Is EMDR Right for Your Child? A Parent's Guide

You may have heard of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) for adults, but is it adaptable for children?  How do you know if EMDR is right for your child? The answer is most likely yes to both! EMDR is a proven, evidence-based therapeutic approach to help people deal with trauma, PTSD, anxiety (including sports or performance anxiety), phobias, and depression, among other diagnoses. The average number of sessions may vary, but typically clients attend at least 12 sessions. 

This therapeutic approach can be modified for children as young as two years old and can potentially involve you, the parent, as well.

The benefits of EMDR 

In a study of teens, EMDR was found to reduce symptoms associated with PTSD, and depression, anxiety, sleep, and overall quality of life improved as well. The study further showed additional benefits associated with reprocessing traumatic memories.  

Children process EMDR quickly and may have fewer barriers to processing. This means that processing may happen in shorter sets. Clinicians often incorporate other modalities such as art, music, movement, and play when necessary. Puppets, a child’s favorite toy, or magic wands can assist in reprocessing. It is also likely that smaller children will move around during the processing stages, and that is okay. 

how parents are involved in processing

1. Parents play a role in helping the clinician acquire all necessary information, especially when therapy involves younger children. Information from both the parent and the child assists the therapist in understanding reasons for seeking EMDR therapy and how the child’s symptoms are affecting them. 
   
   
2. Therapists can collaborate with parents to help them understand the ways in which their child experiences triggers. Parents should also expect that behaviors can potentially worsen before they get better. Being patient and supportive are integral in aiding the child’s experience with reprocessing. 
   
   
3. Sometimes it can be helpful to have a parent attend reprocessing sessions. Younger children might find it beneficial to sit in their parent’s lap during that phase to maximize the feelings of safety and groundedness. 
   
   
4. Reprocessing can be very intense, and it’s important for parents to approach their child with empathy and understanding. Using encouraging words of support like “You’re doing a great job” and “I know this is hard, I am proud of you for being so brave” will help to positively reinforce their child. 

evaluating EMDR for your child 

Deciding whether your child could benefit from EMDR therapy to help process or heal from a traumatic or distressing event is a personal one and should be a conversation between you and your child, if age-appropriate. Alleviating symptoms through EMDR can be life-changing for families.

My job as a therapist is to create safety, trust, and connection before any trauma work begins. My sessions offer warmth, empathy, and curiosity needed to partner with your child or teen. I work to help them express feelings and identify moments that feel “yucky” or “scary.” With my gentle guidance, EMDR techniques, such as self-tapping and bilateral eye movements, are introduced in a safe way to help your child’s brain process difficult memories or experiences. Throughout the session, I validate emotions, help to identify strengths, and empower them to notice when their body feels calm again. By combining EMDR with a person-centered approach, children and teens experience healing in a space where they feel seen, accepted, and in control of their own story. 

If your child or teen has experienced stress, anxiety, or trauma, EMDR can be a gentle and effective way to support their healing. Reach out to me today in North Carolina at Lifeologie Counseling Raleigh at (919) 900-7552 or schedule a free consultation. Or, search our locations to find a Lifeologie EMDR specialist near you. 

I believe your child deserves to feel safe, confident, and calm, and we would love to help them get there.