PART OF THE COLLECTIVE AT A PLACE TO BE THERAPY
EMDR for Children
IN-Person in Pasadena
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of therapy that has been extensively researched and proven effective with adults. It involves reprocessing traumatic or difficult memories while bilaterally stimulating the brain. With adults this typically means moving your eyes from side to side, or tapping on your knees or shoulders. By doing this the memory is processed as it naturally should have been and alleviates the triggers, intense negative feelings and negative thoughts associated with the event.
EMDR can be equally effective in children. I am an EMDR Child Specialist and trained in using EMDR with children. Adaptations are made to the 8 phases of EMDR to make them playful and child friendly, while sticking to the main tenets of EMDR that make it effective. Even the most difficult of events can be processed effectively and result in relief of trauma symptoms.
When can EMDR be used with children?
EMDR is effective in resolving symptoms from single traumatic events as well as complex trauma.
relinquishment and family separation
abuse
medical trauma
natural disasters (recent wildfires)
accidents
phobias
FAQs
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Yes. Eventhough the child doesn’t consciously remember, their body had the experience and remembers. I use different strategies to process preverbal traumas or traumas that aren’t remembered.
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I have worked with children as young as 3 to process a traumatic experience.
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Every case is different. But typically I do have parents be in the room when processing a difficult event. I work with parents before hand and coach them on what to expect and do.