Empowering Sexual Health with EMDR Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide

By Stephanie Baird MS LMHC, this groundbreaking book is the first to integrate EMDR Therapy treatment of sexual trauma with a focus on achieving empowered sexual health. As a valuable resource for EMDR clinicians, it provides a complete toolkit to help sexual trauma survivors move from symptomology reduction to optimal sexual health and functioning.

Integrating Sexual Health and EMDR Therapy

The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model is applied to sexual health, with sexual health-related material blended into all eight phases of the EMDR Protocol. This innovative approach encompasses principles and best practices of current helpful positive sexual health frameworks, including fundamental sex therapy information and sex education models.

Covering Essential Topics in Sexual Health

• Anatomy and the history of sex research
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and pregnancy-related issues
• The Dual Control Model of arousal and desire, spontaneous and responsive desire, and arousal non-concordance
• Models of consent for sexual activities and out of control sexual behaviors

Addressing the Gender Experience of Trauma

This guide considers the gender experience of trauma for all EMDR Therapy clients, covering challenges, concepts, and helpful strategies for discussing sensitive sexual health matters. It addresses sexual/affectional orientation, consensual non-monogamy, and how EMDR Therapy can help address the sexual health concerns of erotically marginalized populations.

Additional Topics Covered

• Matters of aging and spirituality as they impact sexual health
• Sexual/affectional orientation, relationship status, and pregnancy loss
• Helpful, nonjudgmental, and affirming information about the kink/BDSM population
• An overview of EMDR Therapy and sexual health for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities

Valuable Resources for EMDR Therapists

This comprehensive guide includes:

• Questionnaires: Sexual History Questionnaire and Sexual Styles Survey
• New EMDR Therapy resources: Bubble Boundary and Self-Compassion Container
• A new EMDR Therapy future-oriented resource: Strengthening a Confident and Joyful Sexual Self
• Charts, cutting-edge diagrams, and anatomy illustrations with non-gendered labels
• Case examples, guidelines, and sex-positive resources for further education and client handouts

Published by Springer Publishing Company, this 276-page book is a valuable addition to any EMDR therapist’s practice, providing the knowledge and confidence to facilitate optimal sexual health for clients.