EMDR Therapy for Children and Teens: A Parent’s Guide
Seeing your child struggle with trauma, anxiety, or difficult emotions can be heartbreaking. As a parent, you want to help but might feel unsure where to turn. You may have heard of EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as a trauma treatment for adults and wonder: can it help children too? The good news is that EMDR isn’t just for grown-ups. Therapists have adapted this effective approach to work with children and teens, even though kids think and communicate differently than adults. In fact, EMDR can be a gentle yet powerful way to help young minds heal from scary or painful experiences.
In this guide, we’ll explain what EMDR therapy is, how it works for children, and what you can expect. We’ll also address common questions and concerns. By the end, you’ll understand why EMDR is increasingly used to help kids overcome trauma, anxiety, and more – and why, even though working with children can be more challenging than with adults, the results are often life-changing.
What Is EMDR Therapy and Can It Help My Child?
EMDR basics: EMDR is a psychotherapy method originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress. It uses a structured eight-phase process (see what to expect in an EMDR session) with a technique called bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sound tones) to help the brain “reprocess” traumatic memories. Unlike some talk therapies, EMDR does not require a child to describe every detail of what happened or relive the trauma repeatedly. Instead, the therapist helps the child briefly focus on memories or feelings while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which activates the brain’s natural healing mechanisms. Over a course of EMDR, those “stuck” upsetting memories get digested and integrated, so they no longer trigger intense fear or distress.
Proven effective for kids: Although EMDR was first used with adults, research and clinical experience show it can work remarkably well for children and teens. Major health organizations like the World Health Organization recognize EMDR as an effective, evidence-based treatment for children with PTSD. One study of children aged 8–18 who went through a single traumatic event found that 92% no longer had PTSD after only about four EMDR sessions – and they were still free of PTSD a year later.
What Kinds of Struggles Can EMDR Help With?
Children and teens can benefit from EMDR for a wide range of challenges, not just big, obvious traumas.
Common reasons kids come to EMDR therapy include:
Bullying, rejection, or school stress
Accidents, medical trauma, or hospital stays
Divorce, family conflict, or sudden life changes
Loss of a loved one
Abuse or neglect
Witnessing violence or frightening events
Anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias
Test anxiety and performance fears
Social struggles or low self-esteem
In many cases, these experiences may not look like “trauma” to adults, but to a child, they can feel overwhelming and have a lasting impact. EMDR helps resolve those experiences before they harden into ongoing patterns of fear or anxiety.
For teens, EMDR is often used to address more complex issues like depression, relationship difficulties, or the effects of early childhood adversity. Learn more about EMDR for anxiety and how it helps with panic attacks.
How Is EMDR Different for Kids vs. Adults?
Working with children requires flexibility, patience, and creativity. Unlike adults, kids don’t always have the vocabulary to describe what they’re feeling. EMDR for kids often incorporates play, drawing, or storytelling to help them process memories in ways that feel natural and safe.
Therapists may use stuffed animals, art supplies, or even finger puppets to guide children through EMDR sessions. For example, instead of asking a child to “describe the worst part of the memory,” a therapist might invite them to draw it or tell a story through a toy.
For teens, EMDR sessions look more like adult sessions, but therapists still adapt to the teen’s communication style and comfort level. Since adolescence is already an emotionally intense time, EMDR can give teens practical tools to manage stress and process experiences they might otherwise carry into adulthood.
It’s also important to note that EMDR can be more challenging with children than adults, since younger kids may struggle with focus, emotional regulation, or understanding the process. This is why it’s crucial to work with a therapist trained in child EMDR. The payoff, however, can be tremendous—addressing trauma early helps prevent long-term struggles with mental health.
What Parents Can Expect
Many parents are curious (and sometimes nervous) about how EMDR actually works for kids. Here’s what to know:
Parent involvement: Parents are often part of the initial history-taking phase and may join sessions to provide comfort, but the core EMDR work is usually done between the therapist and child.
Safety first: Therapists start by building trust and teaching children calming techniques before touching any trauma memories. This ensures kids have the tools to regulate their emotions during and outside of sessions.
Shorter sessions: While adult EMDR sessions often last 60–90 minutes, child sessions are usually shorter (30–50 minutes) to match attention spans.
Gradual pace: Some kids move through EMDR quickly; others take more time. Both are normal. The therapist adjusts the pace to the child’s needs.
How Many Sessions Does My Child Need?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Some children feel relief in just a few sessions, while others may need months of consistent therapy. On average, single-incident traumas (like a car accident) can resolve more quickly, while ongoing or complex issues (such as abuse or multiple stressors) may require longer treatment.
If you’re wondering about the practical side, you can read more here: How much is EMDR therapy in 2025?
FAQs About EMDR for Kids and Teens
Do I need a traumatic event for my child to use EMDR for anxiety?
No. EMDR can help even if your child hasn’t experienced a major trauma. Smaller events or even the anxiety itself can become the focus of EMDR—and it works.
Can EMDR help with my teen’s panic attacks?
Yes, often. By targeting the most distressing panic episodes, EMDR reduces the fear-of-fear cycle that keeps panic attacks recurring.
Is EMDR safe for young children?
Yes. EMDR has been safely used with children as young as four, but it should always be delivered by a therapist trained in child EMDR techniques.
Can EMDR help my child with grief or loss?
Absolutely. Many children use EMDR to process the death of a loved one or another type of loss. Here’s more on EMDR for grief.
What if my child is on medication?
That’s fine. Medication can support therapy by easing symptoms, and many kids need less medication over time as their EMDR work progresses.
How is EMDR different from CBT for anxiety in kids?
CBT helps children challenge unhelpful thoughts logically. EMDR goes deeper by reprocessing the memories fueling those thoughts. Used together, they can be especially effective. Read about EMDR vs CBT.
Why Early Intervention Matters
When trauma or anxiety goes unprocessed, it can shape the way a child sees themselves and the world. Left untreated, these struggles often show up later as depression, difficulty with relationships, or chronic anxiety. Early intervention with EMDR can prevent those long-term effects by resolving the root issues while kids are still growing and resilient.
Parents often say that after EMDR, their child seems “lighter,” “more themselves,” or “finally free from that weight.” These changes ripple out—better sleep, improved school performance, more confidence, and stronger relationships.
Getting Started with EMDR for Your Child
If you’re considering EMDR for your child, the best next step is to connect with a therapist who specializes in working with children and teens. At South Denver Therapy, we offer EMDR therapy for children and teens, as well as EMDR for adults, couples, and families. Our team is trained to adapt EMDR to each child’s age, personality, and needs.
For families outside of Castle Rock, we also provide Telehealth EMDR, so your child can access care from home.
Final Thoughts
EMDR therapy is not a magic wand, but it is one of the most effective tools available to help children and teens recover from trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain. While the process can be more complex for kids than adults, the benefits are profound. EMDR gives young people the chance to heal early, setting them up for healthier and happier lives.
If your child is struggling and you’re ready to explore EMDR, reach out to schedule a consultation. You don’t have to figure this out alone—help and healing are possible.
