EMDR Foundation and EMDRIA Create New Strategic Partnership
(February 15, 2021) The EMDR Foundation (Foundation) and the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) are excited to announce the creation of a strategic partnership between the Foundation and EMDRIA. This new partnership will create new opportunities to advance research in EMDR, and the translation of research into clinical practice in the EMDR community.
The Board of the Foundation and the Board of EMDRIA have been meeting together for extended sessions over the last several months to clarify direction and create a unified strategic plan. This work has been guided by a consultant with broad experience in organizational partnerships and strategic planning. The work will continue as the Boards meet over the coming months to define policies and how programming will be aligned between the two organizations. Both EMDRIA and the Foundation’s mission will be enhanced by a unified work plan and coordinated governance.
“The formalization of a partnership makes so much sense,” said Wendy Freitag, Ph.D., President of the Foundation. “The Foundation Board believes that aligning with EMDRIA and creating a formal partnership will serve the Foundation in several ways. By creating aligned strategic plans and priorities, the two organizations will maximize the impact each has in its unique scope of work. We are building a more coordinated communications plan so the work of the Foundation will be amplified more efficiently to EMDRIA members and the EMDR community at large.”
Wendy Byrd, LPC, LMFT, EMDRIA President concurs and says, “EMDRIA is fully committed to the success of the Foundation’s mission. Our Board is 100% in donating to the Foundation.” She adds, “One of the strategic goals of EMDRIA is to ensure that research in EMDR advances. We want all EMDR clinicians to be research-informed. We also recognize that the research must be of sufficient weight and impact to influence policy and practice broadly in mental health across the globe. As an organization, EMDRIA has committed to providing in-kind support so that the Foundation can devote more resources to its important programming priorities.”
The Foundation will continue its important work in funding research projects already underway and receiving proposals from around the globe for consideration. Additionally, as the partnership matures, the Foundation hopes to grow in its reach for donors and other funding sources that will expand programming. Both Byrd and Freitag note, “As we enter this partnership, we expect to continue the important work the Foundation has ongoing. As the partnership expands, we anticipate broader and deeper programming for the Foundation to help expand research, knowledge, and the practice of EMDR therapy in both the U.S. and globally.”
September, 2020: Annual Membership Meeting Webinar
EMDRIA held its Annual Membership Meeting at the 2020 Virtual Conference in September. Click the "View Meeting" button below to view the recording.
June, 2020: Board Action on Racial Equity and Justice
The EMDRIA Board of Directors has developed the initial steps of a multi-year plan to address racial equity issues within EMDRIA. The plan will call for the development of work groups to study and make recommendations regarding individual/personally mediated racism, and institutional/systemic racism.
June, 2020: Board Action on Virtual and In-Person Training Standards
The EMDRIA Board of Directors voted in its June meeting to extend the interim standards for virtual basic training in EMDR. Additionally, the Board has approved significant changes to standards for in-person basic training that will be developed over the next 18-24 months.