When children and teens experience trauma, grief, anxiety, or overwhelming life events, it can impact how they think, feel, and grow. At Bright Spot Counseling, one of the approaches we use to support healing in young people is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy—an evidence-based treatment designed to help the brain reprocess painful experiences and restore emotional balance.
You may have heard of EMDR in the context of adult trauma work, but did you know it’s also incredibly effective for children and adolescents? At our practice, we offer trauma-informed EMDR therapy tailored to meet young people where they are—whether that’s on a playroom floor, through storytelling, or through structured reprocessing work that respects their developmental stage.
What Is EMDR Therapy, in Kid Terms?
EMDR therapy helps the brain unpack and organize memories that have gotten “stuck.” It uses bilateral stimulation—like following a moving light or tapping back and forth—to help the brain reprocess upsetting memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity. Think of it like helping a child take a scary memory out of a mental “junk drawer” and file it away neatly, so it doesn’t keep jumping out at them.
How Is EMDR Therapy with Children Different from EMDR with Adults?
Working with children and teens requires creativity, flexibility, and lots of patience. EMDR with younger clients may look very different than it does with adults. Here are a few ways it adapts:
Play and Art-Based Processing: Instead of verbalizing memories, children may draw their feelings, use sand trays, or role-play with toys. These methods allow them to express what words can’t always capture.
Shorter Attention Spans: Sessions are often shorter and paced more slowly. Therapists may include movement breaks, games, or stories to keep kids engaged.
Involvement of Caregivers: With parent/guardian permission and involvement, therapists may collaborate with caregivers to support emotion regulation at home and reinforce skills outside of sessions.
Developmentally Attuned Language: Complex trauma language is simplified into digestible metaphors (like “the worry monster” or “brain alarms”) so kids feel safe and empowered throughout the process.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR therapy is not just for big-T trauma (like abuse or accidents). It’s also effective for:
- Anxiety and panic
- Grief and loss
- Divorce or separation
- Medical trauma
- Bullying and peer conflict
- Attachment disruptions
- Phobias and fears
According to the EMDR International Association, more than 30 randomized controlled studies have confirmed EMDR’s effectiveness for trauma-related symptoms. In children, EMDR has been shown to reduce anxiety, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and emotional reactivity, often in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy.
What to Expect
We’ll begin with getting to know the child or teen and building a strong sense of safety and trust. EMDR doesn’t start until the young client feels ready. Early sessions focus on:
- Teaching calming skills (like deep breathing, grounding exercises, or “safe place” visualization)
- Identifying supportive metaphors or language (e.g., “brave brain vs. scared brain”)
- Creating visual or artistic ways to explore emotions and beliefs
Once readiness is established, Kara gently introduces EMDR reprocessing using kid-friendly methods. Children are never forced to share what they’re not ready to, and their pace is always respected.
Why EMDR for your child or teen?
If you’re looking for a child or adolescent therapist in Michigan, Kara Ettenson, LMSW, has specialized training in EMDR and child development. She understands how trauma shows up in behaviors like tantrums, withdrawal, school refusal, or somatic complaints (like stomachaches or headaches). Her compassionate and playful style creates a space where kids feel understood and supported.
Kara also works closely with families, offering guidance on how to support healing at home without pushing or over-questioning. Her approach honors each child’s story and helps them regain a sense of agency and confidence.
Want to Learn More or Schedule a Consultation?
Visit us at www.brightspottherapy.com or call 248.296.3104 to connect with our team and learn if EMDR is right for your child or teen.
Healing is possible—even for the youngest hearts. 💛
