Why EMDR is a Helpful Treatment for Sexual Abuse Survivors

Did you know that according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), in the United States alone, ⅓ of women and ⅙ of men will experience some form of sexual abuse or trauma in their life? When sexual abuse occurs, many people aren’t aware of how to properly cope with the event. Many people find it difficult to express their feelings in a healthy way following sexual trauma as well. The result of unresolved sexual trauma is typically a life of depression, anxiety, fear and shame. According to NSVRC, 81% of female sexual abuse victims and 35% of male sexual abuse victims will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following their traumatic event. What is EMDR and How Can it Help? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, also known as EMDR, is a psychotherapy technique. EMDR has been successfully used to treat people who suffer from anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional issues. Prior to EMDR, sexual abuse and trauma was typically treated through cognitive behavioral therapy. While cognitive behavioral therapy can be successful in the treatment of sexual trauma, it often takes many sessions for maximum relief to be achieved. However, EMDR has been considered a breakthrough therapy due to the fact it can bring quick results and lasting relief from a variety of emotional issues. Trauma, such as sexual abuse typically leads to the brain being overwhelmed, resulting in anxiety, depression and even PTSD. NewPoint of View Counseling has trained and certified EMDR therapists and can help clients to reprocess the traumatic event until it is no longer disruptive to their lives and causing psychological disturbances. What is a Typical EMDR Therapy Session at NewPoint of View Counseling Like? While EMDR uses an integrative approach to therapy, it also focuses on some unique techniques. During EMDR treatment, the client is asked to perform a series of eye movements while also focusing on various aspects of the traumatic event/memory. These “lateral” eye movements form bilateral stimulation. Bilateral sound or tactile stimulation may also be used during EMDR therapy. It is believed that EMDR treatment induces changes to the circuitry of the brain, similar to what occurs during REM sleep at night. By changing the circuitry of the brain, people can integrate and understand these events/memories better. Along with the reprocessing of traumatic events, EMDR also allows patients to limit false beliefs as well. This allows EMDR therapy to help patients move past big, traumatic events along with the smaller chronic ones that occur through their lives. Ultimately, EMDR therapy can lead to significant positive change in the thinking and lives of patients. Schedule an appointment with NewPoint of View Counseling, Ahwatukee/ Therapist certified EMDR therapist in Phoenix, AZ. Have you, a friend or a loved one suffered from a traumatic sexual event? Interested in EMDR treatment in Phoenix to help you reprocess these situations? Contact NewPoint of View Counseling today to start your EMDR therapy near you.