Child adaptations to the phases of EMDR therapy

This chapter demonstrates how to adapt the eight phases to meet the child’s needs while being creative and flexible and maintaining fidelity to the phases of EMDR therapy.

Chapter Abstract

“The aim of this chapter is to provide a foundation with the references, and resources for implementing EMDR therapy with children in developmentally appropriate and child-friendly ways. The chapter includes a table reviewing the eight phases of EMDR therapy within the context of child development with modifications for the application of treatment. Also discussed is the important of adhering to the eight phases of EMDR therapy while integrating creative and innovative techniques. These techniques may include art, play, sandtray, and other expressive activities that are predictive of successful outcomes with children. Additionally, considerations in determining if a parent should be included in the EMDR sessions are explored. And finally, child resources are incorporated into the chapter including a table listing and describing the core texts of EMDR therapy with children and a table referencing a variety of inventive methods designed to obtain and organize EMDR targets with children. EMDR therapy can be utilized with children of all ages and various symptom presentations. This chapter demonstrates how to adapt the eight phases to meet the child’s needs while being creative and flexible and maintaining fidelity to phases of EMDR therapy.”

—Description from publisher

Chapter Access

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Adler-Tapia, R. & Settle, C. (2024). Child adaptations to the phases of EMDR therapy. In D. P. Farrell, S. J. Schubert, & M. D. Kiernan (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of EMDR therapy. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780192898357.013.21

Book Information

—Description from publisher