Applying Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Counseling With Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious, prevalent public health issue that has severe detrimental mental health effects. Researchers have demonstrated that trauma-informed counseling is effective in treating survivors, and the literature shows that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has a significant impact on reducing posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms among IPV survivors. Additionally, researchers have found considerable rates of posttraumatic growth among IPV survivors who leave relationships where they are being abused. The aim of this article is to articulate how EMDR can be effectively applied to decreasing deleterious effects of victimization and increasing growth-oriented outcomes. First, we will provide a synthesis of the literature, followed by a case study of the application of EMDR with a female survivor of IPV in an outpatient setting in order to increase counselors’ knowledge of applying EMDR concepts to practice with IPV survivors.