Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
Understanding MST
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to sexual harassment, assault, or repeated threatening sexual behavior experienced by service members during their military service. MST can occur across all ranks, genders, and branches of the military.
Types of Military Sexual Trauma
Sexual Harassment
Unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Sexual Assault
Difficulty trusting others, relationship problems, social isolation, and intimacy issues.
Types of Military Sexual Trauma
The symptoms of MST can be severe and long-lasting, often overlapping with those of PTSD, but specifically tied to the trauma of sexual violation. Common symptoms include:
Psychological Symptoms
Anxiety, depression, intense fear, anger, feelings of shame and guilt, emotional numbness, and flashbacks.
Physical Symptoms
Sleep disturbances, fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic pain.
Behavioral Symptoms
Avoidance of reminders of the trauma, hypervigilance, substance abuse, and
self-harm.
Interpersonal Issues
Any kind of non-consensual sexual contact, ranging from unwanted touching to rape.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps individuals process and integrate traumatic memories. It involves the patient recalling distressing events while focusing on external stimuli, typically guided eye movements, which are believed to aid in the reprocessing of trauma.
How EMDR Helps With Military Sexual Trauma
Processing Traumatic Memories
EMDR helps in the reprocessing of distressing memories. For moral injury, this involves confronting and integrating the ethical and moral dilemmas that cause distress.
Reduction of Guilt and Shame
By reprocessing traumatic experiences, EMDR can help reduce the intense feelings of guilt and shame associated with moral injury. This is achieved by helping individuals gain a new perspective on their experiences and actions.
Emotional Regulation
EMDR can improve emotional regulation, reducing the anger, depression, and despair that often accompany moral injury.
Cognitive Restructuring
Through EMDR, individuals can reframe their traumatic experiences, altering their perceptions and beliefs about the events. This can lead to a more compassionate understanding of their actions and decisions during their military service.
Improving Functionality
EMDR has been shown to enhance overall psychological functioning, helping veterans and military members improve their interpersonal relationships and reintegrate into civilian life.
Research and Efficacy
Research supports EMDR's efficacy in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions, including MST. Studies have shown that EMDR can lead to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in overall mental health for those who have experienced sexual trauma.
Commitment To Support: Veteran Resilience Project
The Veteran Resilience Project is dedicated to providing effective therapy for survivors of MST. Recognizing the profound impact of MST on veterans' lives, the project is committed to supporting and empowering survivors through tailored EMDR therapy. By offering specialized care and creating a supportive environment, the Veteran Resilience Project aims to facilitate healing and resilience, helping veterans overcome the trauma of MST and reclaim their well-being
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is a serious and pervasive issue affecting many service members, with profound psychological, physical, and behavioral impacts. EMDR therapy offers a promising approach to help MST survivors process their trauma, reduce distressing symptoms, and improve their overall quality of life.
Through EMDR, individuals can work through their traumatic experiences in a safe and structured environment, facilitating healing and recovery. The Veteran Resilience Project's commitment to providing effective EMDR therapy ensures that MST survivors receive the support and care they need to heal and thrive.
The cornerstone approach to our Trauma-Informed care is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. EMDR Therapy is a research-backed treatment method that has shown remarkable effectiveness in helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
For all Minnesota Veterans, not dependent on discharge status, Service Members, and Spouses.
Eye Movement Desenstization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Healing is possible.
Providing Free Effective EMDR therapy
For all Minnesota Veterans, not dependent on discharge status, Service Members, and Spouses.
Effective Treatment for trauma & PTSD
12 EMDR Therapy Sessions at NO COST (additional sessions available)
In-Person or Telehealth options
Statewide Network of highly qualified EMDR Therapists in MN
All therapists are extensively trained in Trauma and EMDR)
Therapists are all trained through VRP on understanding military culture and supporting Veterans.
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