People / Trauma, attachment and body-oriented
Francine Shapiro
Developed EMDR and described its procedures and theoretical framework in clinical and research publications.
At a glance
Lived 1948 to 2019. American. Psychologist.
Active 1987 to 2019. Landmark year 1995. Clinical era: 1990 to 2009, contextual, attachment and trauma.
Lineage: Trauma, attachment and body-oriented. Roles: Modality founder or co-founder; Process and outcome researcher.
Associated modalities: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Psychologist who developed Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and proposed the Adaptive Information Processing model.
Review status: Educational draft, subject review pending. Source status: source checks not documented for this draft. Dates, sources and clinical statements require independent verification and specialist review.
Clinical overview
Francine Shapiro described an observation while walking in 1987 that led her to investigate eye movements and distressing thoughts. She reported an initial controlled study of the procedure in 1989.
Her Adaptive Information Processing model proposes an account of how distressing experiences may be stored and processed. It is a theoretical model, not a settled account of the neural mechanisms of therapy.
Historical and clinical context
EMDR developed from the earlier procedure Shapiro called Eye Movement Desensitization. In her 2018 account, she describes the development of a broader therapy and information-processing framework.
NICE guidance for England and Wales recommends EMDR for adults with PTSD or clinically important symptoms in specified circumstances after non-combat-related trauma. Recommendations differ according to the time since the event.
Core therapeutic contributions
Adaptive Information Processing model. Shapiro proposed a model for understanding distressing experiences and therapeutic change. Its claims about memory processing are theoretical.
EMDR therapy. Her work described an eight-phase approach that includes preparation, assessment, processing, closure and re-evaluation.
Earlier study. The 1989 Journal of Traumatic Stress article reported an initial controlled study of the procedure then called Eye Movement Desensitization.
In the consulting room
Therapeutic stance. Shapiro described a structured approach in which the practitioner attends to the client’s individual needs and preparation.
Signature practices. EMDR is described as a phased therapy that can use eye movements, taps or tones alongside attention to target memories; The form and pace of treatment are matters for discussion with a trained practitioner
Common misreadings. Treating a theoretical explanation of memory processing as an established biological finding; Assuming that research on PTSD establishes equal benefit for every concern or person
Landmark clinical works
1989, Efficacy of the Eye Movement Desensitization Procedure in the Treatment of Traumatic Memories (paper). Initial randomised study introducing the procedure in the Journal of Traumatic Stress.
1995, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed. 2018) (book). Clinical textbook presenting Shapiro’s account of the model and procedures. The linked source is a chapter excerpt from the 2018 third edition.
2012, Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy (book). Accessible guide translating AIP theory and memory-network tracing for the general public.
Clinical critiques and limitations
The mechanisms of EMDR, including the role of bilateral stimulation, remain a subject of research. A 2018 systematic review identified several proposed mechanisms and called for better-controlled studies.
A 2013 Cochrane review found a reduction in clinician-rated symptoms relative to waiting list or usual care in adults with chronic PTSD, but rated evidence for its comparisons very low quality and reported limited long-term follow-up. These findings should not be generalised to every population or clinical concern.
Clinical genealogy
Influences and mentors: Joseph Wolpe; Pierre Janet.
Collaborators: Robbie Dunton; Louise Maxfield; Roger Solomon; Deany Laliotis.
Students and successors: Roger Solomon; Deany Laliotis; Laurel Parnell; Ad de Jongh.
Sources and inspection notes
Supports: A dated check of its relevance to this profile is not recorded for this draft
Supports: A dated check of its relevance to this profile is not recorded for this draft
Supports: A dated check of its relevance to this profile is not recorded for this draft
Supports: A dated check of its relevance to this profile is not recorded for this draft
Supports: A dated check of its relevance to this profile is not recorded for this draft