EMDR for Children and Teens: How It Is Adapted and What to Ask

What the guidelines say

The World Health Organization’s 2013 guideline (opens in a new tab) says trauma-focused CBT or EMDR should be considered for children and adolescents with PTSD. The UK’s NICE guideline (opens in a new tab) is more cautious: it recommends trauma-focused CBT first for children and young people, and suggests considering EMDR for ages 7 to 17 when trauma-focused CBT hasn’t helped or isn’t a good fit. Guidelines differ, which is one reason a careful assessment comes before choosing a method.

Signs a child may need help after a hard experience

Children don’t always talk about what is bothering them. Changes that often prompt parents to ask include:

Nightmares, trouble sleeping alone or new fears at bedtime
Replaying the event in play or drawings, or refusing to talk about it at all
Clinginess, irritability, angry outbursts or acting younger than their age
Avoiding places, people or activities connected with what happened
For teens: withdrawal, risk-taking, falling grades or a sense that the future is pointless

The NIMH children and adolescents page (opens in a new tab) has more on warning signs. None of these is a diagnosis on its own.

How EMDR is adapted for younger clients

The core idea is the same as for adults: prepare first, then briefly focus on a distressing memory while following a back-and-forth rhythm. With children, the clinician adjusts the pace, language and length of focus to the child’s age and attention span. Trauma guidelines for young people also stress involving parents or caregivers as appropriate.

More time on preparation. Children learn calming and “safe place” skills before any memory work.
Simple, concrete language. Feelings may be rated with pictures or scales instead of words.
Alternatives to eye movements. Taps or sounds can be used if eye movements are hard to follow on video.

EMDR by video with a child

Online sessions need a quiet room, a stable connection and a screen large enough to follow cues. For younger children, a parent is often nearby to help with setup and settling. Ask how sessions would be structured for your child’s age and whether video is a good fit for them.

Questions for the first call

How do you decide between EMDR and trauma-focused CBT for a child?
How will I be involved, and what will you share with me?
What does preparation look like for my child’s age?
What should I watch for between sessions?

Working with Artie

Artie Gately, LMHC, is EMDR-trained and works with children, teens and adults. He is accepting new clients by secure video for families located in Florida. Self-pay is $150 per hour, and insurance plans are accepted. If you are in crisis, use the support below rather than waiting for an appointment.

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org (opens in a new tab). In an emergency, call 911. Therapy referrals are not an emergency service.

For the full process, read how EMDR works.

Ask whether EMDR fits what you're carrying

Accepting new clients. Book a free 15-minute consultation through Achieve Growth Therapy's own contact page. You'll talk about what's going on, whether EMDR by telehealth is a good fit, and what next steps could look like.

Request a free 15-minute consult

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EMDR for children and teens: a guide for parents