The Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Survivors of Sexual Trauma
Are you a survivor of a sexual assault? Maybe you were sexually abused as a child. Experiencing sexual trauma can leave survivors with long-lasting emotional scars. Survivors may experience flashbacks, triggers, and signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can make coping with life very difficult. While traditional therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been shown to be more effective in treating the symptoms of PTSD in survivors of sexual assault or abuse.
How EMDR Works
EMDR therapy works by targeting the distressing memories of a traumatic event. These memories are reprocessed in a way that reduces their emotional impact. During an EMDR session, the therapist will ask the survivor to focus on a specific traumatic memory while following a set of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process helps the brain to reprocess the memory in a safe and controlled environment. Emotional distress associated with the memory is significantly reduced or even eliminated.
Why EMDR is More Effective than CBT
While CBT is a widely used therapy for PTSD, it requires the survivor to talk about the traumatic event in detail, which can be retraumatizing. EMDR, on the other hand, does not require the survivor to talk about the traumatic event in detail. EMDR therapists are trained to help clients process distressing memories so they aren’t retraumatized by them. Various studies have also shown EMDR to be quicker and more effective than CBT in reducing symptoms of PTSD.
The Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Survivors of sexual trauma often struggle with flashbacks, triggers, and other signs of PTSD. This is where EMDR can help. The benefits of EMDR include:
1. Rapid Relief of Symptoms
EMDR therapy can provide rapid relief of symptoms, often in as few as six to twelve sessions. This can be especially beneficial for survivors struggling to function in daily life due to their symptoms.
2. Reduced Risk of Retraumatization
Because EMDR does not require the survivor to talk about the traumatic event in detail, there is a reduced risk of retraumatization. This can make EMDR therapy a more comfortable and less intimidating therapy for survivors.
3. Improved Quality of Life
EMDR therapy can improve the quality of life for survivors by reducing the symptoms of PTSD. This can lead to improvements in relationships, work, and overall well-being.
In Conclusion
EMDR therapy is highly effective for survivors of sexual trauma struggling with flashbacks, triggers, and signs of PTSD. EMDR works by reprocessing the distressing memories of the traumatic event in a safe and controlled environment, reducing the emotional distress associated with the memory. EMDR is more effective than CBT in reducing the symptoms of PTSD in survivors of sexual assault or sexual abuse. It has several benefits, including rapid relief of symptoms, reduced risk of retraumatization, and improved quality of life. Have you or someone you know experienced sexual trauma? Are you struggling with PTSD? Consider EMDR therapy to help you process your trauma.
Schedule with a Certified EMDR Therapist in Fort Myers Today
Rachele Epp is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified EMDR Therapist with over 30 years of counseling experience. She specializes in helping clients overcome trauma to not only survive but to thrive. Don’t suffer another day. Reach out today!
Sources
Khan, A. R., Dar, S. K., Ahmed, R. R., Bachu, R., Adnan, M., & Kotapati, V. P. (2018). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy versus Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Patients with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.3250
Shapiro, F. (2012). EMDR therapy: An overview of current and future research. : Les thérapies EMDR : Une vue d’ensemble de la recherche actuelle et un aperc¸ u de la recherche future. European Review of Applied Psychology, 62(4), 193–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erap.2012.09.005
Shapiro, F. (2014). The Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Medicine: Addressing the Psychological and Physical Symptoms Stemming from Adverse Life Experiences. The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71–77. https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/13-098
