This post is Part 4 of a 4 part series featuring EMDRIA Trailblazers.
- View Part 1 on Changes in The Field of EMDR Therapy
- View Part 2 on How EMDR Changed Our Careers
- View Part 3 on Recommendations for Newly Trained EMDR therapists
EMDRIA Trailblazers
We are celebrating the EMDRIA Trailblazers, EMDR therapists who have been with EMDRIA and practicing EMDR therapy for more than 20 years! These EMDR therapists have been navigating discovery and critique in the EMDR field while gathering wisdom and continually honing for excellence. We polled these members and asked for responses to:
“What would you like people outside the EMDR community to know about EMDR therapy?”
“We have come a long way in promoting the evidence base, but we need to continue this effort. In my experience with the medical community, the evidence base has the most significant impact on their perceptions. ” *** Sandra Barker, Ph.D., NCC, LPC
“It works! It’s well researched and is one of the most effective and efficient forms of therapy around.” *** Max Bowen, LCPC
“I try to have an accessible and understandable way of describing EMDR therapy to people. I talk to patients, non-EMDR therapists, doctors, friends, family, and anyone who asks. My pitch includes simple neurobiological descriptions, memory reconsolidation, examples of actual experiences I have witnessed and a brief outline of the process. I also include logistical information so people can know what EMDR therapy looks like and what’s involved.” *** WSB
“An EMDRIA approved EMDR therapy is more than simple training. It is the most intense experience of learning how experiences change how people think about themselves and what a well trained EMDR therapist can do to give people their lives back. The training itself is a game changer.” *** DaLene Forester, Ph.D.
“I would like people outside the EMDR community to know how effective and efficient the therapy is and to be sure to find a well-qualified therapist. Having been trained years ago does not imply, by any means, that the therapist is qualified or up to date. I advise people to ask a potential therapist to explain the AIP model and, if that therapist cannot explain coherently, to find someone who can do so.” *** Susan Goodell, MA, MS, MFT (Retired Member)
“It is evidence-based, especially for helping clients work through traumatic memories. Many clients can continue to see a different primary therapist while seeing an EMDR therapist to process their trauma.” *** Linda Hinkle, Ph.D. HSPP
“I want them to know how rapid and effective EMDR therapy is for transforming traumatic and distressing events that keep us from living a complete life.” *** Priscilla Marquis, Ph.D.
“If you are living with PTSD, whether military, childhood abuse, assaults, and the like, EMDR is a gold standard for resolving your symptoms.” *** Linda Nordquist, LCSW (Retired Member)
“It provides the most effective psychotherapy available with trained clinicians. *** Elaine Ortman, Nurse Practitioner
“EMDR psychotherapy truly changes lives for those engaging in the therapy as well as their family members and friends.” *** Mary C. Ray, LCSW, ACSW, CSCT, SEP
“If you’re a therapist, learn EMDR. It’s an amazing tool. If you aren’t a therapist, if you get traumatized or have a trauma history, get a good EMDR therapist to make it go away. Send your friends and family, if they need it.” *** Robin Shapiro, LICSW
“In addition to helping individuals dealing with complex trauma, EMDR therapy allows individuals to work through personal challenges, such as grief, addiction, and anxiety, that may be holding the individual back from connecting with others and accomplishing their goals. EMDR therapy can help to empower clients and improve communication.” *** Laura L. Steele, PsyD
“I would like people outside of the EMDR community to know that there is hope for individuals who have experienced trauma or are struggling with other mental health issues. EMDR is well-suited for dealing with trauma relating to diversity and racial issues while respecting an individual’s cultural background. While it might seem like an unusual therapy, EMDR is well-researched and effective psychotherapy. Hope is spelled E-M-D-R.” *** Jamie Zabukovec, Psy.D.
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Additional Resources
If you are a therapist interested in the EMDR training:
- Learn more about EMDR at the EMDRIA Library
- Learn more about EMDR Training
- Search for an EMDR Training Provider
- Check out our EMDR Training FAQ
If you are EMDR trained:
- Check out EMDRIA’s Let’s Talk EMDR Podcast
- Check out the EMDRIA blog, Focal Point
- Learn more about EMDRIA membership
- Search for Continuing Education opportunities
If you are an EMDRIA Member:
Date
November 4, 2022
