Children and EMDR
Is this right for my family?
You may be asking, is EMDR right for my family? How does it work, and is it appropriate for children? These are great questions, and I hope I’m able to provide some information for you. Check out my blog post about EMDR for more detailed information about what EMDR is and how it works.
As an overview, EMDR is a therapeutic approach that has shown significant efficacy in treating trauma, anxiety, and other emotional distress in children, adolescents, and adults. Through using bilateral stimulation (aka stimulating both sides of the brain simultaneously, while noticing the body’s response to a memory), EMDR is used to help people process their memories, maladaptive beliefs, and emotional responses.
While this amazing therapy model is helpful for so many, I have seen first hand the wonders it can do for children, as their brains are more “elastic” than adults, allowing for quicker processing. Below, I will outline some of the benefits of seeking EMDR therapy for you or your children.
Tailored for Young Minds
Children often lack the vocabulary or cognitive maturity to express their emotions and experiences fully. EMDR offers a non-verbal alternative that circumvents these barriers, allowing children to process and make sense of their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Through guided imagery, play, and creative expression, therapists help children access and reprocess traumatic or maladaptive memories, gradually reducing their emotional intensity. Children and their families report significant reductions in symptoms such as anxiety, nightmares, and behavioral problems after just a few sessions. Moreover, research suggests that the benefits of EMDR are not only immediate but also enduring, empowering children to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience.
Empowering Resilience
Beyond symptom reduction, EMDR equips children with invaluable coping skills and a renewed sense of agency. By reframing negative beliefs and fostering adaptive coping mechanisms, EMDR empowers children to reclaim control over their lives and move forward with confidence. This newfound resilience not only buffers against future adversity but also lays the foundation for healthy emotional development and interpersonal relationships.
Gradual Exposure and Desensitization
EMDR employs a phased approach that gradually exposes children to distressing memories and emotions while providing ample support and containment. This gradual exposure allows children to process their experiences at a pace that feels manageable, minimizing the risk of overwhelming them. Through repeated sets of bilateral stimulation, children are able to desensitize to the traumatic material and integrate it into their broader narrative of self.
Adaptive Information Processing
Central to the EMDR framework is the concept of Adaptive Information Processing (AIP). According to this theory, traumatic experiences become "stuck" in the brain due to incomplete processing, leading to maladaptive beliefs and emotional responses. EMDR aims to facilitate the reprocessing of these memories, allowing children to make sense of their experiences, challenge negative beliefs, and develop more adaptive coping mechanisms. EMDR therapists work collaboratively with children to identify and strengthen internal resources, such as feelings of safety, competence, and resilience. Through the use of guided imagery, positive affirmations, and relaxation techniques, children learn to access these resources during EMDR sessions, providing a sense of stability and empowerment as they confront distressing memories.
In summary, EMDR offers a multifaceted approach to healing trauma and maladaptive beliefs in children and teens, leveraging bilateral stimulation, adaptive information processing, resource installation, developmentally appropriate approaches, and gradual exposure. By addressing traumatic experiences at their root and empowering children to navigate their emotions, EMDR paves the way for lasting resilience and well-being.
