What is eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing? And can EMDR help children recover from trauma?

Description

Childhood traumatic experiences are common. Almost one in three (32%) Australians reported being physically abused as a child, 31% experienced emotional abuse, 28.5% were victims of sexual abuse and 9% were neglected. Some 40% of Australians were exposed to domestic violence against a parent.

Untreated childhood trauma is associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders. These children are more likely to become teens and adults who binge drink, attempt suicide and self-harm.

To reduce the chance of these long-term negative effects, it’s important to understand what treatments work for trauma in children. One option is eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, or EMDR, a therapy which aims to reduce distress and traumatic memories.

Subject

EMDR and Trauma Recovery for Children