EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
With Children and Adults
How Does EMDR Work for Kids?
Children often express trauma differently than adults. They may show signs of distress through behavioral changes, nightmares, emotional outbursts, or difficulty concentrating.
EMDR gently helps children process these experiences without requiring them to talk in detail about what happened.
How Play is Integrated Into EMDR for Children
1. Creating Safety & Trust Through Play
Before beginning EMDR processing, therapists use play-based activities to build rapport and create a sense of security. Some effective techniques include:
Drawing & Art Therapy – Helps children express emotions they may not have words for.
Puppet Play – Allows children to act out feelings and experiences in a safe way.
Sand Tray Therapy – Helps children visualize and express emotions through symbolic play.
These activities help reduce anxiety and prepare children for the EMDR process.
2. Identifying “Stuck” Feelings with Playful Exploration
Many children struggle to articulate distressing emotions. Play provides a gentle and engaging way to identify triggers, fears, and negative beliefs. Some play-based approaches include:
Emotion Cards & Games – Helps children recognize and name their feelings.
Therapeutic Dolls & Figures – Encourages self-expression through role-play.
Interactive Storytelling – Gives children a way to describe difficult experiences through metaphor.
By using these creative techniques, therapists help children safely access and externalize distressing emotions.
3. Bilateral Stimulation Through Play
A key part of EMDR therapy is bilateral stimulation (BLS), which helps the brain reprocess distressing memories. For children, this can be incorporated through:
Rhythmic Clapping or Tapping Games – Engages both sides of the brain.
Following a Wand or Light – A playful way to guide eye movements.
Jumping or Marching in Place – Adds movement to the reprocessing phase.
These playful activities make EMDR more engaging while maintaining its effectiveness.
4. Processing & Strengthening Positive Beliefs Through Play
Once a distressing memory is reprocessed, therapists help children build positive self-beliefs. Play can be used to reinforce these changes through:
Writing or Illustrating a “Brave Story” – Helps children see themselves as strong and capable.
Role-Playing Strength & Resilience – Encourages confidence-building through pretend play.
These activities help children integrate new, empowering beliefs about themselves.
5. Grounding & Calming with Play-Based Techniques
To end each EMDR session, therapists use playful grounding activities to help children regulate emotions and feel calm. Techniques include:
Listening to Soothing Sounds or Music – Helps with emotional regulation.
Fidget Toys & Sensory Play – Provides a physical outlet for emotions.
Imagining a “Safe Place” – Guided visualization to promote security.
These activities help children leave therapy sessions feeling supported and in control.