EMDR Helps Very Young Children Who Have Experienced Trauma
EMDR therapy can play an important role in an integrated treatment approach for young children.
Trauma in infants and toddlers can be caused by events such as a traumatic birth, NICU stay, violence, medical issues, death, or divorce. Because very young children lack language and are less experienced to cope, they often internalize their feelings and feel tremendous anxiety and distress.
Occasionally, a painful experience can stay “stuck” in the memory of a child. These feelings might manifest themselves in nightmares, temper tantrums, or avoidance issues.
The Heights Within You by Jack Williams
You have often felt tied down
And dreamed of being free,
Of fulfilling the potential
Oh who you want to be.
Now you’ve finally earned your wings,
It’s time for you to soar
And reach the heights within you.
That’s what wings are for
-The Heights Within You by Jack Williams
I work with the parent or caregiver to write a story about what happened and read it to the child while using EMDR to process the story. Even if a child lacks the language, they have understanding and comprehension at a very early age. EMDR helps to get the memories “unstuck” so the child can feel safe, worthy, and confident again.
All ages of children can be treated with EMDR. I specialize in helping children ages 0-3, as well as adults who experienced trauma at birth or between ages 0-3.
The World Health Organization (2013), in their Guidelines for the Management of Conditions Specifically Related to Stress, points to EMDR as one of only two psychotherapies recommended for children, teens, and adults diagnosed with PTSD.