It Started with Francine: EMDR & Spirituality

The Mystery of the Chance Discovery
Was It An Awakening Experience?

Sophia Barna M.Ed., M.S.W., R.S.W.
EMDR Therapist, Consultant & Trainer

“Individual stories matter, even to research.
Find a way to get your story out there.” Francine Shapiro

            Francine Shapiro, the developer of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, is a figure whose life and work blend science with a hint of the mystical. Her groundbreaking discovery of EMDR, famously referred to as the “walk in the park,” is often described as a chance observation. But could it also have been a spiritual awakening?
Shapiro’s journey, marked by personal trauma, deep introspection, and a quest for understanding the mind-body connection, raises intriguing questions about the nature of her discovery and its deeper implications. When she was 17, Francine’s life was deeply affected by the death of her 9 years old sister, Debra. This early encounter with loss had a profound impact on her, fostering a sensitivity to grief and trauma that would later become central to her professional work (Warren, 2019).
Francine’s journey took another turn in 1979 when, having completed all but her dissertation in English literature, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This was a turning point in Francine’s personal life as well as the seed from which, 10 years later, EMDR would be born.
In an interview with Joany Spierings from the Dutch EMDR Association, when asked,
“How did you discover EMDR?” Francine answered:
It started 10 years before the actual discovery, when I got cancer. And that changed my concentration from the work I was doing for a Ph.D. in English literature and put the concentration on mind and body. Because the whole area of psycho-immuno-neurology was just beginning to arise. And we were beginning to be aware of the interaction between stress and different disease processes. It seemed very intriguing to me that we were able as a society to be so technologically advanced that we could put a man on the moon, but we still weren’t aware of how to deal with mind and body issues. So it attracted my attention. So I started to use my mind and my body as a laboratory to explore these different interventions and different techniques.” (Spierings, 2009).
Following her cancer diagnosis, Shapiro took these words to heart. She recalled the impact of her doctor’s blunt words when he announced that she was cancer-free:
“Your cancer is gone, but x percent get it back. We don’t know who and we don’t know how. So, good luck!” (Warren, 2019).
Deciding to leave her life in New York behind, she sold her possessions, bought a Volkswagen camper, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery across the United States. This quest led Shapiro to a period of deep introspection, much of which took place in the solitude of the desert.
As noted by Jen Savage in the “Notice That” Podcast episode “Remembering Francine Shapiro,” this period was marked by profound spiritual reflection. Savage reflects on the image of Shapiro in the desert, describing it as a spiritual moment filled with personal growth: “What a spiritual moment and a spiritual growth—studying and introspecting in the desert and across the world” (Savage & Benintendi, 2019). This time of solitude and self-reflection allowed Shapiro to connect deeply with her inner self and the world around her, setting the stage for her transformative discovery.
Based on the work and research conducted by psychologist Steve Taylor from Leeds Beckett University, on the phenomena of spiritual awakenings, in his book, “Extraordinary Awakenings: When Trauma Leads to Transformation,” Taylor states that an awakening experience is typically characterized by profound psychological and spiritual shifts that occur following intense trauma or adversity. These experiences often lead to significant lifestyle changes, such as new interests, new relationships and a new career.                   Speaking of the peak experience, Abraham Maslow wrote that ‘My feeling is that if it were never to happen again, the power of the experience would permanently affect the attitude toward life’ (Maslow, 1994, p.75). And this certainly applies to awakening experiences too.
One of the core elements Taylor describes is a radical transformation following significant trauma or adversity. For Francine Shapiro, her breast cancer diagnosis in 1979 was a pivotal moment. This life-threatening illness prompted a deep re-evaluation of her life’s direction and purpose. Rather than succumbing to despair, Shapiro embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery, which eventually led to the development of EMDR therapy.
In May 1987, while walking in a park, Shapiro experienced what could be described as a moment of heightened awareness. She noticed that some disturbing thoughts she had were suddenly disappearing. As she later explained in the interview with Joany Spierings, this experience was completely unexpected:” I hadn’t done anything deliberately. But suddenly I noticed that the thought shifted from my consciousness and when I brought it back it didn’t have the same disturbance.” (Spierings, 2009).
What caught Shapiro’s attention was not just the disappearance of the thoughts but the realization that her eyes were moving rapidly back and forth in an upward diagonal when the thoughts disappeared. Intrigued by this phenomenon, she began to experiment with deliberately moving her eyes in the same way while concentrating on other disturbing thoughts and memories. To her astonishment, these thoughts also lost their emotional charge.
The experience seemed almost mystical, raising the question: was this merely a scientific discovery, or was it also a moment of spiritual awakening? Shapiro’s heightened awareness of her thoughts and her body’s responses suggests an intuitive understanding of a natural healing mechanism that had not been previously recognized. Later, this would be named the “adaptive information processing system,” which is at the core of EMDR therapy.
This observation of the mind-body connection, where she became acutely aware of her thoughts and bodily reactions, mirrors Taylor’s idea of heightened awareness that often accompanies awakening experiences. This moment of insight was not just about physical movement but an awareness of an underlying mechanism of emotional regulation, which is characteristic of the deeper awareness Taylor discusses. He also mentions that often awakening experience happen when a person is in natural surroundings. “Natural scenery may have a similar effect to meditation, in providing a focus for a person’s mind, and a retreat from being busy and bombarded with stimuli. This may lead to a similar build up of mental energy and also the same de-automatisation of perception. The most important factor seems to be quietening of associational mental chatter, which normally expends a great deal of mental energy.” Taylor notes.
After her initial observation, Shapiro didn’t dismiss the experience as a random occurrence. Instead, she viewed it as a potentially significant discovery, indicative of a broader, natural phenomenon that could help others. As discussed in the “Notice That” Podcast, the spontaneous, clear move from “I feel better” to “I’m going to research this as a natural phenomenon” seems to be an “intuitive leap almost astronomical and on a spiritual level” (Benintendi, 2019).
This shift in perspective—from simply coping with her own distress to recognizing a new therapeutic technique—reflects Taylor’s notion of a transformative shift in understanding. She moved from a personal struggle to a broader, more inclusive perspective focused on collective healing. Shapiro’s ability to intuitively grasp the significance of her observation—understanding that eye movements could alleviate emotional distress—demonstrates the increased intuition and insight that Taylor describes. This intuitive understanding went beyond conventional scientific thinking at the time and was a leap into a new therapeutic approach, reflecting a deeper spiritual and psychological insight into human consciousness and healing.
Despite the scientific rigor she applied to her work, Shapiro remained open to the spiritual dimensions of her discovery. As she continued to develop EMDR, she added various components and procedures to enhance its effectiveness, relying on both empirical data and intuitive insights. When Joany Spierings asked her how did she discern between what was effective or not in further developing the approach, Francine answered with a rock-solid conviction: “There was an expectation of seeing a change and if it didn’t happen, I would do something that would allow it. The expectation was that it would work with everyone.” Her approach reflects a synthesis of science and spirituality, where rigorous experimentation was guided by a deep awareness of the human mind and spirit.
Francine Shapiro’s life was one of continual exploration, both outward in the world and inward in the mind. Her chance discovery of EMDR, while seemingly a product of scientific inquiry, also carries the hallmarks of a spiritual awakening. Her ability to recognize the potential of a spontaneous event and transform it into a therapeutic technique that has helped millions worldwide suggests a profound level of spiritual insight.
Despite a second cancer diagnosis, Shapiro continued to travel and teach, sharing her discoveries with the world until shortly before her death in 2019 at the age of 71 (Warren, 2019).
The first paragraph of Francine Shapiro’s obituary in The Guardian, written by Penny Warren, captures this essence: “Francine Shapiro summed up her life’s work with William Blake’s line: ‘For the eye altering alters all’” (Warren, 2019).
The development and global dissemination of EMDR therapy have had a lasting impact on the field of mental health, touching millions of lives worldwide. This enduring legacy aligns with Taylor’s observation that awakening experiences often result in profound contributions that extend beyond the individual, influencing broader societal or cultural practices.
In her interview, the Dutch psychologist Joany Spierings asked Francine, “I think you have changed the lives of therapists and also of millions of clients all over the world. How does that make you feel when you realize that?” Francine responded, “It is the same as it was at the beginning—that it’s wonderful in terms of what it can do. And there is also the pain of how much more there is to do” (Spierings, 2009).
Francine Shapiro’s life and work embody many of the characteristics of an awakening experience as outlined by Steve Taylor in “Extraordinary Awakenings.” Her transformation following trauma, heightened awareness, shift in perspective, increased compassion, profound professional transformation, intuitive insights, integration of new paradigms, and lasting impact all suggest that her journey could indeed be seen as an awakening experience. This convergence of personal healing and professional innovation reflects the profound potential for growth and transformation that often arises from life’s deepest challenges.
The mystery of Francine Shapiro’s chance discovery of EMDR remains a compelling narrative that blurs the lines between science and spirituality. Was this discovery merely a stroke of scientific luck, or was it a moment of spiritual awakening? Shapiro’s own words, quoting William Blake, perhaps offer the best insight into her perspective: “For the eye altering alters all.” Her journey reminds us that sometimes, it is through the simplest of observations and the quietest of moments that the most profound transformations occur.

References
• Maslow, A. H. (1994). Religions, values, and peak-experiences. London: Penguin. (Original work published 1964).
• Savage, Jen, & Benintendi, Melissa (July 30, 2019). “Remembering Francine Shapiro”. Notice That Podcast. Link
• Spierings, Joany (June 3, 2009). Interview with Francine Shapiro, Amsterdam. Link
• Shapiro, Francine (1995). “In the Spotlight: Francine Shapiro Interviewed by Marilyn Luber Ph.D.”
• Taylor, S. (2012a). Spontaneous awakening experiences: Exploring the phenomenon beyond religion and spirituality. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 44 (1), 73-91.
• Taylor, S. (2012b). Transformation through suffering: A study of individuals who have experienced positive psychological transformation following periods of intense turmoil and trauma. The Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 52, 30–52.
• Taylor, S. & Egeto-Szabo, K. (2017). Exploring awakening experiences. A study of awakening experiences in terms of their triggers, characteristics, duration and aftereffects. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 49 (1), 45-65.
• Taylor, Steve (2021). Extraordinary Awakenings: When Trauma Leads to Transformation.
• Warren, Penny (July 15, 2019). “Francine Shapiro obituary”. The Guardian. Link

About the Author:
Sophia Barna, M.Ed., M.S.W., R.S.W., is a Certified EMDR Therapist, Consultant, and Trainer with an expertise in optimal performance, consciousness research, and the application of EMDR as a transpersonal psychotherapy. With a passion for exploring the intersections of psychology, spirituality, and human potential, Sophia offers programs and retreats in the area of “Transcending the Levels of Consciousness with EMDR”. She is also an international presenter and the author of “The Simple Way: A Graceful Path to Success,” a book that delves into the integration of self-awareness, and transformative self- healing practices. Sophia’s work is grounded in both clinical practice and academic research, positioning her as a thought leader in the realm of trauma therapy and personal development.
Contact: sophia.barna@emdrtoronto.org
To learn more about Sophia Barna and her work, visit www.emdtoronto.org.

How Effective Is EMDR?

A Gold Standard in Therapy

EMDR isn’t just another therapy trend; it’s a well-established method with a strong scientific foundation. Over 30 controlled research studies validate its effectiveness, making it a gold standard treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This is not just my opinion—top organizations around the world, like the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Defense, endorse EMDR as a top therapy for PTSD.

Beyond PTSD: A Versatile Treatment

But EMDR’s benefits don’t stop at PTSD. This therapy has shown remarkable results in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including:

Anxiety: EMDR helps reduce the intense worry and fear that comes with anxiety disorders.
Depression: By addressing the root causes of depression, EMDR can alleviate symptoms and improve mood.
Grief: EMDR supports the processing of loss, helping individuals find peace and move forward.
Low Self-Esteem: Through EMDR, clients can work through negative self-beliefs and build a more positive self-image.
Panic Attacks: EMDR can reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, making daily life more manageable.
And that’s not all! EMDR is also effective in helping people deal with current stressors and enhancing future performance and success. Whether you’re facing a challenging situation at work or striving to achieve a personal goal, EMDR can give you the tools to thrive.

The Goal of EMDR Therapy

No matter your reason for seeking treatment, the overall goal of EMDR therapy is to free yourself from the negative experiences that bind you. By processing traumatic memories and distressing experiences, EMDR helps you let go of the past and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling future.

So, if you’ve been wondering about EMDR and its effectiveness, I hope this gives you some clarity. It’s a powerful therapy backed by decades of research and countless success stories. If you’re considering therapy, EMDR might be the key to unlocking a happier, healthier you.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking the first step towards healing is something to be proud of. Here’s to your journey of self-discovery and growth!

Why Learning and Integrating EMDR into Your Practice?

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Therapeutic Practice

As a therapist, you are always seeking the most effective and efficient methods to support your clients’ healing and growth. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a transformative approach that offers numerous benefits for both you and your clients. Here are some compelling reasons to learn and integrate EMDR into your practice:

1. Powerful and Highly Efficient Therapy
EMDR is recognized globally as one of the most effective treatments for trauma. It has a proven track record of bringing about significant and lasting changes in clients, addressing deep-rooted issues that other therapies may struggle to resolve.

2. Comprehensive and Integrative Approach
EMDR is a sound, integrative, evidence-based therapeutic approach that addresses all aspects of a person’s experience, including the mind, the emotions, the body and the soul. This holistic approach ensures that healing is thorough and touches every part of the client’s being.

3. Visible Results
One of the most rewarding aspects of EMDR is the ability to see tangible progress in your clients. Therapists often describe EMDR as a therapy that truly works, allowing you to witness profound changes and improvements in a relatively short period.

4. Time Efficiency
Traditional therapeutic approaches can take years to achieve the same results that EMDR can accomplish in just a few months. This time efficiency is beneficial for both you and your clients, leading to quicker healing and more streamlined therapy sessions.

5. Reduces Therapist Burden
EMDR leverages the client’s own adaptive information processing system to facilitate healing. This means that as a therapist, you act more as a guide, reducing the emotional and mental burden on yourself and allowing for a more sustainable practice.

6. Addresses Vicarious Trauma
Therapists are often exposed to their clients’ traumatic experiences, which can impact their own mental health. EMDR helps process vicarious trauma, enabling you to maintain your emotional well-being and resilience, ultimately making you a more effective therapist.

7. Prevents Burnout
The efficiency of EMDR can lead to quicker client improvements and fewer sessions, helping to reduce therapist burnout. Witnessing rapid progress in your clients can be incredibly energizing and fulfilling, keeping you motivated and engaged in your work.

8. Enhances Therapist Skills
Learning and integrating EMDR expands your skill set, providing you with a versatile tool that can be adapted to a wide range of client issues, from PTSD to anxiety, depression, and beyond. This versatility makes EMDR an invaluable addition to your therapeutic repertoire.

9. Increases Client Trust and Satisfaction
Clients who experience significant improvements through EMDR are likely to develop a deeper trust in their therapist and be more satisfied with their therapy experience. This can lead to stronger therapeutic alliances and higher client retention rates.

10. Supports Personal Growth
Practicing EMDR often encourages therapists to engage in their own EMDR sessions, leading to personal healing and growth. This self-awareness and self-care enhance your overall effectiveness as a therapist and improve your personal quality of life.

Take the Next Step in Your Professional Journey
Integrating EMDR into your practice not only enhances your effectiveness as a therapist but also enriches the therapeutic experience for your clients, leading to deeper and more rapid healing. Embrace this transformative approach and unlock the full potential of your therapeutic practice.

For more information on EMDR training and how to get started, contact us today!