Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for female client with vaginismus

This study aimed to explore the effects of EMDR Therapy on a client with vaginismus which is a form of sexual dysfunction often found in women where strong and uncontrollable contractions of vaginal muscles interfere with sexual intercourse, induce anxiety in fulfilling the role of a sexual partner, affect self-esteem, and the ability to conceive. Vaginismus may be caused by a fear of having something inserted into the vagina resulting from the first experience of sexual intercourse that did not go well, pain from gynaecological examination, or sexual abuse. The client is a single woman with a history of childhood sexual abuse and was diagnosed with vaginismus who has participated in 15 sessions of EMDR Therapy during a three-month period. After the treatment the client experienced relief from recurring thoughts of her childhood sexual abuse, reduction of anxiety and fear of vaginal penetration, and was able to practice with a vaginal Dilator. Treatment results from this case is an indication that EMDR Therapy can be effective in treating women with vaginismus.

Conference

English

Supannee Siri-Apawiwat

Siri-Apawiwat, S. (2020, January). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for female client with vaginismus. Presentation at the 4th EMDR Asia International Conference, Bangkok, Thailand