What is EMDR?

EMDR is internationally widely used and recommended in international guidelines as one of the evidence-based treatments for traumatized children with PTSD. EMDR can be used for consequences of single event trauma, but also for chronic traumatization like domestic violence, (sexual) abuse, neglect, drug- and alcohol-abuse by parents, attachment-issues, parents with mental health issues and medical trauma. EMDR can be used when bad memories from the past are linked to present symptoms, like depression, anxiety or a negative self-image. Since EMDR requires very little verbal abilities, it can be used also for (Indigenous) children for whom English is a second language, children with an intellectual disability, FASD and for young children (0-6).

The use of EMDR with children

Therapists who have been trained in EMDR for adults lack information on adaptations, necessary for using EMDR with children. In the Netherlands, the Dutch Child & Adolescent Trainers Carlijn de Roos and Renee Beer offer child level l trainings, competency-based consultation and child level ll trainings. Since 2000 Carlijn and Renee have trained many child therapists successfully. In New Zealand and Australia there is a great need of specialized training for EMDR therapists working with children. After having organized six successful EMDR Child trainings in Australia and New Zealand, the Institute for Chronically Traumatized Children (ICTC) is organizing another Child level I training in New Zealand.

Program EMDR Child Training

In this two-day training program, Carlijn de Roos will teach the modifications to the standard EMDR-protocol for all age groups (0-3, 4-5, 6-11, 12-18) and the treatment of preverbal trauma, illustrated with video fragments. Participants will practice with parts of the Child Protocol. After this training therapists will be able and (hopefully) confident enough to use EMDR with children of all ages with PTSD related symptoms. This training is EMDRAA, EMDRNZ and EMDR-Europe accredited.

EMDR-consultation by an accredited EMDR Child Consultant afterwards for over a period of a year is strongly recommended to build on skills and confidence in dealing with complex situations.

Applicants

Participants from Australia or New Zealand who have completed EMDR Adults level I or weekend I at a minimum and work with children.

Complex cases and stabilization

For the use of EMDR within a phased treatment with complex traumatized and dissociative children it is recommended to do the workshop Treating Chronically Traumatized Children with the Sleeping Dogs method either live online 17th and 20th of Feb 2023 or the homestudy program. In this workshop you will learn how to prepare children for EMDR when they are unwilling or unable to engage in EMDR therapy.