What is EMDR? A Guide for Parents of Children and Young People

If your child has been recommended EMDR therapy, you may not be entirely sure what it involves. Unlike CBT, which is widely known, EMDR is less familiar to most parents, and the way it works can sound unusual at first.

This guide explains what EMDR is, how it works, and what to expect if your child begins a course of EMDR therapy.

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is an evidence-based therapy developed in the late 1980s by American psychologist Francine Shapiro. It is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a first-line treatment for PTSD and trauma, and is also used effectively for a range of other conditions where distressing memories or experiences are contributing to current difficulties.



EMDR is based on the understanding that when a person experiences something traumatic or deeply distressing, the memory of that experience can become stored in a way that continues to cause distress long after the event itself has passed. Sights, sounds, smells or situations that remind the person of the experience can trigger intense emotional reactions that feel as vivid and overwhelming as the original event. EMDR works by helping the brain process these memories properly, so that they lose their emotional intensity and no longer have the same power to cause distress.

What is Bilateral Stimulation?

The element of EMDR that most people find unusual is bilateral stimulation. During EMDR processing, the young person is asked to bring a distressing memory to mind while simultaneously following a series of side-to-side eye movements, taps or sounds. This is known as bilateral stimulation.



The precise mechanism by which bilateral stimulation helps the brain process difficult memories is not yet fully understood, but the evidence for its effectiveness is robust. The current leading theory is that bilateral stimulation mimics the rapid eye movement that occurs during REM sleep, the phase of sleep in which the brain naturally processes and consolidates memories. By replicating this process while the distressing memory is active, EMDR appears to help the brain complete the processing that did not happen naturally at the time of the experience.

Does My Child Have to Talk About What Happened?

This is one of the most common questions parents have about EMDR, and the answer is reassuring. EMDR does not require your child to describe their experiences in detail or repeatedly revisit them in the way that some other forms of therapy do. The processing happens through bilateral stimulation rather than through talking, which many young people find significantly less daunting than they expected.



Your child will need to briefly bring the memory or experience to mind during processing, but they do not need to verbalise it. Many young people find this aspect of EMDR a relief, particularly those who find it difficult to talk about what they have been through.

Is EMDR Safe for Children?

Yes. EMDR is a safe and well-established therapy that has been used with children and young people for decades. When delivered by a trained and accredited therapist, it is considered safe and appropriate for children and young people of all ages.



Some parents worry that EMDR might be distressing or overwhelming for their child. It is true that some emotional discomfort can arise during processing, as it does in any therapy that addresses difficult material. However, EMDR is carefully paced, and the therapist remains in control of the process throughout. Your child will never be pushed beyond what they can manage, and sessions are structured to ensure they leave feeling settled and grounded.

How is EMDR Delivered Online?

One of the most common questions about online EMDR is how bilateral stimulation works without being in the same room as the therapist. The answer is that it works very well. Eye movements can be guided through the screen, with the young person following a moving stimulus on their device. Alternatively, the young person can use tactile bilateral stimulation, tapping alternately on their knees or shoulders. Both approaches are as effective as in-person delivery, and most young people adapt quickly.

What Conditions Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR is most widely known as a treatment for trauma and PTSD, and this is where the strongest evidence base lies. However, it is also used effectively for anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, panic disorder and other conditions where distressing memories or past experiences are contributing to current difficulties. Following an assessment, your therapist will advise whether EMDR is the recommended approach for your child.

How Many Sessions Will My Child Need?

This varies depending on the individual and the nature of their difficulties. EMDR can sometimes produce significant results in a relatively small number of sessions, particularly where the difficulties are linked to a specific event. More complex or longstanding difficulties may require more sessions. Your therapist will be able to give a clearer indication of the likely number of sessions following the initial assessment.

At Sulis Therapies

At Sulis Therapies, we offer specialist private EMDR therapy for children and young people of all ages, delivered online across the UK. Our therapist is a member of the EMDR UK Association and has completed specialist training in Child and Adolescent EMDR. Get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation and find out whether EMDR is the right approach for your child.