Introducing Parent-Child EMDR Therapy for Early Childhood Trauma

Tackling Trauma in Early Childhood with Parent-Child EMDR

Trauma during infancy and toddlerhood can disrupt a child’s developmental trajectory, potentially leading to emotional and behavioral issues later in life. Traditional therapeutic methods often fall short for children under four, whose memories are stored in preverbal, sensory formats. Enter Parent-Child Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an innovative therapy designed specifically for this age group.

What is Parent-Child EMDR Therapy?

Parent-Child EMDR is a tailored approach adapting the EMDR standard protocol to young children. The therapy combines the latest research in trauma, infant mental health, memory processing, and attachment theory. The method integrates infant mental health principles, emphasizing the role of nurturing parent-child relationships in healing. This protocol not only addresses the child’s trauma but also supports parents, enhancing their confidence and parenting skills.

The Format

The therapy follows a structured, yet flexible process:

Preparation and History-Taking: Sessions begin with a deep dive into the child’s timeline. Therapists and parents collaboratively identify how adverse events might have shaped the child’s behaviors and emotional responses. This phase also educates parents about trauma’s impact and fosters emotional availability.
Narrative Development: Parents create a narrative recounting traumatic events from the child’s perspective. This activates the child’s implicit memories during the session, paving the way for healing.
Bilateral Stimulation: Gentle tapping or similar bilateral stimulation techniques are used during the narrative to facilitate memory processing.
Parent-Child Interaction Sessions: Sessions emphasize co-regulation, where parents help children process emotions and develop a sense of safety.
Optional EMDR for Parents: Many parents benefit from processing their own trauma, which can significantly improve their ability to support their child.

How Does It Work?

Parent-Child EMDR focuses on activating and processing traumatic memories stored in the child’s implicit memory. During therapy, the child’s traumatic material is activated through the parent’s narrative while the therapist provides bilateral stimulation. The goal is not just to reduce trauma symptoms but to improve parent-child interactions and attachment.

Young children express trauma non-verbally—through body language, play, and emotional responses. The therapist guides parents in recognizing these signals and responding with empathy and co-regulation. Over time, this strengthens the child’s sense of security and supports emotional healing.

Real Results: A Case Study

Consider the story of Sam, a 19-month-old boy who exhibited severe sleep disturbances, self-harming behaviors, and an inability to self-soothe. His parents were overwhelmed, his mother feeling guilty and inadequate. Parent-Child EMDR helped the family uncover how Sam’s chronic pain (due to undiagnosed allergies and ear infections) and his parents’ stress had compounded his trauma.

Through the therapy:

Sam processed his preverbal memories of pain and isolation, gradually reducing his distress and self-harming behaviors.
His mother addressed her own guilt through EMDR, improving her emotional availability for Sam.
His parents rebuilt their confidence in parenting, fostering a healthier, more secure relationship with their child.

At the end of treatment, Sam no longer met the criteria for PTSD, and his family felt equipped to navigate future challenges.

Evidence of Effectiveness

A pilot study (Went et al., 2024) involving 18 children aged 0–4 years demonstrated the effectiveness of Parent-Child EMDR therapy. All participating children were diagnosed with PTSD before therapy, and every child lost their PTSD diagnosis by the end of treatment. These results were sustained at a three-month follow-up. Sessions averaged 11 per family and included a mix of child-focused EMDR, parent-child interaction sessions, and optional parental trauma treatment

In conclusion…

Parent-Child EMDR therapy provides a groundbreaking approach to treating trauma in very young children. By addressing the trauma stored in the child, supporting parents, and enhancing parent-child interactions, this therapy offers a holistic path to recovery.

For families grappling with the effects of early trauma, Parent-Child EMDR is a lifeline that not only alleviates symptoms but also lays the foundation for secure, healthy relationships and development. If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges of early childhood trauma, exploring this innovative therapy could be the first step toward healing.

References: Went, M., Struik, A., Möller, E., Zijlstra, B. J. H., Dumoulin, A., van Haaften, G., & Rodenburg, R. (2024). Parent-Child EMDR therapy for children aged 0–4 years: Protocol, pilot-data, and case study. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 8(1), Article 100475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2024.100475