EMDR for Children & Adolescents: What Parents Should Know
If you’re a parent considering therapy for your child or teenager, you may already feel overwhelmed. You might notice changes in their mood, behavior, sleep, or school performance and wonder whether what they’re experiencing is something they’ll “grow out of” or a sign they need extra support. When traditional talk therapy hasn’t seemed to help—or when your child struggles to put big feelings into words—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy may be an option worth exploring.
This guide is designed to help parents understand EMDR for children and adolescents: what it is, how it works, who it can help, and what to expect from the process. My goal is to give you clear, grounded information so you can make an informed decision that feels right for your family.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Before diving in, I want to share how I approach EMDR in my work with children and adolescents. In my practice, EMDR is never a one-size-fits-all protocol. I take time to understand each child’s developmental stage, personality, family system, and current stressors so therapy feels supportive, paced, and tailored to your child—not overwhelming.
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy originally developed to help people process distressing or overwhelming experiences. Over time, it has been extensively researched and adapted for children and adolescents. EMDR is now recognized as an effective treatment for a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns, not just trauma.
At its core, EMDR helps the brain do what it is naturally designed to do: process experiences in a way that allows learning, healing, and integration to occur. When an experience is overwhelming—especially for a developing nervous system—it can become “stuck,” continuing to influence thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and body responses long after the event has passed.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or tones) while a child focuses on specific memories, feelings, or body sensations. This process helps the brain reprocess the experience so it no longer feels as intense or disruptive.
For children and teens, EMDR is carefully adapted to be developmentally appropriate, engaging, and supportive.
How EMDR Is Adapted for Children and Adolescents
One common concern parents have is whether EMDR will be too intense or abstract for kids. In practice, EMDR with children looks very different from adult therapy.
Developmentally Appropriate Approaches
Younger children may use play, drawing, storytelling, or imaginative exercises
School-aged children often work with visuals, scaling tools, and simple language
Adolescents may engage in a process that looks closer to adult EMDR, while still honoring their developmental stage
Sessions are paced carefully, with a strong emphasis on safety, regulation, and trust. Children are never forced to talk about something they’re not ready for, and therapists frequently check in to make sure the process feels manageable.
Emphasis on Safety and Regulation
Before any reprocessing begins, children learn coping and grounding skills. These may include:
Breathing exercises
Visualization (safe or calm place imagery)
Body awareness skills
Emotional identification and expression
This preparation phase is essential and often reassuring for parents—it ensures your child has tools to feel stable both in and outside of sessions.
What Issues Can EMDR Help With in Children and Teens?
While EMDR is well-known for treating trauma, it can also be effective for many other concerns that impact children and adolescents.
Common Reasons Parents Seek EMDR
Children don’t always have the language to explain what they’re feeling, but their behavior often communicates distress. EMDR works at both the emotional and nervous system level, which can be especially helpful when words fall short.
How EMDR Supports the Developing Nervous System
Children and adolescents are still learning how to regulate emotions, manage stress, and make sense of their experiences. When something overwhelming happens, it can interfere with these developmental processes.
EMDR helps by:
Reducing emotional reactivity
Improving emotional regulation
Strengthening adaptive coping responses
Supporting healthier beliefs about self (e.g., “I’m safe now,” “I can handle this”)
Rather than focusing solely on symptom management, EMDR aims to address underlying experiences that continue to affect your child’s emotional world.
What EMDR Sessions Typically Look Like
While each child’s therapy is individualized, parents often appreciate having a general sense of what to expect.
Phase 1: History and Treatment Planning
The therapist gathers information from parents and, when appropriate, the child or teen. This includes understanding current concerns, developmental history, strengths, and stressors. Parent involvement is especially important at this stage.
Phase 2: Preparation
Your child learns skills to feel calm, safe, and supported. This phase may take several sessions and is not rushed.
Phases 3–6: Reprocessing
The therapist guides your child through processing specific memories, sensations, or beliefs using bilateral stimulation. This is done gradually and with frequent check-ins.
Phase 7–8: Integration and Closure
The focus shifts to strengthening positive beliefs, reinforcing progress, and ensuring your child feels stable and supported.
Throughout the process, therapists monitor how children are doing both in and outside of sessions.
What Parents Often Notice During EMDR Therapy
Every child is different, but parents commonly report:
Improved mood or emotional stability
Reduced anxiety or fear responses
Fewer behavioral outbursts
Better sleep
Increased confidence
Improved communication
Some children may experience temporary emotional shifts as their brain processes material. Therapists prepare parents for this and provide guidance on how to support their child between sessions.
Is EMDR Safe for Children?
Yes—when provided by a trained clinician, EMDR is considered safe and well-tolerated for children and adolescents. Research supports its effectiveness, and professional guidelines emphasize the importance of developmentally informed practice.
Key safety elements include:
Thorough assessment and preparation
Child-led pacing
Strong therapeutic alliance
Ongoing parent collaboration
I encourage parents to ask about a therapist’s training and experience with EMDR for children—and I’m always happy to talk openly about my EMDR training, my experience working with kids and teens, and how I adapt the process to fit each child.
The Role of Parents in EMDR Therapy
Parents play a vital role in their child’s healing process. When I work with children and adolescents, I see therapy as a collaborative process that includes ongoing parent support, communication, and guidance. While EMDR sessions are typically individual, parent involvement may include:
Initial consultations and ongoing check-ins
Learning how to support regulation at home
Understanding therapy goals and progress
Providing feedback about changes observed
Open communication between therapist and parent helps ensure therapy aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values.
How EMDR Differs from Traditional Talk Therapy
Some children benefit from talk therapy, while others struggle to articulate their inner experiences. EMDR does not rely solely on verbal processing, which can be especially helpful for:
Younger children
Teens who feel shut down or resistant
Children who become overwhelmed when talking about emotions
By working with the brain and body together, EMDR offers an alternative path to healing that many families find effective.
When EMDR Might Be a Good Fit for Your Child
EMDR may be worth considering if your child:
Has ongoing emotional or behavioral challenges
Reacts strongly to reminders of past events
Struggles with anxiety or fears that don’t respond to reassurance
Has difficulty expressing feelings verbally
Seems “stuck” despite other interventions
A consultation can help determine whether EMDR is a good fit for your child. In my practice, I take time to understand your concerns, your child’s history, and your goals so we can decide together what approach makes the most sense.
Choosing an EMDR Therapist for Your Child
Finding the right therapist matters. When families reach out to me, I want both parents and children to feel comfortable, informed, and supported from the very first conversation. I believe therapy works best when there is trust, transparency, and a strong therapeutic relationship.
When looking for an EMDR therapist, consider:
Specialized training in EMDR
Experience working with children and adolescents
A collaborative approach with parents
Comfort adapting therapy to your child’s developmental level
Trust and rapport are essential—both for your child and for you as a parent.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR for Kids
Will my child have to relive upsetting experiences?
EMDR does not require children to give detailed verbal accounts. The process is designed to reduce distress, not intensify it.
How long does EMDR take?
Length of treatment varies depending on your child’s needs, history, and goals. Some concerns resolve relatively quickly, while others require more time.
Can EMDR be combined with other therapies?
Yes. EMDR is often integrated with other therapeutic approaches to support overall well-being.
Supporting Your Child Outside of Sessions
Parents can help reinforce therapy by:
Maintaining predictable routines
Encouraging rest and healthy coping
Offering reassurance without pressure
Communicating openly with the therapist
Small, consistent support makes a meaningful difference.
Final Thoughts: Trusting Your Instincts as a Parent
If you’re exploring EMDR for your child or teen, it’s likely because you care deeply about their well-being. Trusting your instincts, seeking information, and asking for help are powerful steps.
EMDR offers a compassionate, evidence-based way to support children and adolescents as they navigate emotional challenges and build resilience. With the right support, healing is possible—and children often surprise us with their capacity to grow.
Ready to Learn More About EMDR for Your Child?
If you’re wondering whether EMDR might be a good fit for your child or adolescent, I invite you to reach out. I offer EMDR therapy for children and teens and tailor treatment to each child’s unique needs, strengths, and developmental stage.
If you’re curious whether EMDR might be a good fit for your child or adolescent, I invite you to reach out and schedule a free consultation. I offer individualized, developmentally informed therapy tailored to each child’s unique needs.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Support is available, and taking the first step can make all the difference.