1987 – Origins of EMDR
Psychologist Francine Shapiro observed that rapid side-to-side eye movements helped reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories.
This evolved into a structured procedure combining desensitisation with cognitive processing.
Early clinical studies showed substantial reductions in trauma-related distress.
This evolved into a structured procedure combining desensitisation with cognitive processing.
Early clinical studies showed substantial reductions in trauma-related distress.
1990 – EMDR Institute Founded
By 1990, training programs had begun and the EMDR Institute was founded.
In 1991, the method was renamed Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to reflect its dual focus on desensitisation and reprocessing.
In 1991, the method was renamed Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to reflect its dual focus on desensitisation and reprocessing.
1995 – International Recognition
An international association was established to standardise EMDR training and practice.
Over the next three decades, EMDR gained recognition from global health organisations as a recommended treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Over the next three decades, EMDR gained recognition from global health organisations as a recommended treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Late 1980s–1990s – EMDR Arrives in Australia
Don Heggie, a decorated Australian World War II bomber pilot and successful businessman, lived for decades with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
After surviving the loss of his crew and enduring years as a prisoner of war, he struggled with unexplained nightmares, flashbacks, and sudden fits of anger.
In the late 1980s, Don flew to California to receive treatment from Dr Francine Shapiro.
After six sessions, he reported: “I have not had a PTSD-related nightmare since.”
He then funded Australian clinicians to train in the U.S. and brought EMDR workshops to Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
After surviving the loss of his crew and enduring years as a prisoner of war, he struggled with unexplained nightmares, flashbacks, and sudden fits of anger.
In the late 1980s, Don flew to California to receive treatment from Dr Francine Shapiro.
After six sessions, he reported: “I have not had a PTSD-related nightmare since.”
He then funded Australian clinicians to train in the U.S. and brought EMDR workshops to Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
1990s–2000s – Growth in Australia
Thanks to Don’s vision and generosity, EMDR spread through Australia faster than anywhere else in the world.
Thousands of therapists have since been trained, leading to widespread clinical use and internationally recognised research led by Australians.
His legacy is extraordinary — a story of hope, healing, and generosity that transformed countless lives.
Thousands of therapists have since been trained, leading to widespread clinical use and internationally recognised research led by Australians.
His legacy is extraordinary — a story of hope, healing, and generosity that transformed countless lives.
2008 – Formation of EMDRAA
In 2008, a group of therapists met in Sydney to revive and formalise the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA).
They formed an interim leadership team, wrote a constitution, and aligned accreditation standards with those used overseas.
They formed an interim leadership team, wrote a constitution, and aligned accreditation standards with those used overseas.
2010 – Accreditation Milestone
EMDRAA held its first Accredited Consultant training in 2010 with the support of an experienced trainer from the United Kingdom.
An Accreditation and Standards Committee followed in 2011.
An Accreditation and Standards Committee followed in 2011.
2012–2020 – Medicare Recognition
EMDRAA began work in 2012 to have EMDR recognised as a Focused Psychological Strategy under Medicare’s Better Access Scheme.
After years of submissions, research evidence, and direct advocacy with government, EMDR was recommended in the 2019 MBS Review.
On 1 May 2020, EMDR was officially added to the list of approved therapies, allowing eligible clients to access Medicare rebates.
After years of submissions, research evidence, and direct advocacy with government, EMDR was recommended in the 2019 MBS Review.
On 1 May 2020, EMDR was officially added to the list of approved therapies, allowing eligible clients to access Medicare rebates.
2013–Present – Growth and Impact
Beginning in the early 2010s, the association underwent leadership transitions and has expanded steadily since.
Membership grew from around 100 in 2014 to more than 2,500 by mid-2025.
This growth reflects the dedication of past and current directors and chairs, along with volunteers and staff overseeing accreditation, training, equity, diversity and inclusion, and policy development.
EMDRAA now hosts webinars and annual conferences featuring international EMDR experts, connects the public with trained therapists, and advocates for Medicare rebates and trauma-informed care nationwide.
Membership grew from around 100 in 2014 to more than 2,500 by mid-2025.
This growth reflects the dedication of past and current directors and chairs, along with volunteers and staff overseeing accreditation, training, equity, diversity and inclusion, and policy development.
EMDRAA now hosts webinars and annual conferences featuring international EMDR experts, connects the public with trained therapists, and advocates for Medicare rebates and trauma-informed care nationwide.
