Using EMDR With Survivors of Sexual Abuse Perpetrated by Roman Catholic Priests

Derek (Paddy) Farrell, Mark Dworkin, Paul Keenan, Joany Spierings

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article reviews research that investigated the idiosyncratic effects of sexual abuse perpetrated by Roman Catholic priests and makes related treatment recommendations. The research determined that this distinct form of sexual trauma generated unique posttraumatic symptoms not accounted for within the existing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder conceptual frameworks. These included significant anxiety and distress in areas such as theological belief, crisis of faith, and fears surrounding the participant’s own mortality. This article makes recommendations about EMDR treatment with clergy abuse survivors, based on these research findings utilizing a survivor’s story to illustrate case formulation and the utilization of process and content cognitive interweaves in addressing episodes of blocked processing.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)124-133
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of EMDR Practice and Research
Volume4
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • EMDR
  • clergy
  • idiosyncratic
  • Treatment

Cite this