A Gentle Way for the Brain to Heal

When something scary, confusing, or too big happens, a child’s brain can hold on to it in a “stuck” way. The body remembers, even when the child cannot explain it. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, it helps the brain reorganize those experiences so the child can feel safe again and regain a sense of control and calm.

EDMR is a therapy that helps people, including children and teens, process difficult experiences so they no longer feel overwhelmed. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro (2001), EMDR has been further adapted for young clients by therapists such as Ana Gómez, who emphasize creativity, attachment, and the use of play to reach the child’s inner world. The implamantation of this therapy helps the brain reorganize those experiences so the child can feel safe again and regain a sense of control and calm.

What Makes EMDR Different

EMDR does not require a child to talk in detail about what happened. Instead, the therapist gently guides them to notice thoughts, images, or body sensations while using bilateral stimulation – alternating taps, lights, or sound that activate both sides of the brain. This approach helps the nervous system integrate the memory so it no longer triggers distress (Pagani et al., 2017).

With children and teens, EMDR is blended with creative elements such as play therapy, art, and imaginative storytelling. Children often express themselves through these mediums, allowing them to explore their experiences safely. For instance, a sand tray can become a scene where they visualize what happened, creating a narrative that empowers them to shift the outcome. Puppets or figurines may represent protective helpers or aspects of themselves that need comfort, providing a safe space for exploration.

When a Memory Gets Stuck Like a Song

Sometimes our brains hold on to memories the same way a catchy song gets stuck in our head. A certain image, sound, or feeling starts looping over and over, even when we wish it would stop. Just like we sometimes need to listen to the whole song from start to finish to finally move on, our brains often need to process a memory all the way through.

EMDR helps the mind do exactly that. By gently revisiting the memory in a safe, supported way, the brain can take in all the parts of the experience—what happened before, during, and after—until it finally feels complete. Once the “song” has played all the way through, the nervous system can relax. The memory becomes something we remember, not something we keep reliving.

How EMDR Looks in Practice

Sessions begin with play, connection, and skill-building. Therapists teach grounding, deep breathing, and sensory regulation—skills that help the child feel steady. Parents are often invited to participate so they can learn co-regulation strategies to use at home.

Once safety is well established, the child and therapist may begin processing a target memory. In younger children, this could look like:

  • Building a sand tray world that shows what happened, then gently shifting it to a new, more empowered ending.
  • Using finger puppets or art to let “parts” of themselves express what they felt.
  • Tapping softly on their hands while imagining a calm place or supportive figure.

For teens, EMDR may include journaling, music, guided imagery, or mindfulness. The work remains collaborative, creative, and paced according to readiness.

When It Helps

Research has shown EMDR to be effective for post-traumatic stress and a range of other concerns in children (Ahmad et al., 2007; Rodenburg et al., 2009; de Roos et al., 2017). It can help with:

  • Anxiety, panic, and phobias
  • Traumatic medical or school experiences
  • Bullying, grief, or loss
  • Behavioral struggles rooted in emotional dysregulation
  • Adoption or attachment challenges
  • Nightmares, sleep difficulties, or chronic worry

Children who complete EMDR often report feeling calmer and more confident. Parents notice fewer meltdowns, better sleep, and a greater sense of joy returning to daily life.

For Parents and Caregivers

If your child has experienced something stressful or continues to react strongly to reminders of the past, EMDR might help. A well-trained EMDR therapist who understands child development will tailor the process to your child’s age, interests, and comfort level.

Ask potential therapists:

  • How do you integrate play or creative modalities into EMDR?
  • What does parent involvement look like?
  • How do you help children feel safe before starting memory work?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Is EMDR effective for children? Yes, research indicates that EMDR is effective for children, particularly for addressing trauma and PTSD. Studies have shown significant improvements in emotional regulation and a reduction in distressing symptoms.
  2. At what age can a child start EMDR? Children as young as 5 can begin EMDR, depending on their developmental readiness. Therapists assess the child’s ability to engage with the process and tailor the approach accordingly.
  3. How many EMDR sessions does a child need? The number of sessions varies based on the individual child and the severity of their issues. Many children see significant progress in as few as 6-12 sessions, but some may require additional time.
  4. Does EMDR make symptoms worse before they improve? Some children may experience temporary discomfort as they start to process their memories, which is a normal part of the healing journey. However, this does not necessarily mean that the overall outcome will be negative.
  5. Can teens do EMDR differently than adults? Yes, EMDR for teens often incorporates more age-appropriate techniques, such as journaling, music, and guided imagery. The process remains collaborative and is adapted to fit the teen’s interests and comfort level.

    When EMDR is combined with play, creativity, and relational attunement, children and teens learn that healing is possible. They discover new ways to see themselves—not as broken or bad, but as brave and growing.

References

  • Ahmad, A., Larsson, B., & Sundelin-Wahlsten, V. (2007). EMDR treatment for children with PTSD: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 61(5), 349–354.
  • de Roos, C., et al. (2017). Efficacy of EMDR therapy for children with medically related subthreshold PTSD: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 11(3), 100–112.
  • Gómez, A. M. (2012). EMDR Therapy and Adjunct Approaches with Children: Complex Trauma, Attachment, and Dissociation. Springer.
  • Gómez, A. M. (2020). EMDR Therapy with Children: Healing Trauma through Play, Creativity, and Movement. EMDR Child & Adolescent Specialty Training Manual.
  • Pagani, M., et al. (2017). Neurobiological correlates of EMDR therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1931.
  • Parnell, L. (2013). Attachment-Focused EMDR: Healing Relational Trauma. W.W. Norton.
  • Rodenburg, R., Benjamin, A., de Roos, C., Meijer, A. M., & Stams, G. J. (2009). Efficacy of EMDR in children: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(7), 599–606.
  • Schwartz, R. C. (1995). Internal Family Systems Therapy. Guilford Press.
  • Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.