Sometimes scary things happen to children and teens that may impact their sleep, eating habits, relationships, and how they see the world. One way we can approach helping kids heal from all different types of scary things that may happen to them is through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This blog focuses on EMDR stabilization techniques which are the core ways kids can adjust and move through the feeling of “stuck” in their bodies. This protocol works by using both working memory and body sensations to ground them in the present. The hope is that when kids learn new adaptive processing techniques, they will be more resilient in the present and future.
Tailoring EMDR for Young Children and Teens
The Cozy Little Place:
This focus is on having kids identify a calm safe place from their working memory. Some examples could be the beach, the mountains, the lake, a cozy corner at home, or a place they prefer to relax. It can be helpful to have the child or teen draw or act out their Cozy Little Place to reference at the start of the EMDR protocol.
Butterfly Tapping:
This is a self-soothing and grounding technique children and teens can use to visualize their cozy little place. Kids can access butterfly tapping by crossing their arms and tapping your shoulders, upper chest, or legs right to left like butterfly wings. They can go as fast paced or intensely as needed to ensure the practice has a calming effect.
The Five Finger Senses:
Once the child has identified their cozy little place while using butterfly tapping, they can then work on identifying pleasant sensations that they can access when they are in this space. They can take their five fingers in their hand to process what the cozy little place looks like, smells like, tastes like, sounds like, feels like. Some examples may include the sound of ocean waves, the smell of a campfire, the view of a mountaintop, the taste of ice create the feel of a plushie, etc.
Cozy Little Activities:
Kids and teens can access “feel good” sensations through a variety of different activities. The 5 main coping techniques kids use most often involve: movement, distraction, sensory processing, cognitive processing, and relaxation. Here are a few examples of activities that can help kids access coping techniques:
- Arts and crafts
- Baking/Cooking
- Gardening
- Dance/Movement
- Gaming
- Writing
A Jar for my Thoughts:
Have kids write all their distressing thoughts on slips of paper and put them in a jar or container of their choice. That way they can reference them for future processing and may be able to get through the day.
To recap, EMDR may be a beneficial tool for helping kids process their trauma in healthy ways. EMDR stabilization techniques such as the Cozy Little Place, Butterfly Tapping, Five Finger Senses, Cozy Little Activities, and A Jar for my Thoughts; may be effective strategies for helping kids learn how to utilize their own nervous systems to adapt in present and future settings. Stay tuned for “How to Help Children and Teens Recover from Trauma by Embracing EMDR Part 2: Reprocessing and Problem-Solving.
If your child or teen is struggling after a difficult or scary experience, our licensed therapists at Avance Care Behavioral Health are here to help. We offer specialized trauma-informed care, including EMDR therapy, to support healing, growth, and resilience. Schedule an appointment today and take the next step toward helping your child feel safe, confident, and grounded again.
Resources:
Shapiro, Francine; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. The Third Edition; The Guilford Press.
Flynn, Jackie; EMDR with Kids Flip Chart. Pesi Publishing.
