Therapists' Perceptions of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Treatment for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is prevalent worldwide and can result in adverse psychological effects
that persist into adulthood. Therapists must identify therapeutic treatments for adult
survivors of child sexual abuse who continue to experience psychological difficulties,
such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative
study was to explore the perceptions of therapists about eye movement desensitization
and reprocessing (EMDR) as a tool to assist adult women survivors of child sexual abuse
through the healing process and to regain their abilities to function and behave
appropriately. Data were collected through the Moustakas Theory (1994) with 10
therapists who provided therapeutic or counseling services (or both) through EMDR to
women with a history of repeated sexual abuse as children. The therapists perceived
EMDR as more effective in treating child sexual abuse trauma than other treatment
options because it involved the body and worked rapidly, although the treatment may
involve a danger of dysregulating the patient. Results indicated the perceived role of
EMDR in a treatment program is to allow patients to remember traumatic events without
reliving them and to free patients from shame and prepare them to learn more effective
coping skills. The therapists implemented EMDR by building rapport, conducting a
thorough assessment, focusing treatment on the most distressing elements of past traumas
and present triggers, and teaching the client skills for coping with distress. This study
contributes to social change by adding more knowledge and awareness about women
survivors of child sexual abuse and the various available treatments, thereby helping the
long-term impact of women’s health with histories of childhood sexual abuse.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
child sexual abuse, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Treatment, treatment, therapist, efficacy
Citation
Jones-Smith, A. (2018). Therapists' Perceptions of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Treatment for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).