Trauma related to sexual violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) affects millions of women, resulting in detrimental impacts to economic, physical, and mental health. Survivors are often subjected to repeated acts of violence or abuse, compounding the trauma and its effects. Participants in this mixed-methods research study included 41 women who experienced trauma related to sexual violence or IPV and were seeking counseling services at a nonprofit community agency. Quantitative assessment of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through validated measures showed statistically significant improvement in all areas after eight sessions of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Qualitative analysis through semi-structured individual interviews revealed improvements in assertiveness, self-control, functionality, and self-acceptance. Increasing access to EMDR across underserved communities, which are disproportionately affected by trauma, is discussed.
Date
December 1, 2021
Creator(s)
Jill E. Schwarz, Dana Baber, Emma Giantisco, Brandon Isaacson
Topics
Abuse/Neglect, Sexual Trauma
Client Population
Couples
Practice & Methods
Agency
Extent
16 pages
Publisher
Springer Publishing Company
Rights
Copyright © 2021 EMDR International Association
APA Citation
Schwarz, J. E., Baber, D., Giantisco, E., & Isaacson, B. (2021). Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(4), 202–217. https://doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-D-21-00014
Series
15
Installment
4
Audience
EMDR Therapists
Language
English
Content Type
Peer-Reviewed
Original Source
Journal of EMDR Practice and Research
Access Type
Open Access