EMDR advanced training for child EMDR therapists, focused on how to implement EMDR with ages birth to 5. Learn how to conceptualize the 8 phases of EMDR for ages 0-5 and their caregivers in a developmentally appropriate manner integrating dyadic attachment based techniques and the storytelling technique. 6 credit hours
This training is designed for EMDR-trained therapists who already work with children and is not intended to teach general child therapy skills. It equips clinicians with the specialized skills needed to apply EMDR therapy with children ages birth through five, adapting the standard eight-phase protocol into a dyadic, attachment-based, and developmentally appropriate model. Participants will learn to conduct trauma-informed history taking with both caregiver and child, assess caregiver and child readiness across treatment phases, and use dyadic attachment activities to build the safety and co-regulation needed before reprocessing begins. The training introduces the storytelling technique for accessing and reprocessing traumatic memory in very young children, including how to integrate AI tools into story development, along with developmentally appropriate methods for activation, bilateral stimulation, and monitoring the window of tolerance. Special population considerations, including child protective services involvement, under-resourced families, separated households, and high-conflict divorce, and cultural adaptations related to parenting practices and values, are addressed throughout. Participants will practice the storytelling technique through guided small-group practicum, leaving with concrete, ready-to-use tools for extending trauma-focused EMDR treatment to the youngest and most vulnerable clients.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the purpose and clinical benefits of history taking for both the caregiver and child.
Assess caregiver readiness for phase 2.
Summarize at least 2 dyadic attachment based activities to use in phase 2.
Assess caregiver and child readiness for phase 3+.
Differentiate phases 3,4,5,6,7 within a story.
Identify 3 strategies to support activating the traumatic memory with infants and toddlers.
Explain at least 4 different techniques to provide bilateral stimulation with infants and toddlers.
Create a story utilizing the storytelling technique, and employing AI to support.
Practice application of the storytelling technique in small groups.
Identify at least 2 cultural considerations and adaptations.