Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and stressful events. However, sometimes communication between different parts of the brain can become blocked and memories get "stuck". When this happens, children and adults may feel as if they are still experiencing the event even after it has ended, and can become easily triggered by everyday sensations (sights, smells, sounds, touch, taste). 

EMDR reprocesses the distressing memory by giving attention to the negative image, belief and body sensation while using side-to-side eye movements, sounds or taps to support the brain to resume its natural healing process. EMDR helps build healthy coping skills, reduce negative beliefs and increase self-worth. 

Yes! EMDR has been proven to be effective for clients of all ages, including young children. Child EMDR sessions will incorporate the use of creative and playful interventions such as art, puppetry, sandtray, therapeutic stories, and games to support the child to express themselves. Children may also use other forms of side-to-side movements that are playful such as: patty-cakes, drumming, magic wands, ball games, marching, stomping, and dancing. 

Click here to learn more about the research supporting the efficacy of EMDR with children. 

EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue, or homework between sessions. EMDR supports the brain to resume its natural healing process, so the child does not feel controlled by disturbing memories. EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies. 

First, there is a discussion about the child's history, development of a treatment plan, and then an agreement that EMDR reprocessing is a good fit. The therapist prepares the child for trauma processing by strengthening the child’s sense of safety and building skills to cope with feelings. The therapist guides the child to focus on the distressing event for short periods of time. Attention is given to a negative image, belief, body sensation, and feeling related to this event. The therapist begins sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. The child is guided to notice what comes after each set. They may experience new insights, changes in images, feelings, body sensations, or beliefs regarding the event. The child has full control to stop the therapist at any point, if needed. The sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps are repeated until the event becomes less disturbing. Later, the child is guided to focus on a positive belief that would indicate the event was resolved such as: "It is over. I am safe now." Then, the child will process any disturbance still left in the body. The therapist closes the session and supports the child to feel grounded and utilize their coping skills. At the beginning of the next session, the client and therapist review the work done and continue reprocessing events as needed. EMDR therapy can be done with the support of a parent or the child's guardian and it can help to increase attachment and repair relationships.