EMDR is an evidenced-based modality that significantly lessens the disturbance of traumatic memories, whether they be small, daily occurrences, or “big T-traumatic” events. But how do we apply the standard protocol when working with children? Children are concrete thinkers. They get bored.  They often cannot think in abstract terms. Asking a child, “What words go best with that image that express a negative belief about yourself now?” is daunting at best. This training addresses the foundation of using EMDR with children by modifying the standard protocol to fit their specific developmental level. Creative ways to apply each of the 8 EMDR phases to children are addressed.

Furthermore, the importance of attachment is addressed as the foundation for emotion regulation and affect tolerance. The way the developing brain responds to caregivers and how this dynamic ultimately impacts one’s regulation and ability to remain in a window of tolerance is a key point. Children without secure attachment have a difficult time staying in their window of tolerance. They perceive danger in the absence of a true threat, often misreading social/environmental cues which leads to intense, acting out behaviors and internalized negative cognitions.  These children require special techniques to assist them with preparing them for EMDR, beyond what is taught in basic training.

This advanced training will help clinicians apply this knowledge to their specific clients and will provide information about specific techniques from leading experts in the field using EMDR with children and adolescents. During this training we will  explore how to work with hurdles such as shame, idealization, and dissociative parts in children, and will explore the safe use of EMDR with children. It will use the AIP model as a lens to understand how early attachment impacts children’s perceptions of the world and their ability to regulate and modulate stress. Specific techniques for assisting children with expanding and remaining in their window of tolerance will be discussed, with attention given to how shame, idealization, and dissociative parts can be addressed. Step-by-step methods and modifications for guiding children through steps 3 through 8 of the EMDR process will be discussed, considering developmental stage and individual needs of the child, as well as how to address pre-verbal or implicitly stored memories.

Learning Outcomes

1.  Be able to identify PTSD in children and recognize 4 risk factors. 

2.  Describe how attachment alters the developing brain and impacts the window of tolerance in children. 

3.  Recognize how to conduct a thorough intake with parents and children through the lens of the AIP model. 

4.  Describe ways to provide appropriate psychoeducation to children and parents about trauma, attachment, and EMDR.

5.  Identify at least 3 screening tools to assess for dissociation

6.  Recognize why screening for dissociation is important. 

7.  Be able to effectively determine preparation techniques to strengthen adaptive networks in children, depending on their specific age, developmental level, and ability to stay in their window of tolerance. 

8.  Demonstrate how to conduct modified use of the standard protocol to assist children during all eight phases of EMDR.