Is Your Child Experiencing Trauma Symptoms? EMDR Can Help

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing or better known as ‘EMDR’ has been proven to be effective in various evidence based studies and has been well utilized since 1987 with a continuing growing body of positive research. Your child may be experiencing an array of concerns such as:

• Becoming easily angry/irritated and agitated

• Avoiding Family Time

• Increased behavioral concerns

• Separation Anxiety

• Lower Academic Performance

• Refusing to go to school

• Regressed Behaviors

• Concerns with focus

• Less interest in play

• Nightmares, concerns with sleep

At times these symptoms are a result of trauma. There are “little t” traumas and big “T” “Traumas” that may show up in a child or adolescents life area as followed:

Little t’s

• Death of a pet

• Bullying, harassment

• Loss of a significant relationship (friendships, family etc)

• Ongoing situations that cause distress such as stressful homelife

Big T’s

• Inconsistent caregiving at a young age

• Death of a parent or caregiver

• Medical trauma either ongoing or a singular event

• Witnessing or experiencing violence

• Living through a natural disaster

• Sexual, emotional or physical abuse

These are just some examples of what can be considered trauma. When these events take place at a young age without proper support and processing techniques these traumas may manifest in an array of ways such as impact on academic performance to behavioral concerns . EMDR can also support children and adolescents in working through phobias.

How does EMDR help?

Younger children in particular can find it challenging to engage in traditional talk therapy, which is where EMDR comes in as an alternative to talk therapy for trauma.

EMDR uses bi-lateral stimulation to support your child in processing these difficult memories. Bi-lateral stimulation uses sounds, tapping or eye movements to support the brain in being able to stay on the specific memory, to work towards desensitizing the traumatic memories and triggers. The process aims to associate new positive imagery, thought and feeling to the past negative memory.

Is EMDR safe for Children?

In 2013 the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized EMDR as a safe and effective form of therapy for for children and adolescents. The therapist will create a trusting relationship with your child before EMDR is conducted, as your child trusting the clinician is critical to the process of EMDR. Your child will also be encouraged to use ‘stop signals’ with their hands at any point in the process to pause the session. After an EMDR session the therapist will do a quick debrief, meditation or play therapy method to support the child in feeling safe after session.

If you are concerned that your child may be struggling with the effects of trauma, EMDR therapy can be a safe and effective way to help them heal. EMDR helps children and adolescents process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled way, and can lead to a reduction in trauma-related symptoms.

If you are interested in learning more about EMDR therapy for children and adolescents, please reach out to Attune Therapy in Buffalo New York today. One of our qualified therapist can help you determine if EMDR is right for your child, and can provide support throughout the therapy process.