This chapter provides basic sexual anatomy, development, and essential sexual health information (Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs), HIV, Pregnancy prevention, Safer Sex) that every Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist needs to know for sexual health literacy, making this chapter a “one-stop shop” of sexual health information. This chapter also explores the history of sex research and current 21st century understanding of Dual Control model of arousal, as well as spontaneous and responsive desire. Sexual Personality Styles are explained and a questionnaire is provided that therapists can administer to clients to help them learn about their own sexual style. Erotic Templates (often formed in childhood and adolescence) and how they relate to EMDR targets are discussed.

This introduction chapter provides a basic literacy in current sexual health, addresses therapists’ potential discomfort in addressing sexual health with clients, and introduces the idea of the therapist’s own Sexological Worldview. The PLISSIT (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, Intensive Therapy) model of sexual health communication is detailed, as well as important foundational elements of sexual health from the longstanding, reputable Our Whole Lives and Planned Parenthood curricula. Gina Ogden’s 4-D Wheel of Sexual Health is also explored as a helpful clinical sexual health framework. These frameworks are then integrated into the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.

This chapter provides several case studies of using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Future Templates to improve sexual health. Improving sexuality-related concerns of self-esteem and body image, via EMDR therapy is addressed, as well as the impact of social media and pornography on self-image. Also included is a new EMDR resource on “Strengthening a Confident and Joyful Sexual Self.”

This chapter shares current information about sexual/affectional/romantic orientation (including bisexual, asexual, and demisexual), relationship status (e.g., monogamy, affairs, and consensual non-monogamy), and pregnancy (pregnancy loss in particular) as these concepts relate to sexual health and EMDR Therapy. Case studies are provided to illustrate the intersection of EMDR Therapy and sexual health for demisexuality, infidelity, and pregnancy loss.

This chapter provides a refresher on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, integrating sexual health into applying this framework. Resourcing particularly helpful for sexual health (including two new resources Bubble Boundary and Self-Compassion Container) is shared. Positive and negative EMDR cognitions related to sexual health are provided, as well as lists and case examples of EMDR sexuality-related targets. Highlights from the EMDR Protocol for Sexual Dysfunctions are included. The Feeling-State Addiction Protocol and the controversy of “out of control” sexual behaviors (e.g., “excessive” porn viewing or unwanted sexual behaviors) are discussed, with a contribution from Dr. Robert Miller. Resources are provided for how therapists can handle potential complex dissociation that may come up as sexuality is addressed.

As the field of human sexuality continues to expand and interface more positively with mental health, physical health, and our culture at large, increasing numbers of helpful resources are becoming available for sex educators, lay folks, and anyone seeking updated and positive information. This final chapter provides lists (with some synopses) of essential sexual health-related websites, TED Talks, podcasts, books, and educational resources for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapists and clients. National and regional sexual health training organizations are also listed for further learning. Additionally, although directly addressing children’s sexual health was out of the scope of this book, educational resources for children and teens regarding sexual health are included in this chapter. Please keep in mind that as the field and agents of sexual health continue to expand, these resources may quickly become outdated or replaced by more current versions. Try to locate the most current websites and/or editions of the listed resources to learn about updates or revisions.

Individuals from culturally and erotically marginalized communities seek EMDR Therapy. It is helpful to have some basic education and information about the many different types of folks who may seek therapy. Although this chapter is not able to cover the breadth and depth of marginalized populations, this chapter provides basic information and EMDR Therapy considerations regarding the sexual health of people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. This chapter also shares information about erotically marginalized clients that may engage in kink/BDSM, fetishes, and/or paraphilias. Current Information about sex work is shared. Lastly, a brief section on encountering clients that report sex offending is included. EMDR Therapy case studies are provided to illustrate the intersection of sexual health regarding a physical disability, kink/BDSM, sex work, and a sex offender.