EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), is a powerful and evidence-based form of psychotherapy that can help people process and recover from distressing experiences, especially those that are trauma-related.
Searching for a child-friendly method to help your child process difficult experiences or trauma can be challenging, and we understand that finding the best method to support them is incredibly important. In this guide, we will walk you through what EMDR therapy is and how it may benefit your child.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a psychological therapy designed to support people to process distressing memories and reduce the emotional impact of trauma. Rather than relying solely on talking through events, EMDR uses a structured eight-phase approach that includes bilateral stimulation – such as eye movements or tapping – to help the brain reprocess unresolved memories.
Originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now used to support a wide range of issues, including anxiety, grief, phobias and low self-esteem.
Is EMDR Safe for Children?
EDMR is recognised by the World Health Organisation as a safe and effective therapy for children who have experienced traumatic events, when delivered by a trained mental health professional.
At The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, our clinicians adapt EMDR to suit each child’s age, developmental stage and emotional needs. The process is always carefully paced and child-led, to ensure the young person feels safe, supported and in control at every stage of therapy. Even with adaptions and modifications, children can still participate in all eight phases of EMDR therapy. These phases include:
- History Taking and Treatment Planning
The therapist will gather a full clinical history and identify any potential targets for EMDR processing, such as specific memories or situations.
- Preparation
Introducing the client to the EMDR process, this phase focusses on building trust, and learning coping strategies.
- Assessment
This is where we will activate the target memory, your child will be asked to identify images, belies, emotions, and body sensations associated with the memory.
- Desensitisation
This is where bilateral stimulation begins. Your child will be asked to focus on the memory while following prompts given by the therapist, such as tracking finger movements. The aim of this is to reduce the emotional charge of the memory.
- Installation
Positive beliefs are strengthened and associated with the now-desensitised memory.
- Body Scan
Your child will check for any lingering physical tension or discomfort linked to the present memory.
- Closure
At the end of each session, the therapist will ensure your child feels stable and grounded, we may use relaxation techniques to do this.
- Re-evaluation
In subsequent sessions, progress will be reviewed, and any remaining targets are identified for further work.
Is EMDR Right for My Child?
Children process experiences differently from adults, and signs of distress may not always be obvious. For some, trauma can lead to flashbacks, separation anxiety, irritability or changes in behaviour. Others may experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches.
EMDR might be the right approach if your child has experienced:
- Loss or bereavement
- Medical trauma or accidents
- Anxiety, phobias, or panic symptoms
- A traumatic or distressing event
- Bullying, emotional neglect, or chronic stress
It is important to first complete a psychological assessment to determine whether EMDR is suitable. This means a clinician can fully understand your child’s background and tailor an approach to their individual needs.
What Age Can a Child Begin EMDR Therapy?
Children can be as young as 2 to 3 years old when they first undertake EMDR therapy. At this age, therapists will typically incorporate play, drawings and storytelling to help children process their experiences in a developmentally appropriate way.
For older children and teenagers, EMDR may be integrated into a broader therapeutic framework that supports their emotional and cognitive development.
What to Expect During a Child’s EMDR Session
In a child’s EMDR session, you can expect it to be a more tailored and creative experience. While still containing the core therapeutic processes within the adult model, the delivery is modified to be more engaging and accessible for younger people.
Sessions may include:
- Storytelling
- Drawing or art-based activities
- Parent involvement
- Gentle forms of bilateral stimulation (such as tapping, visual tracking, or using hand buzzers)
Ensuring a secure therapeutic relationship and working at a pace that suits your child is the top priority, and working alongside the parent during the treatment is hugely beneficial. This means that therapy is not only effective, but also an emotionally safe space where both parent and child feel happy and supported.
What Issues Can EMDR Help Children With?
There has been research to support that the use of EMDR therapy can address a range of different in children such as:
- Generalised anxiety and panic disorders
- Phobias and panic attacks
- Loss, grief or bereavement
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Low self-esteem or confidence
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Performance anxiety
EMDR can be used as a standalone treatment or integrated into a wider psychological treatment. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals who have found traditional talking therapies difficult or ineffective, as EMDR doesn’t require you to talk extensively about the trauma itself.
How The Chelsea Psychology Clinic Approaches EMDR
At The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, we work with a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and therapists who have trained in both child development and trauma-informed care. Our approach to EMDR is always tailored to the health and needs of everyone in our care.
Before therapy begins, we will conduct a thorough psychological assessment allowing us to create an individualised plan that reflects your child’s development and emotional state. Throughout treatment, we work collaboratively with families and caregivers to ensure there is always consistent support and communication.
Final Thoughts
If your child has experienced a distressing event or is struggling to emotionally cope, EMDR may be able to offer them a structured path to recovery. With the right type of support, children can learn to process these difficult experiences, build up their emotional resilience and move forward with confidence.
If you’re considering EMDR for your child and want to know whether it might be suitable for them, it might be helpful to speak with a qualified therapist or clinic. Contact us to find out more about our treatment options.
