The community of EMDR therapists ...

This past weekend in Atlanta has affirmed what I already knew: EMDR therapists are very generous people! So many of you made time to make your contribution to the movie, and we're so grateful!

Barbara Hensley was the humble recipient of the Francine Shapiro award on Friday night. And among her numerous generous activities, her $1000 contribution to the movie was mentioned in the speech to honour her. Thank you again, Barbara -- you were the first to make a donation this size.... who will be next?

Sara Gilman (incoming President of EMDRIA) also stopped by the table to make a contribution... despite the fact that her back was so sore she could hardly bend over -- the sacrifices we make! Thank you, Sara, for your generosity in re the movie, and for your committment to EMDR.

The tribute evening to Francine was so moving... from Chris Ranck's stunning musical gifts, to the video Michael created with interviews from many who have been involved with EMDR for years. What a wonderful gift of humour and struggle Michael portrayed in a very few minutes! I was moved just by the sheer numbers in that room, the strong presence of HAP, all inspired by Francine's tenacity and committment to "nobody gets left behind."

I felt so humbled and proud to be associated with this community of people, all committed to making a difference through EMDR. I feel confident this passion will be a major character in the movie!

-- Jeanette

Looking Forward to Atlanta

I'm in the midst of packing for the EMDR conference next week (I'm guessing it will be a lot hotter than it's been here in Ontario!), and looking forward to being part of the 20th anniversary celebrations! Michael, the director of this important project will be there -- it will be fun to have a chat in person! I'm also looking forward to meeting Dr. Earl Grey, who has been working with real people who have agreed to have their therapeutic journeys with EMDR recorded for possible inclusion in the documentary.

Look for a movie "presence" at the conference... be part of making this movie happen with a small or large donation. Did you know you can have the satisfaction of sponsoring one minute of the final film? Ask us about the Your Minute campaign!

Here are a couple excerpts from a press release in February...
"To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of EMDR, the EMDRIA Foundation is pleased to release an exclusive DVD featuring a forty minute in-depth interview with EMDR creator, Dr. Francine Shapiro. The DVD was produced by award-winning filmmaker Michael Burns, as part of his full-length documentary EMDR, slotted for release in 2010...

Profits from the sale of the DVD will benefit the EMDRIA Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports EMDR research and education, and fund the completion of Michael Burns' EMDR movie."

I'm hoping there will be opportunities to view and/or purchase copies of the interview at the conference (the DVD is also a thank-you gift when you make a $50 donation to the movie).

Safe travels, everyone!

-- Jeanette