Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an empirically validated, integrative psychotherapy approach that is compatible with all clinical orientations. Guided by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, it enables therapists to provide effective and efficient treatment to eliminate the clinical consequences of psychological trauma and other negative life experiences. Couple and marriage and family therapists can utilize EMDR to break through clinical impasses.

The ability to rapidly treat unprocessed memories of adverse life experiences has important implications, as demonstrated by research that shows such memories are the foundation for an extensive array of psychological and somatic symptoms. Clinical applications of EMDR therapy include a wide variety of psychological problems, as well as stress-induced physical disorders and medically unexplained symptoms.

This presentation will provide a brief overview of EMDR therapy research and clinical procedures, including the advantages it provides to practicing clinicians. For instance, three controlled studies have indicated that 84%–100% of single-trauma victims no longer have posttraumatic stress (PTSD) after approximately 5.4 hours of EMDR therapy. As indicated in the World Health Organization (2013) practice guidelines, trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the only psychotherapies recommended for children, adolescents, and adults with PTSD. The guidelines also state: “Unlike CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR does not involve (a) detailed descriptions of the event, (b) direct challenging of beliefs, (c) extended exposure, or (d) homework.” (p.1). The EMDR therapy procedures, clinical applications, and implications for therapy practice will be explored during the presentation.

This web conference is beginning instructional level and designed to help clinicians:

  1. Utilize the basic principles of the Adaptive Information Processing model;
  2. Explain the phases of EMDR therapy treatment;
  3. Examine the effects and treatment of unprocessed memories;
  4. Discuss how EMDR therapy can be integrated within diverse clinical orientations.

If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference, or would like more information, please contact contact us here.

How the Web Conference Works

Attendees who register for this event will log in to the web conference center by using a computer and calling in to the teleconference line. Attendees will be able to ask live audio questions via phone and/or submit text chat questions via computer. Live streaming video and/or document sharing will also be available to participants. Alternatively, attendees may dial in to the teleconference line only, though attendees dialing in by phone only will be unable to ask questions.

Before the scheduled event, all registered attendees will be sent a reminder email with specific instructions on how to log in to the web conference center, as well as links to optional handout materials if applicable.

This event will include lecture and question-and-answer periods. A recording of the web conference will be available to members in GoodTherapy.org's Continuing Education Archives within two weeks. After the live event, a written transcript of the event will be available in the Member's Area. Members of GoodTherapy.org can receive continuing education credits for attending this event by logging in to the GoodTherapy.org Member's Area.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

One CE credit will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety.

GoodTherapy.org is also an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within counseling services.

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org, provider #1352, is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. ASWB Approval Period: March 30, 2016 through March 30, 2019. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers participating in this course will receive two clinical continuing education clock hours.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

Registration Information

This web conference is available at no cost to GoodTherapy.org members.

Event Reviews from Members

"I was blown away by how useful EMDR is in meeting the needs of clients with various trauma histories, as well as its ability to treat pedophiles and other typically resistant maladapted behaviors." - Carl Golden, MS, MA, LMHCA

Meet the Presenter

Francine Shapiro, PhD

Dr. Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a scientifically supported treatment for trauma and other adverse life experiences. Numerous organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) have designated EMDR as a frontline treatment for PTSD. She also founded the Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP), a nonprofit organization that offers treatment and training for worldwide populations that are underserved. 

Dr. Shapiro's nonprofit gained attention from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) and received the "Clinical Excellence" award. The World Council for Psychotherapy and the City of Vienna presented her with the International Sigmund Freud Award, and Dr. Shapiro has received numerous other awards in the psychology field throughout her career. She has published many articles and books about EMDR, and her recent book is designed for the general public and for therapists: Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy. For more information about Dr. Shapiro and EMDR, please visit EMDR Institute, Inc.