Eye Movement Integration Therapy (EMIT) History

Eye Movement Integration originated within the field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), which emerged in the late 1970s. More specifically, this technique grew out of research into eye movement patterns conducted by Robert Dilts and others (Dilts, Grinder, Bandler, and DeLozier, 1980). Dilts found that unconscious eye movements are systematic and correlate with the internal processing of different types of cognitive information. Although these findings—originally labelled “eye accessing cues”—remain controversial, they represent one of the more unique and useful contributions of NLP.

When the Eye Movement Integration Therapy (EMIT) Specialists train mental health professionals, the connection to NLP is always included in course materials and discussions. For those interested in learning more about NLP, a valuable resource is the Encyclopedia of NLP by Dilts and DeLozier (2000), available in print or online at www.nlpuniversitypress.com.

Connirae and Steve Andreas were the first to offer instruction in a therapeutic technique based on “eye accessing cue” research. They named this technique Eye Movement Integration. Although it originated in 1989, a recorded demonstration was first distributed in 1993 via a video of Steve Andreas working with a Vietnam veteran suffering from PTSD.

On a separate track, Danie Beaulieu developed her own version of the technique, which is detailed in her book, Eye Movement Integration Therapy: The Comprehensive Clinical Guide (2003). This was the first complete text outlining the method’s theory and practice. Beaulieu describes her approach as a blend of the original Andreas technique and another eye movement therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR, developed by Francine Shapiro in 1989, was introduced around the same time as Eye Movement Integration.

Beaulieu attended a brief workshop led by Steve Andreas at a 1993 conference, where he demonstrated the technique with a Vietnam veteran. She began using Eye Movement Integration with clients shortly thereafter, though she reports that her initial results were mixed. Over time, she added new dimensions to the technique, noting that about half of her modifications to the Andreas protocol were based on her own “intuition and experience.”

Three years later, Beaulieu learned of EMDR and completed both levels of its training between 1996 and 1997. In her book, she explores the similarities and differences between Eye Movement Integration and EMDR, and describes how she incorporated certain EMDR elements into her practice. Now that both techniques have been in use for over two decades, it’s clear they have influenced each other, with overlapping elements in both approaches.

This brief historical overview may raise questions for those unfamiliar with EMIT. If so, we encourage you to explore further, especially if you are a mental health practitioner.

By far the best way to do this is to enrol in the Professional EMIT Practitioner Development Program offered by the Australian Eye Movement Integration Therapy (EMIT) Training Group. More information is available here.