The role of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the interdisciplinary treatment of low sexual desire women

Low sexual desire disorder is the most common sexual dysfunction in women. There is no standard definition for "normal" sexual desire and there are many factors that can influence it, hence, low desire can be one of the more difficult sexual dysfunctions treat. Given its inherent complexity, it frequently requires interdisciplinary assessment and treatment. The present symposium is an attempt to share our model for the treatment of this widespread and yet, poorly understood dysfunction. One component of the complexity of low sexual desire is its correlation with other difficulties, for example, PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship disturbance, physical illness, and life stress. Another one of these concerns is childhood sexual abuse. EMDR has been used very successfully to resolve the trauma associated with sexual assault as well as sexual dysfunctions. We will illustrate the use of EMDR with a woman presenting with low sexual desire and a history of sexual abuse. EMDR methodology will be described. The use of EMDR for abuse recovery as a method of resolving low desire will be discussed. We will explore a number of important therapeutic issues including: (1) fundamental questions of responsibility, control and safety as they relate to sexual abuse and ultimately sexual desire in the current relationship; (2) individuation from partner and perpetrator, barriers to this process and the impact on sexual desire of successful differentiation; and (3) repression of anger and the concomitant physical manifestations. In addition, we will discuss the collaboration with both sexual medicines and psychiatry around modulation of medications to maximize treatment outcomes with EMDR.

Conference

English

Sarah Mize

Mize, S. (2002, February). The role of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the interdisciplinary treatment of low sexual desire women. Presentation at the American Psychological Association Public Interest Directorate; Women's Programs