Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an established intervention for treating trauma, anxiety and other stressors. With the help of a specially trained mental health therapist and gentle movements, a child or adult is able to safely reprocess difficult thoughts or memories. EMDR can often help when other methods like traditional "talk therapy" have not been as effective. Learn more below! Please also reference our Anxiety, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Neurofeedback, Neurofeedback Access Project, Play, Sensory Supports, Sleep and Trauma pages for more resources.

“EMDR therapy targets the unprocessed memories that contain the negative emotions, sensations and beliefs. By activating the brain’s information processing system... the old memories can then be 'digested.' Meaning what is useful is learned, what’s useless is discarded, and the memory is now stored in a way that is no longer damaging.” ~Dr. Francis Shapiro

Websites

EMDR for Kids
EMDRia
EMDR Resource Center & Training - local to Oregon, foster adoption competent provider
EMDR UK

Recommended Books & Articles

EMDR-related materials in ORPARC's library and DIGITAL library

Adoption Trauma and the Healing Role of EMDR Therapy by Lesli Johnson
An Adoptee Shares on EMDR Therapy by Gabriela Paulsen, adoptee
Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Children by Anchor Light Therapy Collective
The Benefits of EMDR for Children with Anxiety by Sarah Jackson
Bruce Perry: Rhythm Regulates the Brain by Kathy Brous
The Butterfly Hug: Resourcing & Bilateral Stimulation in EMDR by Aspire Counseling
EMDR Therapy for Childhood Trauma by Child Mind Institute & en español
EMDR Therapy for PTSD, Anxiety & Trauma by Lauren Woods
EMDR Therapy for Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, & Panic by Carol Corcoran
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy by APA
How does EMDR Therapy work for children? by Kelsey White
Navigating Adoption Trauma by Laurie Groh
Tips for Healing from a Former Foster Child & Therapist by Catherine Norwood, fosteree
Trauma & EMDR (and Polyvagal Theory) by Tribe
Using EMDR Therapy for Children by Traci Pirri
What is EMDR & why can it be helpful for adopted people? by David Benjamin, adoptee
What is EMDR for Kids and for Teens by Ana Gomez

Culturally specific

Can EMDR Treat Racial & Cultural Trauma? by Jamie Sedgewick
Considerations for the use of EMDR in processing racial and other socially inflicted traumas by Amal Wartalska
EMDR & Racial Trauma by Emdria - many resources!
EMDR Therapy with LGBTQ Populations by Emdria
Is EMDR an Anti-racist Therapy? by Olatunde Spence

Videos & Podcasts

Adoption Trauma & EMDR by Fireside Adoptees (video)
Animation to explain EMDR therapy to Children by EMDR Association UK (video)
EMDR for Behaviors in Foster Care by Fostering the Future Podcast
EMDR Therapy & LGBTQ Experiences by Jamie Marich & guests (video)
EMDR with Children by Jackie Lynn, EMDRIA (video)
EMDR Therapy with Foster Care & Adoption Trauma with Rachel Harrison by Emdria Podcast
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD by Veterans Administration (video)
Healing From Trauma With EMDR Therapy With Authors Michael Baldwin & Deborah Korn, PsyD by The Very Well Mind Podcast
How EMDR Can help bad memories by EMDR Association UK (video)
Processing Trauma through EMDR with Laura Taylor by Adoption Wise Podcast
Rebecca Kase talks about EMDR, Polyvagal, & Trauma by The Science of Psychotherapy (video)
The Secrets of EMDR Therapy & How It Can Help You by The School of Life (video)
What is EMDR? by EMDR for Kids (animated video)

Featured Favorites

When There Are No Words by Sandra Paulsen

Be Mindful of Monsters: EMDR Edition by Lauren Stockly

EMDR Workbook for Kids by Christine Mark-Griffin

Every Memory Deserves Respect by Michael Baldwin