EMDR & Sex Addiction

I am integrating EMDR or EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION and REPROCESSING into my therapy practice. I have always supported this important modality for trauma healing, and now I can help my clients with deeper emotional healing. 

EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various psychological conditions, including addiction. Sex addiction, also known as hypersexual disorder, is a condition that is characterized by excessive or compulsive sexual behavior. This can include a range of behaviors, such as excessive pornography use, masturbation, or promiscuity. Sex addiction can have a significant impact on an individual's life, leading to relationship problems, legal issues, and negative effects on mental health. However, research has shown that EMDR therapy can be a useful tool in the treatment of sex addiction.

What is EMDR?
EMDR is a type of therapy that was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro. It is based on the idea that psychological distress is caused by unprocessed memories and experiences that are stored in the brain. These memories can become "stuck" and can continue to affect a person's thoughts, feelings, and behavior, even long after the original event has occurred.
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During EMDR therapy, the therapist guides the patient through a series of bilateral eye movements, taps, or sounds, while the patient focuses on a specific traumatic memory or experience. This process is thought to help activate the brain's natural healing processes, allowing the individual to process the memory in a safe and controlled way. EMDR therapy can help individuals reprocess and desensitize themselves to traumatic experiences, which can lead to reduced symptoms and improved functioning.

How EMDR can help with sex addiction
Sex addiction is often driven by underlying trauma or negative experiences, which can be difficult to process and resolve without professional help. EMDR therapy can be an effective tool in treating the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to sex addiction.

For example, EMDR can help individuals identify and process traumatic memories or experiences that may have contributed to their addiction. This can include experiences such as sexual abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma. By reprocessing and desensitizing these memories, individuals can reduce the emotional distress associated with them, which can help to reduce the urge to engage in compulsive sexual behavior.
EMDR can also help individuals develop new coping skills and strategies to manage their addiction. By identifying triggers and developing new ways to cope with them, individuals can learn to better manage their emotions and behavior, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

Research on EMDR and sex addiction
Several studies have shown that EMDR therapy can be effective in the treatment of sex addiction.

1. In a 2010 study published in the Journal of Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, researchers compared EMDR therapy to a control group in the treatment of sex addiction. The study found that individuals who received EMDR therapy showed significant improvement in their addiction symptoms compared to the control group.
2. In a 2016 study published in the Journal of Sex Research, researchers conducted a qualitative analysis of individuals who had undergone EMDR therapy for sex addiction. The study found that EMDR therapy helped individuals to identify and process traumatic memories, develop new coping strategies, and reduce the frequency and intensity of their sexual urges.
3. In a 2020 study published in the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, researchers examined the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in the treatment of hypersexuality in individuals with a history of childhood sexual abuse. The study found that EMDR therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of hypersexuality and improving overall functioning in these individuals.

Overall, these studies suggest that EMDR therapy can be an effective treatment for sex addiction, particularly when used in combination with other therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or group therapy. While more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of EMDR therapy for sex addiction, these studies provide promising evidence that this treatment approach can help individuals overcome this challenging condition.
If you are someone you know struggle with sex addiction and could benefit from EMDR treatment, please schedule an appointment today.