Trauma informed sex offender treatment: The bridge to EMDR

The Pathways model of sex offending (Ward & Siegert, 2002) suggests four primary interactive psychological mechanisms: intimacy and social skills deficits; distorted sexual scripts; emotional dysregulation; and offense-supportive beliefs. Research has shown that most if not all of these pathways are forged through adverse or aberrant developmental experiences or events (Johnson-Reid, et al. 2010). Trauma-informed treatment including EMDR therapy is an efficient means of addressing these contributing etiological factors. Resolving trauma dynamics clears the way for clients to more clearly recognize their idiosyncratic offense chain, and develop a pro-social “Good Lives” relapse prevention plan in conjunction with their community support person(s). Case studies and film clips of treated clients illustrate these concepts and client perceptions.

Conference

English

Cheryl Clayton
Ronald Ricci

Clayton, R., & Ricci, R. (2015, August). Trauma informed sex offender treatment: The bridge to EMDR. Presentation at the 20th EMDR International Association Conference, Philadelphia, PA