EMDR as a treatment for compulsive sexual behaviour

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has evolved from a technique to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to a comprehensive psychotherapeutic approach to treat a wide range of issues in diverse populations. The use of EMDR to treat psychosexual concerns, in this case, compulsive sexual behaviour, is beneficial. It allows for a comprehensive conceptualisation of the presentation and tailored treatment plan that leads to behaviour change, shame reduction and generalised psychological growth. Using the theory that underpins EMDR, the adaptive information processing (AIP) model, and with an eight-phase protocol as a treatment structure, the clinician has a robust guiding framework. This chapter covers an overview of EMDR, AIP model theory, specific protocols and a composite case example of ‘Marie’, which demonstrates how EMDR therapy can be used as a comprehensive treatment for compulsive sexual behaviour. It intends to provide information on some of the main features involved in delivering EMDR psychotherapy. Details in the case example have been altered to protect client privacy.

Book Section

English

Nicola Pinder

Pinder, N. (2026). EMDR as a treatment for compulsive sexual behaviour. In Silva Neves (Ed.), The Routledge International Handbook of Sexual Compulsivity and Clinical Sexology (pp. ). Routledge