Disclaimer: The information, techniques, or exercises described or referenced herein are for informational and educational purposes only. Do not attempt to engage in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or any form of trauma processing without the guidance of a qualified, EMDR-trained therapist. Attempting EMDR-related practices without proper training and supervision may result in emotional distress or unintended psychological effects. Always consult with a licensed mental health professional before beginning any form of trauma therapy.
As discussed in part 1, EMDR is a trauma-informed evidence-based approach that involves utilizing sensory tools to help individuals identify calm and stabilization in their bodies. Children and teenagers can use EMDR modifications and calming activities such as cozy little place (calm/safe place), butterfly tapping (bilateral stimulation), and jar for my thoughts (container).
This is preparatory work for the next phase of the process related to desensitization and reprocessing. This phase activates specific memories that have had a lasting impact. Reprocessing these memories may help kids better adapt to new beliefs about the self in relation to their past trauma. Mental health professionals often modify these techniques to help children and teenagers in playful and creative ways.
Jar of Thoughts and Memories
The therapist guides kids to select a target memory or thought from their jar to focus on during the desensitization and reprocessing stages. The container method of the preparation phase allows kids and teens to brainstorm on slips of paper the disturbing thoughts and memories to process later because getting things on paper and out of them can be symbolically cathartic.
Double Bubble/ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts)
This technique involves kids taking a traumatic memory and drawing two different bubbles: the first encompasses a pesky bug or ant (automatic negative thought) about the traumatic memory; and the second bubble would be a positive thought or cognition they would like to have about themselves. Using drawing, play, or writing an image of the traumatic memory encourages creative expression and can make the process more open, safe, and less intimidating for children and young adults.
Butterfly Tapping
In addition to this being a calming technique, butterfly tapping can be used to activate a traumatic memory to become more desensitized to it. It is very important to reassure and remind kids that they can use their “cozy” stabilization techniques at any time during the process. They start with a target image of the scary event and just notice what comes up during several sets of butterfly tapping.
A New Story to Tell
Once memories have been unearthed and reworked there can be a new positive picture of story that comes up. Kids can now creatively express in play, art, etc., a new story about how they see themselves the past, present, and future.
Trigger Warning: The following session involved processing potentially distressing material related to sexual trauma.
Case Example
Jessica, a 13 y/o biracial female came in for EMDR therapy after experiencing a sexual assault in her home community. She chose her backyard as her cozy little place because it has a calming view of a lake. She also selected a treasure chest jar to contain her most unpleasant thoughts and feelings in relation to the scary event. The main negative thought she had about herself was “I can’t be safe anywhere and people are not to be trusted.”
The therapist started butterfly tapping activation, she would notice herself sitting alone on a sheet of ice in an arctic setting. Jessica sat with the image oscillating between emotions, memories, and thoughts. During the reprocessing stage the therapist offered a lifeboat with one of her protective figures in it. Jessica’s new image and story soon became “I can trust my loved ones to help keep me safe and I am capable of learning new ways to keep myself safe.”
EMDR can be a useful therapeutic practice for helping adults, children, and adolescents recover from past trauma. Modifying EMDR protocol using child-centered play and art strategies can be more palatable approaches for children and teenagers to engage in EMDR practice. Additional tailored approaches to EMDR stabilization, desensitization, and reprocessing techniques can create lasting solutions for several different populations. EMDR can be a great healing option for all ages, kids and teens included!
Resources
Shapiro, Francine; (2017) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. The Third Edition; The Guilford Press. ISBN: 9781462532766.
Flynn, Jackie; (2024) EMDR with Kids Flip Chart. Pesi Publishing. ISBN: 9781683737728.
