EMDR Therapy for Children

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a gentle, evidence based approach to help children process distressing experiences and feel more calm, confident, and in control.

For children, EMDR is adapted in age-appropriate ways using play, drawing, storytelling, movement, tapping, or using other creative tools.

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“EMDR can help kids by making those bags smaller or even get rid of them so kids will have space for the good feelings and the good thoughts. The brain can chew up and digest all the mixed-up feelings and thoughts as well as the yucky feelings we may have in the body.”

— Ana Gomez, EMDR Therapist & Author

“EMDR targets the unprocessed memories helping kids “digest” difficult experiences.”

— Dr. Francine Shapiro, Author and Creator of EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR?

How EMDR Therapy Helps

EMDR with play therapy helps children heal from trauma by letting them express feelings through play and using guided eye movements or tapping to rework memories. This method eases emotional pain, keeps kids interested, and reduces anxiety. It helps children become stronger, manage emotions better, and heal in a safe, child-friendly setting.
What It Looks Like in a Session

Therapists use EMDR with children by making it simple and suited to their age. They help kids safely process upsetting memories.
First, therapists build trust and explain EMDR in easy-to-understand ways, often using stories, play, or drawings. During the main part, instead of only eye movements, they might use tapping, buzzing, or lights to keep it fun and less scary.
Kids focus on the upsetting memory while doing these activities. Therapists watch closely, giving breaks and comfort when needed. They adapt the process to the child's way of expressing themselves.
Throughout, therapists help kids change negative thoughts to positive ones and learn ways to handle emotions. EMDR with children is gentle, interactive, and helps them heal and grow stronger over time.
Your Role as a Caregiver

Parents are key to the success of EMDR therapy for children. They learn about the therapy, help set goals, and offer emotional support. Therapists teach parents how EMDR works and how to notice their child’s progress. Parents share important information about their child's feelings, helping therapists adjust the treatment.
Between sessions, parents keep communication open, create a safe space, and use therapist’s advice to help their child cope. This teamwork boosts the therapy’s success and helps parents support their child’s healing. Involving parents makes EMDR a team effort that goes beyond the therapy room.