Trauma Aid AotearoaEMDR for AllEMDR can be adapted for children and young people in developmentally appropriate ways, with safety, playfulness, and caregiver support at the centre.
EMDRIA's children and youth brochure describes trauma signs that may include eating or sleep disturbance, social isolation, changes at school, irritability, being easily startled, shame, low self-esteem, aggressive behaviour, reenactment of traumatic events, substance use, or changes in body image.
EMDR with children still begins with history, treatment planning, preparation, and agreement that reprocessing is a good fit. The therapist helps strengthen safety and coping skills before asking the child to focus on difficult material for short periods.
Bilateral stimulation can be adapted in playful ways, including tapping, sounds, patty-cake style movements, drumming, ball games, marching, stomping, dancing, art therapy, play therapy, sand tray, and other creative approaches. Read EMDRIA's child brochure.