EMDR 12 years after its introduction: Past and future research

This article by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. reviews the historical context and empirical research of EMDR over the past 12 years since its introduction.

Article Abstract

“Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was one of the first treatments of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to be evaluated in controlled research and has to date been empirically supported by 13 such studies. This article reviews the historical context and empirical research of EMDR over the past dozen years. Historically, EMDR’s name has caused confusion in that “desensitization” is considered to be only a by-product of reprocessing and because the eye movement component of EMDR is only one form of dual stimulation to be successfully used in this integrative approach. Research is needed to determine the comparative efficacy of EMDR relative to cognitive-behavioral treatments of PTSD. However, this has been hampered by the lack of independent replication studies of the latter treatments. Current component analyses of EMDR have failed to effectively evaluate the relative weighting of its procedures. Parameters for future research and the testing of protocols for diverse disorders are suggested.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

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Shapiro, F. (2002a). EMDR 12 years after its introduction: Past and future research. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.1126

About the Author

Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. (1948–2019) was the founder of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. A licensed psychologist and Senior Research Fellow at the Mental Research Institute (CA), she founded the EMDR Institute and encouraged the development of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Dr. Shapiro authored many books and articles including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures in its 3rd edition in 2018, and Getting past your past: Take control of your life with self-help techniques from EMDR therapy (2012). She was a frequent presenter and teacher and won numerous awards including the California Psychological Association’s Distinguished Scientific Achievement in Psychology Award in 1993 and the International Sigmund Freud Award for Psychotherapy in 2002.

About the Journal

“The Journal of Clinical Psychology is a clinical psychology and psychotherapy journal devoted to research, assessment, and practice in clinical psychological science. In addition to papers on psychopathology, psychodiagnostics, and the psychotherapeutic process, we welcome articles on psychotherapy effectiveness research, psychological assessment and treatment matching, clinical outcomes, clinical health psychology, and behavioral medicine. The journal’s ‘In Session’ section focuses on the clinical challenges confronting psychotherapists, in the form of either a distinct patient population or a therapeutic dilemma.”

—Description from publisher