For teens dealing with trauma, EMDR can be incredibly powerful.Dozens of studiessupport EMDR’s efficacy in treating emotional trauma — and several suggest it may offer faster results than othertypes of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Continue reading to learn more about EMDR for teenagers — how it works, why it’s important to consider, the benefits it can offer, and what to expect.
How Does EMDR Work for Teens?EMDR helpsteens with PTSDprocess a difficult, traumatic memory in a way that doesn’t overwhelm them. While we don’t fully understand exactly how EMDR works, it’s widely accepted that there’s an exposure component involved that lends to the efficacy.EMDR happens in 8 stages and involves tapping and bilateral stimulation in eye movement to help users work through a painful, traumatic experience. The outcome is a desensitization to the discomfort past trauma inflicts.Teen TherapySpecialized online therapy for ages 13-17Learn more
How Does EMDR Work for Teens?
EMDR helpsteens with PTSDprocess a difficult, traumatic memory in a way that doesn’t overwhelm them. While we don’t fully understand exactly how EMDR works, it’s widely accepted that there’s an exposure component involved that lends to the efficacy.
EMDR happens in 8 stages and involves tapping and bilateral stimulation in eye movement to help users work through a painful, traumatic experience. The outcome is a desensitization to the discomfort past trauma inflicts.
Teen TherapySpecialized online therapy for ages 13-17Learn more
Teen Therapy
Specialized online therapy for ages 13-17
Why EMDR for Teens?EMDR can be effective for anyone who’s experienced an intense traumatic event or triedcognitive behavioral therapy for teenswithout getting the results they want. For teens especially, EMDR can have incredible outcomes.Tailored for adolescent experiencesPart of EMDR’s success is likely because the therapy is completely tailored to each individual’s experience. For teens, this can be critical in getting buy-in and engagement, both vital components to treatment success.Developmentally appropriateEMDR is developmentally appropriate for teenagers, especially given their sensitive and vulnerable psyche that hasn’t yet mastered how to manage emotions and feelings. Rather than dredging up painful memories week after week in sessions — which is the stereotypical therapeutic experience — EMDR takes a different approach to treatment. It’s active, engaging, and meets teens where they are developmentally.Evidence-based effectivenessOne studyfound that after just 6 weekly sessions, 61% of teens no longer met the criteria for a major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis. Anotherstudy, though small in scale, found that teenagers with depressive symptoms saw total remission after participating in EMDR treatment.
Why EMDR for Teens?
EMDR can be effective for anyone who’s experienced an intense traumatic event or triedcognitive behavioral therapy for teenswithout getting the results they want. For teens especially, EMDR can have incredible outcomes.
Tailored for adolescent experiences
Part of EMDR’s success is likely because the therapy is completely tailored to each individual’s experience. For teens, this can be critical in getting buy-in and engagement, both vital components to treatment success.
Developmentally appropriate
EMDR is developmentally appropriate for teenagers, especially given their sensitive and vulnerable psyche that hasn’t yet mastered how to manage emotions and feelings. Rather than dredging up painful memories week after week in sessions — which is the stereotypical therapeutic experience — EMDR takes a different approach to treatment. It’s active, engaging, and meets teens where they are developmentally.
Evidence-based effectiveness
One studyfound that after just 6 weekly sessions, 61% of teens no longer met the criteria for a major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis. Anotherstudy, though small in scale, found that teenagers with depressive symptoms saw total remission after participating in EMDR treatment.
Benefits of EMDR for TeensEMDR is an evidence-based form of therapyproven to offer significant benefitsto teens who use it to heal from a traumatic event. It can improve relationships, grades, self-esteem, the ability to focus, and more. Thistype of therapy for teenscan alsohelp withanxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions related to a traumatic experience.“Of course, EMDR has a range of positives for teens, but overall, bridging that gap often associated with trauma and how it is stored in the body can be a freeing and healthy experience that can help increase emotional fluency.”–Talkspace therapist Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-CReduced symptoms of traumaEMDR for teenagers reduces symptoms of trauma, according to somestudies. It can eliminate the instinct to be in a constant state of fear or worry about danger. It’s also known to help combat self-destructive behaviors, like abusing alcohol or engaging in acts of self-harm.Improved emotional regulationStudies suggestEMDR might be a successful way to treat emotional dysregulation in some people. The research found that participants saw a significant decrease in emotional regulation difficulties after seeking treatment.Enhanced coping skillsPart of EMDR treatment focuses onteaching teens coping mechanismsand tools that help them manage triggers in the future — especially when they’re outside of sessions. With these coping skills, teens feel more confident in their daily lives and interactions. They’ll slowly begin to trust that even if they encounter an experience that might have set them off in the past, they’re equipped to deal with it.Increased self-esteemMultiple studieshave shown that EMDR can positively impact low self-esteem. Some research suggests it might even be more beneficial than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and it’s been found significantly more effective in improving behavioral problems in teens and children.“EMDR can be authentically empowering for teens in building self-esteem and, of course, confidence. Though even if trained, it will take some time to build a rapport and a solid therapeutic alliance that can support beginning this type of work with a developing teen.”–Talkspace therapist Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-CDecreased anxiety and depression symptomsWhile more research is still needed, somestudiessuggest EMDR might be a feasible treatment for long-term depression, which is known to be highly prevalent in trauma survivors. Someresearchshows depression is 3 – 5 times more likely for people with PTSD, which can result from trauma.Better academic and social functioningEMDR can treat symptoms that interfere with academic progress and achievement or social interactions, improving a teen’s life in multiple ways. EMDR helps teens learn to focus on tasks and find success in school. It also helps them feel confident enough to engage in social functions and events again.Improved relationships with family and peersA significant component of EMDR involves learning to trust again. Teens who use EMDR often make great strides in their relationships with family, peers, and social circles as they create meaningful, healthy bonds with others.
Benefits of EMDR for Teens
EMDR is an evidence-based form of therapyproven to offer significant benefitsto teens who use it to heal from a traumatic event. It can improve relationships, grades, self-esteem, the ability to focus, and more. Thistype of therapy for teenscan alsohelp withanxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions related to a traumatic experience.
“Of course, EMDR has a range of positives for teens, but overall, bridging that gap often associated with trauma and how it is stored in the body can be a freeing and healthy experience that can help increase emotional fluency.”
Reduced symptoms of trauma
EMDR for teenagers reduces symptoms of trauma, according to somestudies. It can eliminate the instinct to be in a constant state of fear or worry about danger. It’s also known to help combat self-destructive behaviors, like abusing alcohol or engaging in acts of self-harm.
Improved emotional regulation
Studies suggestEMDR might be a successful way to treat emotional dysregulation in some people. The research found that participants saw a significant decrease in emotional regulation difficulties after seeking treatment.
Enhanced coping skills
Part of EMDR treatment focuses onteaching teens coping mechanismsand tools that help them manage triggers in the future — especially when they’re outside of sessions. With these coping skills, teens feel more confident in their daily lives and interactions. They’ll slowly begin to trust that even if they encounter an experience that might have set them off in the past, they’re equipped to deal with it.
Increased self-esteem
Multiple studieshave shown that EMDR can positively impact low self-esteem. Some research suggests it might even be more beneficial than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and it’s been found significantly more effective in improving behavioral problems in teens and children.
“EMDR can be authentically empowering for teens in building self-esteem and, of course, confidence. Though even if trained, it will take some time to build a rapport and a solid therapeutic alliance that can support beginning this type of work with a developing teen.”
Decreased anxiety and depression symptoms
While more research is still needed, somestudiessuggest EMDR might be a feasible treatment for long-term depression, which is known to be highly prevalent in trauma survivors. Someresearchshows depression is 3 – 5 times more likely for people with PTSD, which can result from trauma.
Better academic and social functioning
EMDR can treat symptoms that interfere with academic progress and achievement or social interactions, improving a teen’s life in multiple ways. EMDR helps teens learn to focus on tasks and find success in school. It also helps them feel confident enough to engage in social functions and events again.
Improved relationships with family and peers
A significant component of EMDR involves learning to trust again. Teens who use EMDR often make great strides in their relationships with family, peers, and social circles as they create meaningful, healthy bonds with others.
What Teens Can Expect in EMDRKnowing what to expect before engaging in any type of therapy demystifies the process and helps teens feel secure. Fortunately, EMDR is avery structured, well-defined process that ensures anxious teens can deal with their trauma in a safe place.Initial assessmentThe initial assessment — or “history taking” — helps EMDR therapists learn more about a teen’s past experiences so they can understand the history of the trauma. Here, specifics about memories or experiences will be shared.Establishing trust with the therapistHealing can’t happen without trust between a teen and their therapist. Spending enough time together to build that rapport is crucial. It establishes sessions are a safe space where vulnerability can be welcomed and the healing process can unfold.
What Teens Can Expect in EMDR
Knowing what to expect before engaging in any type of therapy demystifies the process and helps teens feel secure. Fortunately, EMDR is avery structured, well-defined process that ensures anxious teens can deal with their trauma in a safe place.
Initial assessment
The initial assessment — or “history taking” — helps EMDR therapists learn more about a teen’s past experiences so they can understand the history of the trauma. Here, specifics about memories or experiences will be shared.
Establishing trust with the therapist
Healing can’t happen without trust between a teen and their therapist. Spending enough time together to build that rapport is crucial. It establishes sessions are a safe space where vulnerability can be welcomed and the healing process can unfold.
Explanation of the EMDR process
Gaining a complete understanding of the EMDR process is crucial for teens and their families. Knowing what to expect can significantly reduce or eliminate the fear of the unknown, making the therapeutic journey more comfortable and effective.
EMDR therapy is a structured program that unfolds over multiple sessions, typically spanning weeks or months, depending on the individual’s needs and progress. The process is designed to address and alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories through a phased approach.
Preparation phase
During this initial phase of EMDR, teens will prepare for the therapeutic journey ahead. This preparation involves not only understanding what EMDR is and how it works but also gaining access to guided stress management tools.
These tools are designed to help manage any anxiety or distress that may arise, both during and outside of therapy sessions. Examples of such tools include:
These tools are an integral part of the preparation phase, equipping teens with effective strategies for managing stress throughout their EMDR therapy and beyond.
Desensitization phase
In the desensitization phase of EMDR, specific techniques are utilized to help teens disassociate from their trauma and any identified triggers, effectively training the brain to process these experiences differently. This critical step allows for the reduction of emotional distress linked to traumatic memories.
Examples of these techniques include:
Through these desensitization techniques, teens learn to process and reframe their traumatic experiences, significantly reducing the emotional charge associated with these memories. This phase is essential for weakening the power that traumatic memories hold, paving the way for more adaptive understanding and integration of these experiences.
Installation phase
In the EMDR installation phase, therapists guide teens to transform harmful thought patterns into positive beliefs. Unlike replacing trauma memories, this phase focuses on changing how these memories are perceived and reducing their emotional grip. The essence is to shift from disempowering thoughts (e.g., “I am powerless”) to empowering ones (e.g., “I am resilient”). This reinforcement of positive beliefs helps teens reframe their traumatic experiences, fostering a stronger, more positive self-view and diminishing the trauma’s impact.
Body scan
This technique aims to identify physical signs of stress or trauma, such as tightness or pain, enhancing mindfulness and connection between physical sensations and emotional states. Through this mindful practice, teens learn to recognize and articulate how their bodies hold onto and react to traumatic memories, facilitating a holistic approach to healing. It’s about awareness and sensation, helping bridge the gap between mind and body in trauma recovery.
Closure
Closure is precisely what it sounds like. It helps teens release the effects of their trauma until their next EMDR session. Therapists often guide teens through specific calming or grounding exercises. These techniques are designed to help them “close” out the session feeling secure and contained, preventing the session’s intense emotions from overwhelming them. Therapists will also ensure that teens have coping tools to help them navigate any issues that come up in between sessions.
Reevaluation
The reevaluation stage is the final part of the EMDR process. It assesses the efficacy of treatment and determines whether future sessions are still necessary.
This stage typically occurs at the beginning of a new session, where the therapist reviews the teen’s emotional and psychological state since their last meeting. It involves assessing the effectiveness of the previous sessions in alleviating the symptoms of trauma and determining if the treatment goals are being met. If issues persist, or if new challenges have emerged, the therapist may recommend continuing with additional EMDR sessions. Conversely, if the teenager has shown significant improvement and stability, this phase might lead to a conclusion of the therapy or a transition to less frequent maintenance sessions.
A final follow-up session, even after substantial progress, helps ensure that improvements are sustained and addresses any late resurfacing of issues.
Find a Teen Therapist Specialized in EMDREMDR therapy for teens has a unique ability to heal and transform traumatic experiences that interfere with daily life and relationships. From a tailored approach that resonates with adolescents to the proven benefits research shows it can offer, EMDR may be vital to your teen’s healing.If you’re wonderinghow to help a teenager with mental health issues, Talkspace can provide support. Talkspace provides access to convenient and affordableonline therapy for teenswhere they can get the help they need at a time and place that fits into their lives. Reach out to Talkspace today to learn more about EMDR for teens.
Find a Teen Therapist Specialized in EMDR
EMDR therapy for teens has a unique ability to heal and transform traumatic experiences that interfere with daily life and relationships. From a tailored approach that resonates with adolescents to the proven benefits research shows it can offer, EMDR may be vital to your teen’s healing.
If you’re wonderinghow to help a teenager with mental health issues, Talkspace can provide support. Talkspace provides access to convenient and affordableonline therapy for teenswhere they can get the help they need at a time and place that fits into their lives. Reach out to Talkspace today to learn more about EMDR for teens.
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