Francine Shapiro was an American psychologist who developed EMDR in the late 1980s. She initially discovered the therapeutic potential of bilateral stimulation while taking a walk in nature, noticing that her own distressing thoughts became less intense as she moved her eyes rapidly back and forth. Inspired by this observation, she began experimenting with using bilateral stimulation as a therapeutic intervention for trauma. Shapiro's goal was to develop a method that could help individuals process traumatic memories more effectively and alleviate their emotional distress in the present.

Breaking down the complexity of EMDR, it essentially helps your brain rewire how it deals with distressing memories. By simultaneously recalling these memories and engaging in certain actions like eye movements, it's like giving your brain a new perspective on those experiences. This process helps to diminish the emotional impact of the memories over time, allowing you to integrate them more effectively into your life without being overwhelmed by them. In essence, it's a targeted approach to helping your mind heal from past trauma.

EMDR is well-researched, particularly for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related conditions. Numerous studies have been conducted over the past few decades, providing substantial evidence for the efficacy of EMDR in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall psychological well-being. EMDR is recognized as an evidence-based treatment by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Francine Shapiro established the practice of EMDR in 1987. When she was presenting her research and findings, there was some skepticism at first. This was in part due to the lack of understanding regarding the mind-body connection, meaning how trauma, past memories, and distressing emotions can be stored both in the mind and body. We now have better understanding of these concepts and EMDR is now accepted and used world wide as noted above.

“As with any field, if something does not fit into the current understanding of how things work, it raises eyebrows, hackles or both.” -Francine Shapiro

EMDR is flexible where it can be utilized for both severe traumatic experiences and minor life stressors. It can also address specific issues such as anxiety, substance use, overeating, smoking, etc. EMDR can be used for both adults and adolescents.

Appropriateness and readiness for EMDR should be assessed by the therapist and explained to the client. A few areas that are of concern would be clients who are in active addiction, experiencing significant suicidal ideations, and high levels of disassociation.