EMDR as a Therapeutic Approach to Promote Sexual Health

Course Description:

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the leading, evidence-based approaches to treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma. Additional research continues to emerge supporting this comprehensive approach for a variety of presenting symptoms in treatment. This approach combines cognitive, behavioral, and somatic (body-based) techniques in a gentle, structured manner that can be adapted to support an individual’s learning preferences while considering their unique history and promoting improved nervous system regulation. Nervous system regulation is a core component of sexual health as it impacts an individual’s ability to be present and create experiences based on conscious intent. A history of negative sexual experiences or discomfort with current desires can impact sexual satisfaction. Utilizing EMDR in treatment can promote sexual health by increasing nervous system regulation. Improved regulation creates space for individuals to better understand and make peace with their sexual history, embrace their sexual desires and preferences, and share those desires and preferences with their partner(s).

This course will introduce and outline the basic components of EMDR. Additional training through EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) is required to practice and implement this approach. Participants can expect to better understand how EMDR works, why it is effective, and how its use can be applied to promoting sexual health with clients, especially clients with a history of sexual trauma. A discussion about aspects of sexual health including nervous system regulation, the spectrum of sexuality, expression of sexual behavior, and diversity in relationship will be included.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the basic components of EMDR
2. Define sexual health
3. Explain why nervous system regulation is essential to sexual health
4. Describe how EMDR can be used to promote nervous system regulation, and as a result, sexual health

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Brandon Guin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. He has a background working with neurodiverse individuals of all ages in a variety of settings. He has served as Clinical Director and Director of Behavioral Health in large behavioral health settings. He currently lives in Los Angeles, serves as the Director of Behavior Services for a private consulting company, and has a small private practice.

His eclectic approach to treatment is influenced by his clinical experience and cutting-edge research. He specializes in working with neurodivergent adults and individuals who have experienced trauma using a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and somatic techniques. He focuses on building strength in the following areas: improving executive functioning, prioritizing self-care, setting clear goals, taking specific actions toward those goals, and improving communication and social relationships.

Dr. Guin grew up in a small town in Northwest Louisiana. If you’re a fan of True Blood, think Bon Temps. Yes, he can make amazing Jambalaya. No, he does not have a Southern accent. Some of his favorite things are: his amazing 15-year-old dog named Annie, Ben and Jerry’s Peanut Butter Half Baked Ice Cream, all things cinnamon, Halloween, fried chicken, cooking, all things pumpkin-spiced, travel (Barcelona, Sitges, New York City, Hawaii, Miami), trees, the beach, the ocean, all things metaphysical, reading (especially nonfiction), astrology, and Disneyland.

Some of his favorite TV shows / movies are: Six Feet Under (HBO), True Blood (HBO), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Mean Girls, Hocus Pocus, Law and Order SVU, and Teen Witch.