How Long Does EMDR Take?

The length of EMDR therapy varies from child to child, depending on factors such as the child’s age, trauma type (single or complex), and severity. Some children may experience meaningful improvement within a relatively small number of sessions, while others with complex trauma may require a longer course.

EMDR sessions for younger children are flexible. Children have shorter attention spans, and they can find it difficult to engage with talk therapies.

Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR therapy doesn’t rely solely on discussing every detail of traumatic memories. Instead, therapists use child-friendly language, incorporate play, drawing, or creative activities to process difficult memories alongside bilateral stimulation. Sessions may involve play, games, art, storytelling, rather than explaining details.

Assessment tools such as SUD and VOC are often modified to make them easier for children to understand and use.

Every child is different; it is important to work with EMDR-trained specialists who are experienced working with children and adolescents.

 Signs a Child May Benefit From EMDR

Children do not always verbally express themselves and discuss how they feel after specific trauma. Some emotional, physical, or behavioral signs may appear after trauma. 

Some of the signs are:

1. Nightmare or bad dreams
2. Flashbacks or intrusive memories
3. Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
4. Anger or irritability
5. Anxiety or excessive worry
6. Frequent stomach aches or headaches with no clear medical cause
7. Avoidance of certain people, places, or things
8. Mood swings or emotional numbness
9. Social withdrawal
10. Intense fear
11. Regression, such as being clingy or bedwetting

If some of these symptoms continue for more than 1 month, it is essential to seek evaluation from a qualified mental health professional. Persistent symptoms may indicate PTSD or other trauma-related conditions.

Childhood Experiences That May Lead to Trauma

Childhood experiences that may lead to trauma can be:

1. Divorce or separation of the parents
2. Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
3. Domestic violence
4. Bullying at school or cyberbullying
5. Separation from parents or loss of loved ones
6. Natural disaster
7. Accident, injuries, illness, or medical procedures

Is EMDR Safe for Children: What Does the Research Say

EMDR is generally considered safe for children when provided by a trained and licensed mental health professional. Although it was originally developed for adults, researchers and clinicians later adapted it for children and adolescents. Some children may experience temporarily stronger emotional reactions between sessions. Therapists use stabilization and preparation before processing traumatic memories.

Some of the studies support EMDR effectiveness for children and adolescents:

• EMDR is an effective and evidence-based therapy for kids and teens with PTSD.
• A 2025 meta-analysis found that EMDR may help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, particularly when these symptoms are associated with traumatic experiences. However, the certainty of evidence remains limited.
• Kids and teens with EMDR report improvement in emotional regulation and reduction of unwanted or intrusive thoughts.
• EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD, and supported by more than 30 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for its effectiveness in both children and adults.
• Research in 2021 found positive outcomes with EMDR for children who were hospitalized and experienced emotional distress related to trauma.
• EMDR helps trauma-related symptoms for children and adolescents with PTSD and anxiety symptoms, similarly to trauma-focused CBT.

For children, EMDR doesn’t require retrieving or a detailed verbal narrative of what happened. Because their language skills are still developing. Kids often have limited language skills to describe a traumatic event; instead, they process memories in the form of images, pictures, or raw emotions.

What Happens During EMDR Therapy for Children?

EMDR therapy for children differs from adult therapy and is adapted to a child’s age and communication style. A therapist may use child-friendly activities, such as:

1. Storytelling
2. Art activities (including sand tray if appropriate)
3. Drawing or painting
4. Using imagination
5.  Story narration
6. Using stuffed toys or puppets to express feelings
7. Grounding activities

Parents or caregivers may also participate in the therapy process, especially with younger children.

The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy Adapted for Children

EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol for adults and has been adapted for children 

1. History Taking/Getting to Know the Child

The therapist gets to know the child, builds trust, and gathers information about current challenges, developmental history, and family background. Parents or caregivers are often involved in this stage.

2. Preparation

The therapist teaches age-appropriate calming strategies through guided imagery or introduces the butterfly hug to help the child feel safe.

3. Assessment of Target Memory

The therapist identifies the distressing memory along with the child’s body sensations or thoughts. Younger children may express through drawing, pictures, toys, play scenarios, or other creative activities. 

4. Desensitization With Bilateral Stimulation

The child focuses on the disturbing memory while engaging bilateral stimulation (auditory tones or tactile stimulation)

5. Installation/Strengthening Positive Belief

The therapist helps the child strengthen a positive belief, such as “I am safe now”.

6. Body Scan for Residual Tension

The therapist encourages the child to notice if any uncomfortable feelings are in the body. Younger children may point to a body outline or drawing to show where they feel tension.

7. Closure

At the end of every session, grounding and calming techniques are used to ensure the child becomes emotionally stable.

8. Re-evaluation

The therapist reviews the child’s progress, checks how the child has been feeling, and determines the next steps in the treatment.

What You Can Expect from EMDR for Children

When working with kids, therapists prioritize the child’s safety, sense of trust, and emotional stabilization. The initial sessions focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship, helping the child feel comfortable.

Therapists incorporate play-based methods in this therapy, such as toys, drawing, and storytelling, to help children express their thoughts. Age-appropriate language and imagery are used to guide children to process disturbing memories in a supportive way.

Parents and caregivers also play an important role in the therapy process. Depending on the child’s age and individual needs, they may participate in some sessions.

Parents are a key component of the success of the therapy process. Their involvement can strengthen the child’s sense of safety and successful treatment outcomes.

Benefits of EMDR for Children

EMDR offers several potential benefits, such as:

1. Significant reduction in PTSD symptoms after a few sessions for single-trauma.
2. Sessions are often fewer than those in adult EMDR therapy, with frequent pauses.
3. Improved emotional regulation and coping skills.
4. Therapy is adapted to the child’s developmental level through play or other activities.
5. Reduced physical or unexplained complaints, such as stomachaches or headaches, which are related to psychological distress.
6. Minimal formal at-home work compared with other therapeutic approaches.
7. Improved sleep with fewer flashbacks.
8. Greater family involvement.
9. Improved access to EMDR therapy online, especially for those with limited access to in-person therapy.

When EMDR May Not Be the Best First Choice

Therapists combine approaches for children, such as play therapy or family support, after a thorough assessment.

EMDR may not be suitable for every child. 

1. The child lives in an unsafe environment
2. Ongoing traumatic events
3. Difficulty regulating emotions
4. Safety concerns, such as thoughts of harming, need immediate professional attention.

A licensed mental health professional will carefully assess each child’s specific needs. 

EMDR Via Telehealth for Children

Studies suggest that Virtual EMDR therapy can result in significant improvement in PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Whether EMDR is delivered online or in-person, a trained therapist will determine the most suitable treatment approach. 

Therapy Fleet offers online EMDR therapy to children and teens via telehealth with the comfort and privacy of home. Every child is different; EMDR suitability depends on symptom severity, the child’s age, trauma complexity, and clinical situation.

At Therapy Fleet, we provide EMDR therapy online through secure telehealth sessions from the comfort of home. Our therapists develop a personalized treatment plan based on each child’s emotional, developmental, and mental health needs.

If you are wondering whether EMDR is the right choice for your child, our experienced clinicians can help you explore your treatment options and recommend the most appropriate option.

Finding an EMDR Therapist for Your Child

Choosing the right therapist is an important step for your child’s recovery and mental well-being. Look for a mental health professional who:

• Has EMDR certification, training, and experience
• Has experience treating trauma-related conditions, including PTSD
• Availability of remote or in-person sessions

Therapy Fleet provides online therapy services with personalized plans based on your child’s individual needs, trauma severity, mental health conditions, and treatment goals.