EMDR with children is like meeting them in their natural playground—play. When words feel too heavy, children speak the language of imagination, art, and movement. EMDR helps children reprocess their emotions by gently guiding their brain to heal, using bilateral stimulation (BLS) as a key tool. Play, in all its forms, becomes the thread that ties trauma and healing together. In my work, I’ve seen how this playful process allows children to express and release what might otherwise stay hidden, giving them room to heal and grow. It’s a safe, organic way to help children access and process emotions that are often beyond their verbal capacity.

Play is the heart of my work with EMDR. By blending EMDR with expressive arts, clay, Sandtray, or simply letting kids move and create, the therapeutic process becomes a dance—organic, flowing, and full of possibility. Children can externalize their feelings through tangible objects, like crafting a "worry box" or using clay to shape their emotions. The act of creating becomes a container for their inner world, holding the space for healing. In my book EMDR with Kids Flipchart and through my approach, I share how to use play as a powerful healing tool within EMDR, weaving it into every phase. Play therapy and EMDR aren’t separate—they are seamlessly integrated to create a complete healing experience.

Through EMDR, we provide children with a gentle yet powerful way to regulate their emotions. In Phase 2, we create a "calm place" or "container"—a safe space to store big emotions before they leave the session. I’ve found that adding play elements, like imaginative spaces or tangible items, helps children externalize and manage emotions they might not be ready to fully process. It’s all about creating that soft, grounded space where healing can unfold at its own pace, with play as the bridge between distress and calm. As children build this emotional regulation skill, they learn to control and express their emotions more effectively, both in therapy and in daily life.

I view resistance in EMDR therapy, including challenging behaviors, as a form of communication, rooted in the child’s nervous system. Behaviors are adaptations for survival, a way the nervous system copes with trauma and distress. As a nervous system-informed therapist, I understand that when a child resists or exhibits difficult behaviors, it often signals that more safety is needed or that the therapeutic process needs adjustment. Instead of viewing resistance as a barrier, I see it as an opportunity to offer more safety and adjust the pace of the therapy. Children’s ability to say "no" or pull back is a form of autonomy—an essential part of their healing journey. Sometimes slower progress is faster, and allowing for these moments of resistance gives the child the space they need to feel secure. I’ve found that this approach is more practical and actually increases the child’s participation in my experience. It feels safer, which leads to deeper engagement and healing. By honoring these protective behaviors and listening to them, I can adapt the treatment to better meet the child’s needs, which ultimately informs my treatment approach, fostering trust and deepening the therapeutic relationship.

Explaining EMDR to children is like opening the door to a new adventure. For younger kids, I keep it simple, framing it as a way to help their brains feel stronger and clearer. For older children or teens, I might describe how EMDR helps their brain "clear out old files"—a metaphor that helps them understand the processing that happens during BLS. I take great care to match the explanation to their developmental stage, always leaving room for curiosity and wonder. Parents are always involved, ensuring they understand the process, too, so they can join the child’s healing journey. The explanation is also tailored to the individual child—making it as concrete or abstract as they need it to be.

Item dParents are partners in the process, but I always balance that with the child’s need for their own space. I keep parents in the loop—updating them on progress, explaining the basics of EMDR, and sharing insights without overwhelming them with too much at once. The goal is for the child to feel supported by both their therapist and their parents without feeling like they’re being over-explained to. After all, healing happens when the child feels safe, understood, and free to express themselves in their own way. Parents are also encouraged to reinforce techniques at home, helping to integrate the healing process into the child’s everyday life.escription

For therapists new to integrating EMDR with children, I recommend starting with the EMDR with Kids Flipchart—it’s a great foundation! My upcoming book, Play IS the Therapy, dives deeper into the magic of play as a therapeutic tool. I also suggest reading Beyond Behaviors by Dr. Mona Delahooke and The Yes Brain by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson for a deeper understanding of emotional regulation and brain development. Training in Synergetic Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, and the Oaklander Model is invaluable, as is learning about Polyvagal Theory and the nervous system. These resources help integrate play and EMDR effectively, building a toolkit full of creative, healing methods.

ItemFuture templates are like a time machine for the mind. In my work, I help children imagine and prepare for future events, guiding them through the process of envisioning how they might respond to a challenge—like a family change or school event. Play becomes part of this journey, with children role-playing or imagining themselves handling the situation with new skills and confidence. It’s a way to practice emotional resilience before the future even arrives, giving children the tools to face what’s ahead with ease. This metaphorical "rehearsal" for future challenges builds self-efficacy and coping skills. description

Item desMy advice: trust the process, and trust the play. Play isn’t just an activity—it’s the heart of healing. When therapists understand that play itself is a powerful therapeutic tool, they can confidently weave it into EMDR. Be flexible, be playful, and allow the child’s needs to guide the process. In my work, I emphasize that EMDR and play go hand-in-hand, creating a safe space where healing can happen organically. And don’t forget: understanding the nervous system and the power of movement is key to unlocking the full potential of EMDR with children. Integrating these playful approaches within the 8 phases of EMDR creates a truly transformative experience.cription

n my work, I make it a point to ensure that the materials and toys used in therapy have enough generalizability or specificity so that each child, regardless of their background, can see themselves reflected in them or create something that helps them share their own story. I believe that therapy tools should never be limiting—whether through art, toys, or play, everything should be adaptable to each child's unique cultural context. This flexibility allows children to feel seen, heard, and validated, no matter where they come from. By integrating culturally responsive materials, children can engage more deeply in the therapeutic process, helping to bridge the gap between their personal experiences and the healing work we do together.