Council of Scholars
The EMDR Council of Scholars brings together internationally recognized researchers, published authors, and clinical experts to help advance the future of EMDR therapy.
The Council grew out of the Future of EMDR Therapy Project, which was approved by the EMDR International Association Board of Directors in 2018. Its first symposium was held in 2019, creating an international forum for leaders in EMDR research, practice, and training to examine the field’s current evidence, challenges, and opportunities.
Advancing the Field of EMDR Therapy
Council members collaborate through four working groups focused on:
- Clinical practice
- Research
- Training and credentialing
- Defining EMDR therapy
Together, these groups explore how research better informs clinical practice, where additional evidence is needed, how training and competency standards could evolve, and how EMDR therapy could be clearly defined as the field continues to grow.
Selected Contributions
The Council’s work produced resources that continue to inform conversations about EMDR therapy and its future.
Defining EMDR Therapy
The “What Is EMDR?” Work Group developed a consensus-based definition of EMDR therapy and examined how to distinguish established EMDR therapy from modifications, innovations, and EMDR-derived techniques.
Its findings were published in the position paper What Is EMDR Therapy? Past, Present, and Future Directions. The article also introduced shared terminology intended to support greater clarity across EMDR research, clinical practice, and training.
Identifying Research Priorities
The Research Work Group reviewed the state of EMDR therapy research and identified areas in which stronger evidence could support future clinical guidelines and broader applications of EMDR therapy.
Its position paper, The Current Status of EMDR Therapy, Specific Target Areas and Goals for the Future, examined research involving children and adolescents with PTSD, early EMDR interventions, combat-related PTSD, depression, chronic pain, and the cost-effectiveness of EMDR therapy.
Sharing Knowledge with the EMDR Community
Council members also shared their work through presentations and videos addressing the future of EMDR therapy and important areas for continued research and development.