EMDR Research Foundation: Research Consultation Awards Grant

The EMDR Research Foundation offers Research Consultation Awards of up to $1,000 for clinicians and researchers to enhance EMDR therapy research. By facilitating expert consultation, the Foundation seeks to improve research design and methodologies, ultimately contributing to the advancement of evidence-based practices in trauma treatment.

History of the EMDR Research Foundation
The EMDR Research Foundation story began in 2006 when it was formed to raise funds to support research in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. For nearly 20 years, the EMDR Research Foundation has been dedicated to promoting quality, unbiased research in EMDR. With the support of EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) and Dr. Francine Shapiro, the EMDR Research Foundation became an independent 501c (3) non-profit organization.
About EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR therapy includes a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. To date, EMDR has helped millions of people of all ages relieve many types of psychological stress.
Research consultation awards of up to $1,000 are available for clinicians, post-doctoral students, or university faculty interested in conducting research on EMDR and disseminating findings to the practice and scientific communities. The purpose of this award is to facilitate access to required expertise that would advance the development of an EMDR research project, to support the completion of an EMDR research project underway, or the writing of an article on EMDR for publication in a professional journal.
Areas of Priority
The current (2020 research) priorities were adopted by the EMDR Research Foundation in December 2013:
1st Priority – Advancing Evidence-Based Practice: Increase the availability of quality EMDR research in areas where we already have a foot-hold in the literature but where more evidence is needed. Specifically, those areas are in the use of EMDR therapy to treat:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Military PTSD
• Phantom Limb Pain
• To enhance recovery from the impact of cardiac events and the diagnosis and treatment of cancer

2nd Priority – Addressing the Global Burden of Trauma: Investigate the use of EMDR in natural or man-made disaster responses, by determining the effectiveness of the following protocols: early intervention protocols, the child or adult group protocols, or the use of EMDR standard protocols in disaster response.
3rd Priority – Building Clinical Evidence: There are several areas where EMDR therapy is being used, clinical observations are positive, and there are some research indicators of success. However, more research is needed to build a body of literature in these populations or diagnostic categories, including but not limited to:

• AddictionsEating disorders
• Dissociative disorders
• Additional medical/somatic conditions
• Suicide prevention and to address the impact of suicide
• These priorities apply to research across the lifespan so that a study might address, for example, adolescent addiction, or geriatric depression.
• Allowable Expenses

The applicant may only use the award to cover the costs of consultation needed for the proposed project, such as for research design, research methods, statistical analysis, fidelity ratings or publication. In the case of an applicant who is a researcher, consultation could be sought for the clinical application of EMDR, fidelity checks/raters or training.

Eligibility

This award is envisioned for clinicians with expertise in EMDR who are interested in advancing knowledge about EMDR through research but are in need of consultation from someone with expertise in research design, research methods, statistical analysis, fidelity ratings and publication in professional journals. Doctoral and post-doctoral students or university faculty members with research expertise are also eligible to apply to obtain consultation from clinicians with expertise in EMDR. If the consultation grant is awarded, the affiliated institution must assume responsibility for and serve as the fiscal agent for the project. The applicant will assume responsibility for and serve as the fiscal agent for any project without an institutional affiliation.
As an international organization the EMDR Research Foundation accepts proposals from the U.S. and international applicants; however, applications must be submitted in English and budgets developed in U.S. dollars.