationally recognized as an empirically supported treatment for acute and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. EMDR Therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing model developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D.
EMDR integrates recognized principles from other therapeutic methods and scientific research
EMDR Therapy includes imaginal exposure, mindfulness, cognitive, and self-control techniques into a structured treatment plan developed to meet the specific needs of each person.
In the reprocessing phases of EMDR Therapy, clients pay attention to a specific memory or situation and focus on alternating bilateral eye movements for 45 to 60 second periods. For clients who do not tolerate or respond well to the bilateral eye movements, alternating tones or touch (such as hand taps) can be used.
Research on EMDR therapy’s means of action and hypotheses regarding effects of bilateral stimulation demonstrate that the sensory stimulation used in EMDR Therapy has several distinct neurobiological effects that contribute to EMDR Therapy’s treatment effects.
Eligibility for training in EMDR Therapy
EMDR International Association only accepts for training existing mental health professionals who are licensed or registered to practice psychotherapy or individuals who are in the process of obtaining such licensure or registration. EMDRIA approved training programs such as The EMDR Center of Canada and Sonoma Psychotherapy Training Institute offer Basic Training in EMDR Therapy.
Introductory information on EMDR Therapy
Introductory information on EMDR Therapy and links to reliable information on EMDR for a general audience are available on the “What is EMDR?” pages of the psychotherapy site for Andrew M. Leeds, Ph.D., Director of Training for Sonoma Psychotherapy Training Institute. This site also provides links to resources for EMDR trained clinicians.