Utilization of EMDR in the Treatment of Sexual Addiction: A Case Study

Sexual addiction is strongly anchored in shame and trauma. Research conducted over the last fifteen years has consistently shown the prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in this population. The resultant trauma can present as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has become a leading method of intervention with trauma and PTSD with effective results in an extremely short time. This paper will examine the issues of trauma in the etiology and treatment of sexual addiction. The use of EMDR as a specific intervention will be highlighted through the use of a clinical case study.

The statements, opinions, and views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Marine Corps, Chaplain Corps, Department of the Navy, or Department of Defense. Names and specific information in the case study have been altered to protect the identity of the client.