Suzy Matthijssen, PhD

Institution: Utrecht University, Netherlands

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

A randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness, efficiency and treatment acceptability of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, EMDR 2.0 and the Flash technique in patients with post- traumatic stress disorder.

Purpose

A randomized controlled comparison of EMDR, an adapted version of the protocol called EMDR 2.0 and the Flash Technique on their effect on PTSD symptoms as well as their efficiency and acceptability. Comorbid depression, dissociation and avoidance will also be examined. This study expands on the working memory model of EMDR while shedding light on critical components contributing to effective PTSD treatment. 

Karin Slotema, Prof. Dr.

Institution: Erasmus University, Rotterdam

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Trauma-focused EMDR for Personality disorders among Outpatients (TEMPO study). 

Purpose 

A randomized controlled trial for patients with Borderline and Cluster C Personality Disorders to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of EMDR therapy compared to waiting list/treatment as usual. This study may contribute to the recognition of EMDR as an effective treatment for personality disorders.

Anwar Khan, PhD

Institution: Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak, Pakistan

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Post-Traumatic Stress and Comorbid Disorders in Pakistan: A Full-fledged Randomized Controlled Trial 

Purpose 

Large-scale randomized controlled trial comparing EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The interaction between decrease in PTSD symptoms and comorbid anxiety and depression will also be evaluated. Qualitative data will be obtained by client interviews as well as measures of credibility, effectiveness and perceptions about the therapist. This study can expand on previous comparisons of EMDR versus CBT in PTSD treatment in a cross-cultural context. 

Sarah Hubbell, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, NP-C

Institution: University of North Carolina Wilmington School of Nursing

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Implementing Group Traumatic Event Protocol (G-TEP) with Registered Nurses in Hospital Settings to Investigate Burnout, PTSD, Depression, Moral Injury and Enhance Resilience

Purpose

Evaluate the effect of the Group Traumatic Event Protocol (G-TEP) in reducing burnout, PTSD, depression, and moral injury in registered nurses. Assess effectiveness in reducing moral injury and enhancing resilience in healthcare workers who experienced significant trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joyce Baptist, PhD, LCMFT

Institution: Kansas State University

Marilyn Luber, PhD

Institution: Private Practice, Philadelphia, PA

Award: $8,462 Research Award

Project Title

(Re)Defining EMDR

Purpose

The study aims to elicit expert views on how EMDR therapy has evolved over the years and whether the proposed definition of EMDR therapy, categories of EMDR treatment, and glossary of EMDR terms — as articulated by the EMDR Council of Scholars Steering Committee and published as a position paper by Laliotis and colleagues (2021) — reflects current EMDR practice. 

Praveena Rajeswaran Ph.D. Candidate 

Institution: University of New South Wales

Award: $5,000 Dissertation Grant

Project Title

Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Pilot Intervention Trial for Parents Experiencing Early Psychosocial and/or Parenting Challenges Using EMDR

Purpose

Explore the theoretical associations between trauma, attachment and the EMDR Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. 

Yvette Hendrix

Institution: Vrije Universiteit (VU), Netherlands

Award: $5,000 Doctoral Dissertation Award

Project Title

Fear and Trauma in Pregnancy and Delivery — The PERCEIVE Study

Purpose

To determine the effectiveness of early intervention EMDR therapy in preventing PTSD and reducing PTSD symptoms in women with a traumatic birth experience.

Rebecca Suganthi Davidar, MFT, PhD Scholar

Institution: Bangalore, India

Award: $1,000 Travel Award

Presentation Title

Digital Healing: Online EMDR for Couples with Attachment Trauma — Case Study and Insights from an Ongoing Feasibility Trial

Martina Manzoni

Institution: Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Reducing post-traumatic stress in parents of pediatric patients with Muscular Degenerative Disorders using EMDR: a randomized controlled study with a focus on psychological and hemodynamic -physiological changes  

Purpose

Assessment of EMDR as a PTSD treatment for parents of children diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Investigate whether improvement due to EMDR is associated with changes in hemodynamic and physiological brain activity.

Rebecca Suganthi Davidar, PhD Scholar

Institution: CHRIST (Deemed to be University)

Award: $5,000 Dissertation Award

Project Title

Online EMDR for couples experiencing attachment trauma: a feasibility trial.

Purpose

Examine process and feasibility of EMDR for attachment trauma and develop a protocol with high fidelity for online EMDR in couples counseling.

Suzy Matthijssen, PhD

Institution: Utrecht University, Netherlands

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

A randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness, efficiency and treatment acceptability of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, EMDR 2.0 and the Flash technique in patients with post- traumatic stress disorder.

Purpose

A randomized controlled comparison of EMDR, an adapted version of the protocol called EMDR 2.0 and the Flash Technique on their effect on PTSD symptoms as well as their efficiency and acceptability. Comorbid depression, dissociation and avoidance will also be examined. This study expands on the working memory model of EMDR while shedding light on critical components contributing to effective PTSD treatment. 

Karin Slotema, Prof. Dr.

Institution: Erasmus University, Rotterdam

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Trauma-focused EMDR for Personality disorders among Outpatients (TEMPO study). 

Purpose 

A randomized controlled trial for patients with Borderline and Cluster C Personality Disorders to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of EMDR therapy compared to waiting list/treatment as usual. This study may contribute to the recognition of EMDR as an effective treatment for personality disorders.

Anwar Khan, PhD

Institution: Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak, Pakistan

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Post-Traumatic Stress and Comorbid Disorders in Pakistan: A Full-fledged Randomized Controlled Trial 

Purpose 

Large-scale randomized controlled trial comparing EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The interaction between decrease in PTSD symptoms and comorbid anxiety and depression will also be evaluated. Qualitative data will be obtained by client interviews as well as measures of credibility, effectiveness and perceptions about the therapist. This study can expand on previous comparisons of EMDR versus CBT in PTSD treatment in a cross-cultural context. 

Joyce Baptist, PhD

Institution: Kansas State University

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

A randomized controlled trial comparing EMDR, CBT and IPT for the treatment of recurrent depression.

Purpose 

A multisite randomized controlled clinical comparison of EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy in the treatment of recurrent depression. In addition, heart rate variability and its relationship with mood will be examined to predict differential response to the three treatments. This study can expand upon the knowledge base regarding EMDR and other treatments for depression. 

Canan Çitil-Akyol, PhD Candidate

Institution:  Inonu University

Award: $5,000 Doctoral Dissertation Award

Project Title

Effectiveness of an EMDR Oriented Intervention Program on the Traumatic Experiences of Primary School Students 

Purpose 

Primary school children with history of trauma will be treated with EMDR and outcome measured with the Children’s Revised Impact of Event Scale. Researcher and parent diaries documenting the history and effectiveness of treatment will be the subject of content analysis. 

Luca Ostacoli, M.D.

Institution: University of Turin

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Neurobiological effects of EMDR as compared to CBT for the treatment of Depression: emotional processing and autonomic response evaluation.

Purpose

In spite of encouraging preliminary results, EMDR is not yet recognized as an effective therapy for Depression. This study aims to compare the effects of EMDR in comparison to a Gold Standard intervention on measures of Depression, measures of emotional processing and autonomic response during exposure to emotional images. To investigate the correlation between EEG, fMRI and autonomic responses. Individuals with depression will be randomized to 20 sessions of EMDR (Hoffman Depression protocol) or CBT (Beck).  Outcome will be measures with Depression Scales, EEG during exposure to emotional facial images, Heart Rate Variability and fMRI.

Colette Smart, PhD, R. Psych

Institution: 

Award: $1,000 Consultation Grant

Project Title

Using EMDR as Secondary-Prevention in Concussed Individuals: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

Purpose

Individuals at high risk for post-concussion syndrome will be treated with R-TEP or prolonged exposure. Grant for consultant to ensure fidelity to R-TEP protocol. 

Anwar Khan, PhD

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Post-Traumatic Stress and comorbid disorders in Pakistan: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility-Pilot Study

Purpose

Determine the efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of PTSD and its associated comorbid disorders in Pakistan. Determine whether EMDR is equal or superior to CBT and to identify what kinds of ethnocultural problems are faced while testing EMDR and CBT in Pakistan.

Batya Engel-Yeger PhD, Eyal Fruchter PhD & Udi Oren PhD

Institution: University of Haifa, Israel

Award: $25,000 Research Grant - Francine Shapiro Memorial Fund Grant Award

Project Title

Military PTSD symptoms and daily function before and after an EMDR intervention

Published Abstract

Executive function difficulties may be prevalent in people with PTSD, and they might negatively affect their behavior and daily functioning. However, knowledge about the implications of executive function deficits on daily functioning and the assessments that reflect functional limitations is limited. This study aimed to measure how executive function difficulties affect daily functioning in PTSD using ecologically valid assessments that imitate daily activities.

Safi, N., Jahjah, E., Bergmann, E., Fruchter, E., Caspi, Y., Oren, U., ... & Engel-Yeger, B. (2025). Executive functions in post-traumatic stress disorder: their relation to PTSD severity and daily functioning. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16, 1620472. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1620472

Deborah Vinall, PSY-D, LMFT

Institution: 

Award: $5,000 Doctoral Dissertation Award

Project Title

Life after Death: Trauma Sequelae and Life Re-adjustment in Survivors of Mass Shootings Treated with EMDR Therapy

Sara Bertelli, PhD

Institution: Dept. of Mental Health, Milan, Italy

Award: $25,000 Research 

Project Title

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) versus Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: a randomized clinical trial

Purpose 

Monitor the course and outcomes of specific EMDR protocol for Anorexia Nervosa with regard to quantitative outcomes, self-report measures, objective measures of Body Mass Index and EEG coherence and qualitative narrative data on attachment and history of symptomatology. Anorexia protocol focuses on relational trauma contributing to development of maladaptive affect regulation strategies. Control condition is manualized CBT protocol.

Susanna Every-Palmer, PhD

Institution: University of Otago, Wellington, NZ

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

EMDR for PTSD in Forensic Mental Health Services

Purpose 

Test the efficacy, safety and acceptability of EMDR for forensic clients with serious mental illness and co-morbid PTSD. Secondary aim is the qualitative evaluation of clients receiving EMDR in a prison setting.

Anwar Khan, PhD

Award: $1,000 Travel Award

Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in the treatment of posttraumatic stress and comorbid disorders: A systematic review of recent literature

Joyce Baptist, PhD

Institution: Kansas State University

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Treating suicidal drivers with EMDR: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose 

Brief description: Randomized comparison of EMDR vs CBT for focused on the factors (thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness) thought to “drive” suicidality.

Christoph Mueller-Pfeiffer, MD

Institution: University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

EMDR in Treatment in PTSD Following Acute Coronary Syndromes

Purpose

Investigate the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating ACS-induced PTSD in a prospective RCT with waitlist controls

M. Littel, PhD 

Institution: Utrecht University

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Improving addiction-focused EMDR: a reconsolidation-based approach. 

Purpose 

The proposed project aims at a better understanding of the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms involved in the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of addiction, one of the most prevalent mental disorders. Addiction-focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) is currently widely used and, although many initial studies indicate that this intervention might be effective, evidence is not conclusive. To date, AF-EMDR protocols have relied heavily on the original EMDR protocol for PTSD, whereas the nature of addiction memory and trauma memory differ substantially and their desensitization presumably requires different approaches.

A. Roberts PhD, R. Eads LMHC, C.P.A. Brigham LICSW, S. Burnham LICSW, P. Krentzel PhD

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

The examination of the effects of the EMDR Group Traumatic Episode Protocol on anxiety, trauma, and depression in patients living with a Cancer diagnosis within the past year. 

Purpose 

Is group treatment with a variant of EMDR (G-TEP) effective for cancer-related PTSD? 

Published Abstract

The Effects of the EMDR Group Traumatic Episode Protocol, G-TEP with Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this pre-experimental case study was to explore the efficacy and safety of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP) in the psychological treatment of cancer survivors and its potential effects on posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.  Participants (N=35) were patients with various types of cancer, in different stages, initial or recurring, with diagnosis or oncology treatment received within the past year.  Following an individual psychoeducational intake session, participants received two 90-minute EMDR G-TEP sessions, administered on consecutive days. They were randomly assigned to a treatment group or a delayed treatment group. Assessments were administered at pre, post, and follow-up using the Short Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Interview (SPRINT), State-trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Repeated measures comparisons of PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression revealed significant differences between pre-test and post-test, with most results maintained at follow-up. Pre-follow-up effect sizes showed medium effects. These promising results suggest the value in providing a lengthier course of treatment. They support the need for research with large sample, randomized clinical trials to examine the viability of providing EMDR G-TEP in the psychological treatment of cancer survivors. No serious adverse effects were reported and we conclude that the EMDR G-TEP may be effective and safe in the psychological treatment of an oncology population.

JOURNAL OF EMDR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 1 Jan 2018  Vol 12, Issue 3  DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.12.3.105

Dr. I.A.E. Bicanic, Dr. C.A.J. de Jong, Dr. J.H.C. van den Hout, Dr. R.J.C. Huntjens

Institution: Utrecht University

Award: $7,850 Research Grant

Project Title

Early Intervention with EMDR to reduce PTSD symptom severity: A randomized controlled trial in recent rape victims   

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether offering EMDR therapy at an early stage can be efficacious in reducing the symptom severity of post-traumatic stress, and other symptoms of psychopathology in victims of a recent sexual assault.

Marleen Rijkeboer, Marcel van den Hout, Erick ten Broeke

Institution: Utrecht University, Netherlands

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

EMDR as an Innovative Strategy in the Treatment of OCD

Purpose 

The aim of this research is to critically examine the effect of EMDR added to Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) on treatment acceptability and outcome in patients with OCD. The evidence of the effect of EMDR for OCD is scant, although on theoretical grounds and clinical impressions it is hypothesized that EMDR will effectively reduce the impact of fear imagery in OCD, thereby lowering distress. Hence, it is expected that patients will be more prepared to engage in, and less inclined to drop-out, leading to an increase of the overall OCD treatment effect.

G. Di Lorenzo, MD PhD with L. Ostacoli MD; A. Hofmann MD; M. Pagani MD, PhD

Institution: University of Rome

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Neurobiological processing of emotions in Major Depression: Comparing the effects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Anti-Depressant Medication. 

Purpose 

The aims of this study are 1) to compare the neurobiological effects of two different therapeutic interventions (EMDR and Anti-Depressant Medication) on emotion processing in adult patients with Major Depressive Disorder as assessed through High Density-EEG, and 2) to compare the efficacy of different interventions on clinical symptoms.

C. Lee, PhD with A. Arntz PhD, F. Watt MB, BS, FRANZCP & K. Boterhoven de Haan PhD

Institution: Murdoch University, Australia

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) vs. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as treatment of childhood-trauma related PTSD in adults.

Purpose 

This study is to compare these two trauma-focused interventions for treatment of childhood trauma-related PTSD and explore how EMDR therapy and ImRs treatments influence trauma memory narratives.

F.J.J. Ter Heide, PhD with J.W. Knipscheer PhD, T.M. Mooren PhD, R.J. Kleber, Ph.D. & D. Medema MSc

Institution: Utrecht University, The Netherlands

Award: $5130 Research Grant

Project Title

Association between coping style and response to EMDR and stabilization therapy in refugees with PTSD.  

Purpose 

The study aims to determine if coping styles change as a result of EMDR therapy or stabilization therapy, and if different coping styles affect the responses.

Yvette Eriksen

Institution: Charles Sturt University, Australia

Award: $5,000 Doctoral Dissertation Award

Project Title

Ecological Evaluation, Acceptability and Effectiveness of the Standard Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Protocol for Posttraumatic Symptoms with an Aboriginal Australian Community: A Collaborative Mixed Methods Enquiry

Purpose 

This research aims to provide valuable, culturally appropriate evaluation of EMDR to inform future trauma-focused interventions for Indigenous Australian peoples.

Michelle D. Morrissey, MS, LMFT

Institution: Northcentral University, Arizona

Award: $5,000 Doctoral Dissertation Award

Project Title

EMDR-IGTP for Secondary Traumatic Stress/Vicarious Trauma among First Responders

Purpose

This study will consider if the proposed treatment, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing-integrated group treatment protocol (EMDR-IGTP) can decrease PTSD-like symptoms associated with VT/STS and increase post-traumatic growth (PTG).

Amanda Roberts PhD, MA & Larry Shrier MA

Award: $1,000 Consultation Award

Project Title

The EMDR Group Traumatic Events Protocol with an oncology population

Purpose

The ultimate goal of this project is to show that the G-TEP protocol is highly effective and safe for use with cancer patients and significantly reduces post-traumatic symptoms, anxiety and depression.

Dr. Benedikt L. Amann, MD, PhD 

Institution: FIDMAG Research Foundation / CIBERSAM

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Comparison of a novel Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) bipolar protocol versus Supportive Therapy (ST) in the prevention of affective relapses in bipolar patients with a history of trauma: a multicenter single-blind, randomized controlled trial.  

Purpose 

The current study evaluates an EMDR bipolar protocol with a focus on traumatic events, including 5 bipolar sub-protocols. 

Marco Pagani, MD PhD

Institution: Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, CNR — Rome & Padua, Italy

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Neurobiological Features and Response to EMDR Treatment of PTSD in Breast Cancer Patients

Published Abstracts

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common invasive types of cancer among women, with important consequences on both physical and psychological functioning. Patients with BC have a great risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but few studies have evaluated the efficacy of psychological interventions to treat it. Furthermore, no neuroimaging studies have evaluated the neurobiological effects of psychotherapeutic treatment for BC-related PTSD.  The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) as compared to Treatment as Usual (TAU) in BC patients with PTSD, identifying by electroencephalography (EEG) the neurophysiological changes underlying treatments effect and their correlation with clinical symptoms.

Carletto, S., Porcaro, C., Settanta, C., Vizzari, V., Stanizzo, M. R., Oliva, F., ... & Ostacoli, L. (2019). Neurobiological features and response to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in patients with breast cancer. European journal of psychotraumatology, 10(1), 1600832. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2019.1600832

Luca Ostacoli, MD

Institution: University of Turin

Arne Hofmann, MD, PhD

Institution: Cologne University 

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Versus Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Reducing Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Current Depressive Episodes and Recurrent Depression: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose

The current multi-center randomized study is organized from the EDEN network (European Depression EMDR Network) of EMDR Europe. The aim is to study if patients with current Depressive Episode and Recurrent Depressive Disorders benefit from a psychotherapeutic intervention (by using CBT or EMDR) in addition to standard clinical management.

April Wise, MFT LPCC

Institution: California Southern University

Award: $1,000 Consultation Award

Project Title

The Effect of Two Protocols of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing on Persons with Co-occurring PTSD and Addictive disorders.

Erno J. Hermans, PhD; Lycia D. de Voogd, MSc; Jonathan W. Kanen, BSc

Institution: Donders Institute, Netherlands

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Neurobiological basis of EMDR: The medial temporal lobe suppression hypothesis.

Purpose

To further understand the mechanisms by which EMDR Therapy exerts its therapeutic effects and to promote evidence-based practice, this study is designed to investigate the effects of lateral eye movements on fear memory retention in a well-established experimental laboratory model of fear and safety learning. 

Conference Presentation Abstract

Investigating the Effect of Goal-Directed Eye Movements During Extinction on Amygdala Activity and Long-Term Expression of Fear Memory

Poster presented at the Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, October 2015.

Publication

Eye-Movement Intervention Enhances Extinction via Amygdala Deactivation

Lycia D. de Voogd, Jonathan W. Kanen, David A. Neville, Karin Roelofs, Guillén Fernández and Erno J. Hermans

Journal of Neuroscience 3 October 2018,  38 (40) 8694-8706; https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0703-18.2018

E.C. Hurley, PhD

Institution: Soldier Center, Clarksville, TN

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project title: 

A comparative study of the efficacy of EMDR therapy in the treatment of simple PTSD and moral injury among veterans

Purpose: 

An average of 22 veterans a day commit suicide while nearly one-fourth of veterans suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Additionally, many veterans who have served in combat struggle with guilt and moral injury.  There is a continuing need for effective psychological treatment for active duty military personnel and veterans.  This study is designed to measure the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in the treatment of OIF and OEF veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), guilt and moral injury.  

Emre Konuk, MA & Zeynep Zat

Institution: Sivas University

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project title: 

EMDR Treatment Of Fibromyalgia

Purpose: 

Examine the effectiveness of EMDR Fibromyalgia Protocol in fibromyalgia treatment and other psychological problems including depression and trauma related symptoms. 

Joyce Baptist, PhD, LCMFT

Institution: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Award: $25,000 Research Grant

Project title

Developing Evidence-based Practice for EMDR for Depression

Purpose: 

The primary purpose of this project is to further understand the neurological mechanisms of EMDR and to gain more evidence for the efficacy of EMDR in treating depression. This study aligns with EMDR Research Foundation's first research priority -- to substantiate EMDR as an evidenced-based practice for depression.

Lindsay Bira, M.S.

Institution: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

Award: $1000 Travel Award

Project Title

Determining Person-Treatment Fit for Brief Treatment of Trauma in a Community Setting: Which Interventions Are Best for Whom?

Conference Presentation Summary

Presented at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies 30th Annual Meeting, Miami, FL, November 2014.

Elaine Wynne MA LP, Joe Graca PhD & Hector Matascastillo MSW LICSW

Award: $1,000 Consultation Award

Project Title

EMDR Outreach to Military Veterans—The Veterans Resilience Project of Minnesota 

W. Markus (PhD), Dr. G. de Weert, Dr. C.A.J. de Jong, Dr. E.S. Becker, Dr. Hellen Hornsveld

Award: $10,000 Research Grant

Project Title

A Multi-Site Randomized Study to Compare the Effects of EMDR Added to Treatment as Usual (TAU) Versus TAU to Reduce Craving and Drinking Behavior in Alcohol Dependent Outpatients

Purpose

This study aims to determine the feasibility, efficacy and effectiveness of EMDR when added to treatment as usual (TAU) for addiction in alcohol dependent outpatients, compared to TAU only.

Published Abstract

Markus, W., de Weer-van Oene, G.H., Becker, E.S., & DeJong, C.A.J. (2015). A multi-site randomized study to compare the effects of EMDR added to TAU versus TAU to reduce craving and drinking behavior in alcohol dependent outpatients: Study protocol. BMC Psychiatry, 15(51). doi:10.1186/s12888-015-0431-z

Michael L. Blair, PhD & Kathy Harm, PhD

Institution: Crittenton Children's Center, Kansas City, MO

Award: $10,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Children and Adolescents in an Inpatient Setting

Purpose

Comparison of EMDR therapy and Skills-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with children and adolescents in an inpatient acute psychiatric hospital.

Catherine M. Butler, Ed.D, MFT

Award: $1,000 Consultation Award

Project Title

Comparing the Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing to Treatment as Usual for Veterans with Military-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

Institution: Boston University

Ruth Lanius, M.D., PhD

Institution: University of Western Ontario

Award: $10,000 Research Grant

Project Title

Functional Neuroanatomy of Bilateral Eye Movements During Trauma Script Imagery

Published Abstract

Overlapping frontoparietal networks in response to oculomotion and traumatic autobiographical memory retrieval: implications for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.

European Journal of Psychotraumatology (EJPT) Volume 10, 2019 - Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2019.1586265

Kathleen Wheeler PhD, APRN, FAAN; Ronald Ricci PhD; Cheryl Clayton LCSW, CSOTP; James Cole Ed.D.

Award: $10,000 Research Grant

Project Title

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Supportive Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a Relapse Prevention Program (CBT-RP) for Sex Offenders: Treatment Effects and Long-Term Maintenance 

Purpose

This proposal seeks to determine the effectiveness of EMDR in treating sex offenders with Child Sexual Abuse through a randomized clinical trial. 

Catherine M. Butler

Institution: Argosy University, San Diego, CA

Award: $5,000 Doctoral Dissertation Award

Project Title

Title: An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as Compared to Treatment as Usual for Veterans with PTSD.

Dissertation Abstract:

This study is a comparison of EMDR and Treatment as Usual (talk therapy) for veterans with military related PTSD over a 12 session course of treatment in a pre-, post, and follow up design. 

Mcayla Sarno, Psy.D., LMFT 

Award: $1,000 Consultation Award

Project Title

Effectiveness of a 5-Day EMDR Treatment for PTSD

Purpose

This pilot study tested the effectiveness of applying five consecutive days of EMDR treatment to eight

female participants with PTSD symptoms. The mean score for the 8 participants was 3.46, indicating a high level of seriousness of life events. Following EMDR there was a statistically significant pre-post decrease in frequency of re-experiencing, avoidance and numbing symptoms (Wilks’ Lambda = .23; F(2,6) = 9.86, p = .013). Likewise, there was a pre-post decrease in mean intensity of re-experiencing, avoidance and numbing symptoms (Wilks’ Lambda = .23; F(2,6) = 9.86, p = .013).

Marco Pagani, Senior Researcher

Institution: Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, CNR — Rome & Padua, Italy

Giampaolo Nicolais

Institution: Department of Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy

Award: $10,000 Research Grant

Project Title:

Pre- intra- and post-treatment EEG imaging of EMDR Therapy related changes in a cohort of patients and healthy controls 

Published Abstract

Pagani M, DiLorenzo G, Monaco L, Daverio A, Giannoudas I, LaPorta P, Verardo AR, Niolu C, Fernandez I & Siracusano A (2015). Neurobiological response to EMDR therapy in clients with different psychological traumas. Frontiers in Psychology 6:1614. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01614

This study assessed cortical activation differences in real-time upon exposure to traumatic memory using electroencephalography (EEG) to compare neuronal activation throughout the bilateral stimulation phase of EMDR sessions. For the first time, EEG monitoring enabled disclosure of neurobiological differences between groups of clients with different trauma histories during the reliving of the traumatic event. Cortical activations in clients chronically exposed to traumatic memories were moderate, suggesting an association between social and environmental contexts with the neurobiological response to trauma exposure and psychotherapy.

Gail Ironson, MD, PhD

Institution: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

Award: $10,000 Research Grant

Project Title 

The Effect of Three Treatments for Recent Trauma on Trauma-related Cognitions

Purpose

To determine whether (and which) of three brief (4 session) interventions would reduce trauma related cognitions: EMDR, stress management with a trauma focus (SMT), or four sessions of expanded Psychological First Aid (PFA).

Conference Presentation

Blanche Freund, Gail Ironson, and Lindsay Bira

Presented at the EMDRIA meeting Washington D.C. October 2012

Michael Scheeringa, MD, MPH

Institution: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA

Ana Gomez, MA, LPC

Institution: Phoenix, AZ

Award: $10,000 Research Grant

Project Title:       

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy for Depression in Children

Purpose

The aim of this research project was to show that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy is effective for depression in children ages 6–17 years old.

Sarah Schubert 

Institution: Murdoch University, Australia

Award: $5000 Doctoral Dissertation Award

Award: $1500 Award to Student Researcher

Project Title

The Effect of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to Treat Symptoms Following Trauma in Timor Leste

Published

Schubert SJ, Lee CW, deAraujo G, Butler SR, Taylor G, Drummond P. The effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to treat symptoms following trauma in Timor Leste. Journal of Traumatic Stress. 02 March 2016 https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22084

The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for treating trauma symptoms was examined in a postwar/conflict, developing nation, Timor Leste. Participants were 21 Timorese adults with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), assessed as those who scored ≥2 on the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). Participants were treated with EMDR therapy. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Symptom changes post-EMDR treatment were compared to a stabilization control intervention period in which participants served as their own waitlist control. Sessions were 60–90 mins. The average number of sessions was 4.15 (SD = 2.06). Despite difficulties providing treatment cross-culturally (i.e., language barriers), EMDR therapy was followed by significant and large reductions in trauma symptoms (Cohen's d = 2.48), depression (d = 2.09), and anxiety (d = 1.77). At posttreatment, 20 (95.2%) participants scored below the HTQ PTSD cutoff of 2. Reliable reductions in trauma symptoms were reported by 18 participants (85.7%) posttreatment and 16 (76.2%) at 3-month follow-up. Symptoms did not improve during the control period. Findings support the use of EMDR therapy for treatment of adults with PTSD in a cross-cultural, postwar/conflict setting, and suggest that structured trauma treatments can be applied in Timor Leste.

Schubert, S. J., Lee, C. W., & Drummond, P. D. (2016). Eye movements matter, but why? Psychophysiological correlates of EMDR therapy to treat trauma in Timor-Leste. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 10(2), 70-81. DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.10.2.70

This preliminary study examined the physiological correlates of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy when effectively used to treat trauma symptoms in a postconflict, developing nation, Timor-Leste. Participants were 20 Timorese adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms treated with EMDR therapy. PTSD, depression, and anxiety decreased significantly after an average of 4.15 (SD = 2.06) sessions. Continuous measures of heart rate, skin conductance, and respiration were collected during the first and last desensitization sessions. Physiological activity decreased in EMDR desensitization sessions, and eye movement sets were associated with an immediate significant decrease in heart rate and an increase in skin conductance, consistent with an orienting response. This response habituated within and across eye movement sets. These findings suggest that effective EMDR therapy is associated with de-arousal within sessions and that eye movement sets are associated with distinct physiological changes that may aid memory processing. The findings offer insight into the working mechanisms of EMDR when used to treat PTSD symptoms in a real-world, cross-cultural, postwar/conflict setting.