EMDR for Kids and Teens

Sometimes kids and teens don’t want to talk. And that’s okay with EMDR.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-supported therapy that helps the brain process and heal from overwhelming experiences—without needing to explain every detail out loud. That’s one of the reasons it can work so well for younger clients who may feel unsure, uncomfortable, are avoidant, or just plain tired of talking.

I offer EMDR for children and teens who actually want to be here. That matters. Therapy shouldn’t feel like punishment, and I don’t believe in dragging anyone through sessions they don’t want to be in. When a young person comes in willingly, it gives EMDR the best shot at being effective—and helps build trust in the therapy process, not fear or resentment.

EMDR can be especially helpful for kids and teens who:

  • Have experienced trauma or anxiety

  • Are new to therapy and not sure where to start

  • Feel like talking about things doesn’t help—or just don’t want to

  • Struggle to put their feelings into words

  • Shut down or get overwhelmed in traditional talk therapy

Sessions are collaborative, gentle, and always tailored to the individual. Kids don’t need to talk about the hard stuff unless they want to—and EMDR can still help them feel better. It’s not about pushing, it’s about guiding.

A Quick but Important Note:

I do not work with families in the middle of a divorce or custody dispute or that have ongoing struggles with coparenting and will need legal support. Documenting mental health concerns for legal purposes is a very specific specialty—and it’s not one I’m trained in. If that’s what you're navigating, it would be a disservice to you, your child, and the process to come to me. I want all families to get the right kind of help, and in these cases, that means working with someone experienced in court-involved therapy.

If you're wondering whether EMDR might be a fit for your child or teen, feel free to reach out. We can explore whether this kind of support feels right—and make sure your kiddo has a say in it too.