Is your child struggling with big emotions, scary memories, or behavioral shifts you can’t quite explain? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a gentle, evidence-based therapy that helps children process “stuck” memories so they can return to being the happy, resilient kids they were meant to be.
What is EMDR Therapy for Kids?
EMDR is a powerful therapeutic approach that helps children’s brains heal from upsetting or traumatic experiences. When a child experiences something scary—like an accident, bullying, or a major life change—their brain sometimes “freezes” that memory, along with the original sights, sounds, and feelings. EMDR uses “bilateral stimulation” (like tapping or eye movements) to help the brain’s natural healing process “digest” these memories, taking the “sting” out of the past.
Who is it for?
- Children who have experienced trauma (loss, medical procedures, or accidents).
- Kids struggling with “big” behaviors like sudden outbursts, aggression, or withdrawal.
- Children with phobias, night terrors, or separation anxiety.
- Students experiencing school-based stress or performance anxiety.
- Kids who seem “on edge” or hyper-vigilant following a stressful life event.
Benefits of Redeemed Life EMDR for Children
- Child-Friendly Approach – We adapt EMDR protocols using play, storytelling, and puppets to ensure your child feels safe and engaged, not intimidated.
- Rapid Resolution – Children’s brains are remarkably “plastic” and often process trauma much faster than adults, leading to quicker behavioral improvements.
- Reduces Emotional Reactivity – Helps children move from a state of “fight, flight, or freeze” to a more calm, regulated state.
- Strengthens the Parent-Child Bond – We often involve parents in the process, giving you tools to support your child’s emotional growth at home.
- No “Talk” Necessary – Kids don’t always have the words for their pain. EMDR works with the brain’s internal processing, so your child doesn’t have to explain every detail to heal.
Talk To One of Our Counselors
Michelle Fitzhugh, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor
Founder & Executive Director
Specialties:
Works With:
Chris Washam, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Director
Specialties:
Works With:
Jennifer Lafabregue, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialties:
Works With:
Courtney Osborne, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialties:
Works With:
Heather Love, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Specialties:
Works With:
Kassie Hitchcock, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialties:
Works With:
How EMDR Can Help Your Child or Family
EMDR doesn’t just “mask” symptoms; it changes how your child’s brain responds to stress.
- Replace Fear with Confidence – Watch your child move from being afraid or anxious to feeling capable and secure.
- Improve Sleep & Focus – By processing “stuck” memories, the brain can finally rest, leading to better sleep and improved concentration at school.
- Normalize Big Emotions – Help your child understand and manage their feelings without being overwhelmed by them.
- Break the Cycle of Avoidance – Kids often avoid things that remind them of a scary event; EMDR helps them face the world with renewed courage.
- Restore Playfulness – Our goal is to lift the emotional weight so your child can get back to the most important job of childhood: playing and learning.
Your Path to Healing: What to Expect
Working with children requires a unique “roadmap” that prioritizes comfort and trust.
1. The Parent Discovery Call Support for You
We start by talking with you, the parent. We’ll discuss your child’s history, your current concerns, and explain how EMDR will be tailored to your child’s specific developmental age.
2. The Preparation Phase Building a "Toolbox”
Before any trauma is processed, we spend time teaching your child “resourcing” skills. These are fun, imaginative exercises—like creating a “Safe Place”—that give your child a sense of control and calm.
3. The Processing Sessions Gentle Healing
Using kid-friendly bilateral stimulation (like “butterfly hugs” or hand-taps), we help your child’s brain process the difficult memories. These sessions often look like play but result in profound neurological shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Not at all. We present EMDR as a way to help the “computer” in their brain get rid of “glitches.” We use toys, drawing, and storytelling to make the process feel natural and safe.
While we use play to make the child comfortable, EMDR is a structured neurobiological treatment. While play therapy helps a child express themselves, EMDR specifically targets and resolves the physiological “stuckness” of a memory.
This depends on the age of the child and their comfort level. For younger children, parent involvement is often key. For older children, we discuss what setup will help them feel most “safe” to do the work.
Most children feel tired but relaxed. Because the brain continues to process for a little while after the session, you might notice your child is more quiet or thoughtful, which is a normal sign of healing.