Francine Shapiro and the Origins of EMDR
Introduction
Sometimes, a simple observation can change the world.
In the late 1980s, psychologist Francine Shapiro made an accidental discovery during a walk in the park - a moment that would lead to one of the most widely used and researched trauma therapies in the world: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
The Spark: A Walk That Changed Everything
In 1987, while taking a walk to clear her mind, Shapiro noticed something unexpected.
As her eyes darted back and forth, following squirrels running between branches, the emotional intensity of her distressing thoughts faded.
Intrigued, she tested it deliberately: when she recalled painful memories while moving her eyes side to side, the feelings became less overwhelming. When she stopped, the intensity partially returned - and when she resumed the eye movements, they softened again.
This chance observation became the seed of EMDR.
From Curiosity to Method
Shapiro didn’t stop at self‑experimenting. She invited friends, colleagues, and volunteers to try the technique:
They recalled upsetting memories
She guided their eye movements
Time after time, distress reduced dramatically
Building on these results, Shapiro developed a structured protocol that combined:
Focusing on a traumatic memory
Paying attention to associated thoughts, feelings, and body sensations
Using bilateral stimulation — usually side‑to‑side eye movements, but sometimes taps or tones
By 1989, she published her first controlled study in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, showing significant reductions in PTSD symptoms among Vietnam veterans and sexual assault survivors (Shapiro, 1989).
The Evidence Base
Since then, EMDR has been extensively researched and is now recommended worldwide as a first‑line treatment for trauma and PTSD:
World Health Organization (WHO)
UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense
Australian National Health and Medical Research Council
Meta‑analyses and systematic reviews consistently show EMDR is as effective as trauma‑focused CBT, often achieving results in fewer sessions (Watts et al., 2013).
Why EMDR Matters
Traumatic experiences can cause certain memories to become “stuck” in the brain.
Even years later, reminders can trigger the same emotional and physical reactions as if the trauma is happening right now.
EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories, integrating them so they lose their emotional grip. People often describe feeling lighter, calmer, and freer after EMDR sessions.
Shapiro’s Legacy
From a walk in the park to a globally recognised therapy, Francine Shapiro’s work has transformed trauma treatment. Millions of people worldwide have now used EMDR to heal from PTSD, anxiety, grief, phobias, and more.
Learn EMDR with Mirabilis
At Mirabilis Health, we offer evidence‑based EMDR training designed to help therapists integrate this powerful approach into their practice. Whether you're starting your EMDR journey or expanding your skillset, our courses are grounded in the latest research and international best practices.
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References
Shapiro, F. (1989). Eye movement desensitization: A new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2(2), 199‑223.
World Health Organization (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress.
Watts, B. V., Schnurr, P. P., Mayo, L., Young-Xu, Y., Weeks, W. B., & Friedman, M. J. (2013). Meta-analysis of the efficacy of treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(6), e541–e550.
