Each year, up to 800,000 people die by suicide – with 20 times that number attempting suicide. Consequently, millions of people are affected or experience suicide trauma and bereavement every year. (WHO, 2017)

Despite advances in mental health treatment and public health efforts, these numbers are steadily rising in all age groups. More research is needed to ease the suffering caused by the tragedy of suicide. Case reports indicate that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy may make a difference in suicide prevention and treatment of those who are at high risk of suicide, as well as the treatment of those who have lost a loved one to suicide or been exposed to suicide attempts.

Solid research is needed to expand our knowledge so that more effective help can become widely available. You can help to prevent or ease the suffering of suicide.

To help reduce the contagion of suicide, prevent suicide, and reduce the suffering from suicide:
Donate to the Marcia Murray Memorial Fund for Research in Suicide Prevention and Surivor Support

If you have a personal story about how EMDR therapy has helped you, a loved one, or a client struggling with suicide ideation or suicide loss, please consider sharing your experience by emailing us at info@emdrresearchfoundation.org


The EMDR Research Foundation is pleased to announce the development of “The Marcia Murray Memorial Fund: Dedicated to Research in Suicide Prevention and Survivor Support.” All monies donated to this fund will be earmarked for research that investigates EMDR therapy with individuals at high risk of suicide and those who have been impacted by the trauma of suicide loss or exposure to suicide attempts.

Examples of research questions that may be explored include, but are not limited to:

  • How does EMDR therapy impact the grief trajectory for those who have experienced a loss by suicide?
  • Does EMDR therapy reduce suicide ideation in those exposed to suicide attempts or loss by suicide?
  • Does EMDR therapy reduce the risk of suicide in high risk populations – for example, military personnel, those suffering from PTSD, those with substance use issues, depressive disorders, and those who have experienced suicidal threats by other during childhood or loss by suicide in childhood?
  • When is an individual with suicide ideation and/or past suicide attempts ready for the reprocessing phases of EMDR therapy? What interventions are effective in phase two preparation prior to reprocessing?
  • How does EMDR therapy assist therapists and other health professionals in resolving the personal and professional impact resulting from a client’s suicide?

Researchers interested in advancing our effectiveness in suicide prevention and survivor support: Learn more about grants available from the EMDR Research Foundation