Yes, kids can do EMDR. EMDR therapy is used with children and teens, and its strongest research support is for school-age kids and adolescents with PTSD. Therapists adapt it for younger children with play, drawing, and gentle tapping, though research in very young children is still limited.
The more useful question for most parents is whether EMDR fits your child right now. That depends on your child’s age, what they went through, and how safe and settled they feel. Even the major treatment guidelines disagree on whether EMDR should be a first choice or a backup plan. Below, you’ll see what the studies show, how sessions change from preschool to the teen years, what your role is, and the signs that it may not be the right time yet.
If your child is having a hard time after a frightening or painful experience, child trauma counseling at Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale can help you figure out which approach fits their age and needs. Our founder, Stephanie Levitt, is trained in EMDR and also draws on play therapy and CBT with children, so EMDR is one option rather than the only one. A free 15-minute phone consultation is a low-pressure place to start. First, here’s what parents should know.
Key Insights
EMDR for kids is a recognized treatment for trauma symptoms, but age and readiness shape how it's used. These are the points worth knowing before you decide.
- The World Health Organization (2013) and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (2019) both recommend EMDR for children and adolescents with PTSD.
- The UK's NICE guideline (2018) is more cautious and suggests EMDR for ages 7 to 17 mainly when trauma-focused CBT hasn't helped.
- A 2017 meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials found EMDR reduced PTSD and anxiety symptoms in young people.
- In a 2015 trial of kids ages 8 to 18, EMDR and trauma-focused CBT worked about equally well.
- Most research involves school-age children and teens. Studies in preschoolers are underway.
- Sessions for kids look different from adult EMDR. They're shorter and more playful, and parents are often involved.
- Feeling stable and supported at home matters more than age alone.
What Does the Research Say About EMDR for Kids?
Research suggests EMDR can reduce trauma symptoms in children and teens, though the number of studies is still small. The best summary so far pooled 8 randomized controlled trials with 295 young people (Moreno-Alcázar et al., 2017).
Here’s what that review found, in plain terms:
- PTSD symptoms dropped more with EMDR than with comparison conditions.
- Anxiety symptoms also dropped more with EMDR.
- The change in depression symptoms was too small to count as a clear effect.
The authors called EMDR “promising” for young people and asked for larger trials. That’s a fair summary. The results are encouraging, but the evidence base is smaller than it is for adults.
What Do Treatment Guidelines Recommend?
Major guidelines agree EMDR is a valid option for children with PTSD, but they differ on where it belongs in the order of treatment.
- World Health Organization (2013): recommends trauma-focused CBT and EMDR for children, adolescents, and adults with PTSD (WHO, 2013).
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (2019): gives a strong recommendation to EMDR and to trauma-focused CBT for children and adolescents with clinically relevant PTSD symptoms (ISTSS, 2019).
- NICE (2018): suggests considering EMDR for ages 7 to 17 with PTSD only if they don’t respond to or engage with trauma-focused CBT (NICE NG116).
For parents, the takeaway is simple. EMDR is a recognized option, and trauma-focused CBT is too. A good child therapist can explain why one might suit your child better.
What Is the Minimum Age for EMDR Therapy?
There is no single official minimum age for EMDR. Most controlled research involves children around age 7 and older, while clinicians also adapt EMDR for younger children using play.
Researchers have begun testing EMDR in much younger children. A Dutch trial comparing EMDR and trauma-focused CBT enrolled children from age 2 through 17, and a randomized trial focused on young children is also registered (Dutch trial registry; ClinicalTrials.gov). Until those results are published, evidence for preschoolers stays limited.
Here’s how EMDR for kids usually looks at different ages.
Preschool Children (Roughly Ages 3 to 6)
With young children, EMDR is woven into play. A child might tell what happened through toys or drawings while the therapist uses gentle tapping or a “butterfly hug,” where the child crosses their arms and taps their shoulders.
Sessions are short, and a parent is often in the room. If your child is very young, play therapy may be part of the plan before or alongside EMDR.
School-Age Children (Roughly Ages 7 to 12)
This is the age group with the most research. Kids this age can usually follow a therapist’s hand, a puppet, or a light with their eyes, or hold small handheld buzzers that pulse side to side.
Therapists often use pictures, stories, and simple scales, like holding hands far apart to show how big a feeling is. Learn more about child therapy in Scottsdale.
Teens (Ages 13 to 17)
For teens, EMDR looks much closer to the adult version. Teens usually meet with the therapist on their own, with parents involved at the start and for check-ins.
Many teens like that EMDR doesn’t require them to talk through every detail of what happened. Read more about teen therapy at Pathways.
How Does EMDR Work for Children?
EMDR, short for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, helps a child process an upsetting memory while paying attention to side-to-side movement, sound, or touch. This is called bilateral stimulation.
Some frightening experiences don’t get “filed away” the way everyday memories do. They stay raw, so a sound, a place, or bedtime can bring back the same fear. EMDR aims to help that memory feel less intense, so it no longer runs the show.
How It Works
Researchers still debate exactly why EMDR works. One leading idea is that focusing on a memory and on eye movements at the same time puts a load on working memory, which can make the memory feel less vivid (Lee and Cuijpers, 2013).
For a child, a therapist might explain it like this: “We’re going to help your brain put this scary memory in the right drawer, so it doesn’t keep popping out.” For a full overview of the method, see our page on EMDR therapy in Scottsdale.
What Happens During a Child’s EMDR Session?
Child EMDR follows the same 8 phases as adult EMDR, but each phase is shorter, simpler, and more playful. Here’s what each phase can look like for a child.
- History takingThe therapist gathers background, and parents often provide much of it, especially for younger kids.
- PreparationYour child learns calming tools first, such as imagining a "calm place" and using a stop signal they can show any time.
- AssessmentThe therapist and child choose one memory to work on and rate how upsetting it feels, often with pictures or hand gestures.
- DesensitizationYour child briefly thinks about the memory during short sets of eye movements, tapping, or buzzers.
- InstallationThe therapist strengthens a helpful belief, like "I'm safe now" or "It wasn't my fault."
- Body scanYour child notices whether any tension or "yucky feelings" are left in their body.
- ClosureEvery session ends with a calming activity, so your child leaves feeling settled.
- ReevaluationAt the next visit, the therapist checks how your child has been doing, often with input from you.
Preparation may take longer with children than with adults. That’s a good sign, not a delay. Kids need to trust their therapist and feel safe before any memory work begins.
What Can EMDR Help Kids With?
EMDR has the strongest research support for children with PTSD or trauma symptoms after a specific event. Evidence for other concerns is limited or still emerging.
Use Cases
- Trauma after a single event, such as a car accident, a dog bite, a medical procedure, or a natural disaster. This is where EMDR is best supported.
- PTSD symptoms, such as nightmares, flashbacks, avoiding reminders, or being constantly on edge.
- Anxiety symptoms linked to a frightening experience. The 2017 review found anxiety dropped alongside PTSD symptoms. See our page on child anxiety therapy.
- Specific fears that began after a scary moment, like fear of the dark or of going to the doctor. Research here is still small.
For worries without a clear starting point, such as general school stress, other approaches like CBT often come first. Our guide to school anxiety help covers practical next steps.
Is EMDR Safe for Kids?
EMDR is generally considered safe for children when a trained therapist paces it to the child’s age and readiness. Some short-term upset after sessions can happen and usually settles within a few days.
After a session, your child may seem tired, clingy, more emotional, or have vivid dreams. Keep the rest of the day calm, offer comfort, and let the therapist know what you notice.
Tell the therapist right away if symptoms keep building over several sessions. A good therapist will slow down or spend more time on calming skills. Our article on the dangers of EMDR therapy covers side effects in more detail.
Who Is Not a Good Fit for EMDR?
EMDR memory work is usually delayed when a child’s safety or stability has to come first. Common reasons include:
- The child is still living in an unsafe situation or the trauma is ongoing.
- The child is in crisis or talking about hurting themselves.
- The family is in major upheaval, and the child lacks a steady, supportive adult.
- The child often “zones out” or seems disconnected in a way a clinician should assess first.
- The child has a seizure disorder or eye condition. In that case, tapping or sounds can replace eye movements.
None of these is automatically a permanent no. It usually means stabilization comes first, and EMDR may come later.
If your child is in immediate danger, call 911. If your child is talking about suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day. To report or get advice about child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. Outpatient counseling is not emergency care.
How Does EMDR Compare to Trauma-Focused CBT for Kids?
EMDR and trauma-focused CBT are both recommended for children with PTSD, and one trial found they worked about equally well. In that 2015 study of 48 kids ages 8 to 18, both groups had large drops in PTSD symptoms after up to 8 weekly sessions (Diehle et al., 2015).
| Feature | EMDR | Trauma-Focused CBT |
| Main focus | Processing the upsetting memory itself | Changing thoughts and behaviors linked to the trauma |
| Talking about the event | Less detail needed out loud | The child builds a trauma narrative, often in words or pictures |
| Homework | Little or none, aside from calming tools | Regular skill practice between sessions |
| Parent role | Support, history, and check-ins | Structured parent sessions are a core part |
| Guideline status | Recommended by WHO and ISTSS; second-line under NICE | Recommended by WHO, ISTSS, and NICE |
| Often suits | Kids who struggle to talk about what happened | Families who want a skills-based, parent-heavy approach |
Some children do well with one, and some use parts of both. Learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy at Pathways, or read our comparison of EMDR therapy vs. talk therapy.
What Is a Parent’s Role in Child EMDR Therapy?
Parents are usually involved in child EMDR, especially with younger kids. Your role is to share background, help your child feel safe, and support them between sessions.
That can look different depending on your child’s age:
- With young children, you may sit in on sessions or join for parts of them.
- With school-age kids, you’ll often join at the start or end of a session.
- With teens, you’ll usually have separate check-ins while your teen keeps some privacy.
You’re part of the team, not the problem. If the whole family has been shaken by what happened, family therapy or parenting support can help alongside your child’s sessions.
How Many EMDR Sessions Does a Child Need?
There is no set number of EMDR sessions for a child. In one trial with kids ages 8 to 18, each child received up to 8 weekly sessions of about an hour.
Several things affect the timeline:
- One clear event usually takes less time than repeated or long-term trauma.
- Younger children may need more time in the preparation phase.
- Sessions for young kids are often shorter, so the same work can spread across more visits.
Your therapist should review progress with you regularly and explain what’s next. For costs, see our therapy fees and rates.
How to Find a Qualified EMDR Therapist for Your Child
When you’re looking for EMDR for kids, the right therapist has formal EMDR training and real experience with children your child’s age. These steps make the search easier.
Action Steps
- Write down what happened, when it happened, and the changes you’ve noticed since, like new fears, trouble sleeping, or other signs of anxiety. This helps the first appointment move faster.
- Ask whether the therapist completed EMDR training approved by EMDRIA, the EMDR International Association.
- Ask how many children your child’s age they’ve treated with EMDR.
- Ask how they’ll decide between EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and play therapy for your child.
- Ask what your role as a parent will be and how often you’ll get updates.
- Ask what preparation looks like before any memory work begins.
- Book a short consultation to see whether your child might feel comfortable with them.
You can also meet our therapists to see who works with children and teens.
Wondering whether EMDR fits your child? Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation or call (480) 639-5559.
The Bottom Line
So, can kids do EMDR? Yes. EMDR is a recognized treatment for children and teens with trauma symptoms, and it’s best supported for school-age kids and adolescents with PTSD.
EMDR for kids isn’t the only good option, and it isn’t right for every child at every moment. The best next step is a conversation with a therapist who knows both EMDR and children, and who will include you in the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kids Do EMDR Therapy?
Kids can do EMDR therapy, and it’s recommended for children and teens with PTSD by the World Health Organization and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Therapists adapt it to each child’s age. Research is strongest for school-age children and teens.
What Is the Minimum Age for EMDR?
There is no official minimum age for EMDR. Most research involves children around age 7 and older, while some therapists adapt EMDR for preschoolers through play. Studies in children as young as 2 are underway.
Does My Child Have to Talk About What Happened During EMDR?
Your child doesn’t have to talk about what happened in full detail during EMDR. They need to bring the memory to mind, but they can share as much or as little as they’re comfortable with. Young children often show it through drawing or play instead.
Will My Child Feel Worse After an EMDR Session?
Your child may feel a bit worse for a short time after an EMDR session. Tiredness, big feelings, or vivid dreams are common and usually settle within a few days. Tell the therapist if symptoms keep building so they can adjust the pace.
Can EMDR Help Kids With Anxiety?
EMDR can help kids with anxiety, especially when the anxiety started after a frightening experience. A 2017 review found EMDR reduced anxiety symptoms in young people with trauma. For general worry without a clear cause, CBT is often the first choice.
Can Kids Do EMDR Over Telehealth?
Kids can sometimes do EMDR over telehealth, depending on their age and needs. Telehealth tends to work better for older children and teens, while in-person sessions are usually preferred for younger kids. Your child’s therapist can recommend the best format.
What Is the 3-3-3 Rule for Kids?
The 3-3-3 rule for kids is a simple grounding exercise: name 3 things you can see, 3 things you can hear, and move 3 parts of your body. It isn’t part of EMDR itself. It’s similar to the calming tools children learn in the preparation phase before any memory work starts.
Sources
- Moreno-Alcázar, A., Treen, D., Valiente-Gómez, A., Sio-Eroles, A., Pérez, V., Amann, B. L., & Radua, J. (2017). Efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in children and adolescent with post-traumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Psychology, 8. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01750
- Diehle, J., Opmeer, B. C., Boer, F., Mannarino, A. P., & Lindauer, R. J. L. (2015). Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: What works in children with posttraumatic stress symptoms? A randomized controlled trial. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 24, 227-236. doi.org/10.1007/s00787-014-0572-5
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. (2019). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Prevention and Treatment Guidelines: Methodology and Recommendations. istss.org
- World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. who.int
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018). Post-traumatic stress disorder (NICE guideline NG116), recommendation 1.6.13. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng116
- Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 44(2), 231-239. doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2012.11.001
- Academisch Medisch Centrum. TF-CBT versus EMDR for children with posttraumatic stress symptoms (trial registration, ages 2 to 17). onderzoekmetmensen.nl
- EMDR Therapy in Young Children, a Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05419934. clinicaltrials.gov
