The Distancing Approach, as part of the preparation phase of the Standard EMDR protocol, was developed to enhance the treatment of OCD with EMDR therapy. The implementation of Distancing is different with children and teens then with adult patients.

This online course reviews the key components of the Distancing Approach and addresses the modifications made for the treatment of children and teens. The presentation demonstrates how clinicians may use art, therapeutic play, and Sandtray in Distancing to create the Adaptive Coping Statement. In addition, the use of the simple, challenging and the “not yet” hierarchy of problems is demonstrated for the treatment of compulsive rituals. Additionally, coaching parents as an integral part of the treatment team for their child or teen is outlined. The presentation instructs clinicians as to the adaptations made through case examples and pictures of children’s sessions, either currently in treatment or who have completed treatment for OCD.