Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

“This third edition provides an updated and comprehensive—yet very accessible—description of Shapiro's pioneering technique. Shapiro has consistently promoted research to substantiate the efficacy of EMDR therapy and has also incorporated the feedback she has received from both clinicians and clients. EMDR is a sophisticated, highly integrative treatment that draws from a variety of theoretical orientations. It is experiential and client centered, with the goal of assisting clients to reprocess and heal from their dysfunctional storage of trauma-based material. This book should be in the libraries of all clinicians—it has changed the way trauma is treated and has broad applicability to myriad other mental health conditions.”

—Christine A. Courtois, PhD, ABPP, private practice (retired), Washington, DC; consultant and trainer, trauma psychology and treatment, Bethany Beach, Delaware


“An excellent resource on an important evidence-based treatment for traumatic stress. This book is relevant for all practitioners interested in EMDR therapy, including novices as well as those who already use the approach. The third edition offers a wealth of detail to guide the reader in applying EMDR across a range of clinical presentations. Highly recommended.”

—David Forbes, PhD, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne; Director, Phoenix Australia—Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health


“EMDR revolutionized the treatment of PTSD and has emerged as a front-line therapy for multiple forms of psychological trauma. The third edition of this foundational work underscores EMDR's integrative nature, research support, and sensitive adaptations to diverse populations. The clinical aids, client transcripts, and fidelity scales will prove a boon to practitioners and researchers alike.”

—John C. Norcross, PhD, ABPP, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of Scranton


“It's not easy to take a classic and improve on it, but that's what Shapiro has done in this third edition, with her usual combination of incisive writing, scientific rigor, and deep compassion for human suffering. The strength of EMDR's research base is now available in one easily accessible place, a testament to Shapiro's decades of insistence that no matter how clinically useful EMDR therapy might be, it needs to be supported by empirical data. The book clearly describes applications to the range of posttraumatic responses as well as other clinical problems. It is truly a gift for clinicians—and our clients.”

—Laura S. Brown, PhD, ABPP, past president, Division of Trauma Psychology, American Psychological Association; private practice, Seattle, Washington


“The third edition expands on EMDR's proposed mechanisms of action and presents updated research beyond posttraumatic stress disorder, including applications for complex problems such as addictions and dissociative disorder. It is especially encouraging to see the link between trauma and addiction made clear, given the worldwide epidemic that addiction has become.”

—Susan Brown, LCSW, private practice, La Mesa, California