EMDR Therapy for Children at Psychological Therapeutic Solutions
At Psychological Therapeutic Solutions, we understand that children can experience trauma and distress just as deeply as adults — even if they express it in different ways. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a gentle, evidence-based approach that helps children recover from trauma, anxiety, or overwhelming life events in a safe and supportive environment.
EMDR therapy follows a clear 8-phase structure, which can be adapted to match a child’s age, emotional needs, and personality. Below, we explain how each phase works and why EMDR for children is such a powerful form of child trauma therapy.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy (Child-Focused)
1. History Taking
The first step is to build a full picture of the child’s experiences. The therapist meets with parents or caregivers — and sometimes the child — to understand important life events, current challenges, and strengths. This information helps us create a personalised therapy plan that focuses on what matters most for your child.
2. Preparation
Before processing any difficult memories, children need to feel safe and connected to their therapist. We take time to build trust, explain EMDR in a child-friendly way (using games, stories, or drawings), and teach calming techniques like deep breathing or imagining a “safe place.” These skills give children a strong foundation to manage big feelings.
3. Assessment
When your child feels ready, we work together to choose a specific memory or situation to focus on. Using simple tools such as drawings, feeling scales, or toys, the child is supported to share their thoughts, emotions, and body sensations related to that memory. This helps the therapist understand exactly how the experience affects your child.
4. Desensitisation
This is where EMDR therapy starts to make a real difference. Through bilateral stimulation — such as gentle hand taps, sounds, or following a moving light — the therapist helps the brain naturally process the memory. For children, this is often done in playful, creative ways. Over time, the memory becomes less upsetting, and your child’s emotional responses begin to settle.
5. Installation
Once the memory feels less distressing, the therapist helps the child focus on a positive belief about themselves, like “I’m safe now” or “I can cope.” This belief is then strengthened using bilateral stimulation, helping your child replace old, negative feelings with more confident and secure ones.
6. Body Scan
Children are gently guided to notice any leftover feelings in their bodies. Trauma is often held physically, so this step ensures that both the mind and body feel calmer and more relaxed before moving on.
7. Closure
At the end of each session, it’s important that children feel safe and steady. We use grounding activities, calming techniques, and supportive conversations to make sure they leave the session feeling okay. Parents and caregivers are often included so they know how to support their child between sessions.
8. Re-evaluation
At the start of the next session, the therapist checks in with the child and caregivers to see how things have been since the last session. If needed, we revisit or continue working on memories to ensure lasting healing.
Why EMDR Works So Well for Children
Children don’t always have the words to explain what happened or how they feel. EMDR doesn’t require them to talk about every detail of their experiences — instead, it uses the brain’s natural ability to heal itself, similar to how it processes daily experiences during REM sleep.
For children struggling with trauma, anxiety, loss, phobias, or difficult life events, EMDR can help reduce distress, build emotional resilience, and restore a sense of safety.
At Psychological Therapeutic Solutions, our EMDR therapists are experienced in working with children in fun, creative, and sensitive ways that make therapy feel approachable and empowering.
Supporting Families Every Step of the Way
We know that children heal best when their families are part of the journey. That’s why we involve parents and caregivers throughout the process, offering guidance, tools, and support so that positive changes continue beyond the therapy room.
Contact Us for More Information
If you’d like to learn more about EMDR for children and how it could support your child’s emotional wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.
For more information about our Child and Adolescent EMDR Therapist please see Dr Tine Blee on our meet the teams page.
