Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for Childhood Sexual Abuse Memories in Men Who Have Sexually Offended Against Children: Changes in Perceptions of Abuse and Offending

Abstract

Five adult males who had sexually offended against children and had previously been victims of child sex abuse (CSA) were interviewed about their experiences of completing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy on memories of their CSA. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Themes identified encapsulated descriptions of changes in participants’ perspectives of their CSA that led to changes in perspectives of their offending behavior and victims, reduction in sexual preoccupation, increased desire for healthy adult relationships and reduced sexual arousal to children. Therefore EMDR could potentially contribute to the reduction of re-offending in this population.