Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy EMDR with children?

Can EMDR be used effectively with children? If so, at what age? DS experienced a traumatic event at a very young age (3). He does not remember what happened, but the intense anxiety (as in near unable to function anxiety, nightmares, etc) is associated with the particular source of the event 6 years later. As an adult, I have had good success with EMDR. Just curious about if this is a particular avenue worth pursuing with a child, then with a child within this particular population.

Thanks

I am sorry to hear that your DS suffered a trauma at such a young age. My own DS had a traumatic experience at the age of 7 for which we pursued therapy right away. Part of that therapy included EMDR, though it took a slightly different form than the EMDR I received as an adult. I would say that there was some degree of success. I know others whose similar aged children have also used EMDR with success, although those children are not neccessarily in the same population you might find here.

We were advised to try EMDR the summer between K and 1st grade but were unable to find someone who did it with children so young. Instead we found an amazing psychotherapist (a 2E adult and parent of a 2E child) who was very successful addressing the PTS response through talk and play therapy. This psych used DD's high level comprehension - first developing an understanding of the physiological response, then addressing responses and triggers. All the while using the high level vocabulary and concepts DD needed to feel comfortable. IMO finding the right person to work with your child will be key no matter what approach they take.

Good luck!