“Violence begets violence…. we must integrate our therapeutic practices and our scientific rigor in the service of humanity.”

These words from Dr. Francine Shapiro, who originated EMDR therapy in 1987, are as relevant today as they were in 2001:

“Whether individuals are suffering from traumata engendered in developing countries or within the inner cities of developed nations, there is evidence that violence begets violence and that some of our most prevalent social problems are correlated with trauma histories. Specific research is needed to explore the degree to which successful treatment of trauma decreases the amount of high risk and /or perpetrator behavior and deters further victimizations.

Specific research is also needed to explore the degree to which neurobiological changes correlated with traumatization, cognitive deficits, affect dysregulation, and perpetrator behavior can be reversed with the judicious application of EMDR, or any other treatment, within a multimodal treatment plan. It seems self- evident that the ideal way to address pressing societal needs, on both local and global levels, is by the integration of science and practice.” (Shapiro, 2001 p. 383)

“As a helping profession, we must take help to where it is most needed. As a global network of committed clinicians and researchers, we must integrate our therapeutic practices and our scientific rigor in the service of humanity.’ (Shapiro, 2001, p. 384)”

Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. (2nd ed.) New York: Guilford Press.