ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a systematic way to conceptualise Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) therapy for application with sex offenders. Psychological theories propose that early life experiences create beliefs, perceptions, and implicit theories that guide expectations and future behaviour. Sex offending is a complicated, multi-determined behaviour, and treatment models have evolved to respond to research over the past 40 years in an effort to effectively address it. Developmental psychopathology theories suggest that childhood adversity can contribute to antisocial conduct and delinquent activities. Trauma sequelae may include disengagement, dissociation, isolation, criminal involvement, mistrust, depression, dependency, impaired social skills, decreased self-esteem, decreased sense of control, and identification with the aggressor, among other dynamics. Sexual trauma often leads to confusion about sexual norms, confusion of sex with intimacy, sexual preoccupation, fetishism of sexual parts, bonding of sexual activity with negative emotions and memories, and sexual dysfunction.
