History of the EMDR Research Foundation

The EMDR Research Foundation story began in 2006 when it was formed to raise funds to support research in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. For nearly 20 years, the EMDR Research Foundation has been dedicated to promoting quality, unbiased research in EMDR. With the support of EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) and Dr. Francine Shapiro, the EMDR Research Foundation became an independent 501c (3) non-profit organization.

From the time of its inception, with the help of generous donors, the EMDR Research Foundation has supported research with a mission to inform, strengthen, and expand the understanding and effectiveness of EMDR. To this day, the EMDR Research Foundation serves the community and carries on the spirit of Dr. Francine Shapiro’s vision of Research, Research, Research.

In 2010, the EMDR Research Foundation met and exceeded the First Fundraising Campaign goal of $100,000. In 2011, Visionary Alliance was formed with over 130 charter members pledging monthly donations. Thanks to the generosity of individual and Visionary Alliance donors, the EMDR Research Foundation has awarded over $750,000 in grants to support 48 research, dissertation, and consultation projects.

Highlights

    4 Dedicated Funds

    Military-in-Action Newsletter

    Clinical Newsletter

    EMDR Early Intervention Toolkit

    Updated Current Research Listing

    EMDR Fidelity Rating Scale (EFRS) house on Foundation website

Dedicated Funds

Hope for Children Fund: Created in memory of Carol York, EMDRIA’s first Executive Director and a pioneer in working with children, all funds raised are used for research on EMDR therapy with children.

Suicide Prevention & Survivor Support Fund: Thanks to a bequest from E.M. “Sandy” Murray to memorialize his oldest daughter, Marcia Murray, all funds raised are used to support EMDR therapy research in suicide prevention and survivor support.

Early Intervention (EEI) Dedicated Fund: All funds raised are used for research to determine the long-term effectiveness of EMDR Early Intervention (EEI) and to evaluate whether it can prevent the eventual development of PTSD.

Francine Shapiro Memorial Fund: In honor of the memory of Dr. Francine Shapiro, the EMDR Research Foundation has established a Francine Shapiro Memorial Fun