Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been proven to help people manage PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. Research has also shown that it can help adolescents and children—not just adults. Adolescent EMDR sessions can be effective in helping young people process their traumatic experiences so that they can avoid some of the long-term effects of unprocessed trauma.
EMDR Is Effective Trauma Therapy
Trauma causes someone who experienced it to develop coping mechanisms that help them survive. Unfortunately, many of these coping mechanisms are unhealthy and take a toll on someone’s mental health. They may want to avoid—or for adolescents, they may not even have the language for—talking about it at all. Over the long term, someone who survived a traumatic experience can develop PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other trauma-related disorders.
EMDR is evidence-based, which means it has been scientifically studied and proven to help people with trauma-related disorders. In recent years, more research has been done to study how effective EMDR therapy is for teens.
Similar Results to CBT
One 2021 study showed that EMDR was about as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—often considered the gold-standard talk therapy—in reducing PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Even more promising? It seemed to work more quickly.
Addressing CPTSD and Child Abuse
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is caused by neglect or abuse, often at the hands of a parent or caregiver. It can be more challenging to treat than PTSD or other trauma-related disorders. At least one study has shown that EMDR was effective in treating adolescents with CPTSD and improved their quality of life.
Effective for Many Types of Trauma
EMDR has also proven to be effective in treating different types of trauma that cause long-lasting effects. Trauma from natural disasters, physical and psychological violence, and physical diseases like cancer have all shown improvement when treated with EMDR.
May Help with Other Conditions
Even though EMDR is primarily used as a trauma therapy, one study showed that it was effective in treating depression. In fact, the treatment was so effective that participants’ depression symptoms went into full remission, and their progress lasted for two to three months.
Exploring the Mind-Body Connection
EMDR helps people open up about their trauma in safe spaces, allowing them to talk about their experiences so they can process them rather than avoid them. As sessions progress, clients physically process their trauma by moving their eyes, hearing sounds, or tapping while talking about their experiences.
The physical and verbal processing helps people release their trauma. This is a major step in treating trauma since avoiding the experiences often gets in the way of making more progress.
Addressing Trauma Early Avoids Long-Term Effects
Unaddressed trauma can cause issues for adolescents. Brain development can be affected by trauma, and the transition into adulthood can be much more difficult. They may fall behind in school or have trouble navigating social situations because of their stress, which can make it hard for them to make progress.
Substance use and addiction are also common among people with trauma-related disorders, including adolescents. Without healthy coping mechanisms, they may lean on drugs or alcohol to help them feel positive—or even just hold negative emotions back.
Trauma Therapy and Family Sessions
While individual healing is important, adolescent trauma treatment is often more successful with family involvement. Trauma-informed family sessions create an environment for open communication and mutual understanding. These sessions often involve education on trauma’s effects, strategies for creating a safe home, and tools for strengthening trust. Parents and guardians are offered guidance to recognize triggers, de-escalate emotional situations, and promote consistent, nurturing care.
Families who participate in these therapeutic components often report stronger bonds and renewed connection. By taking part in the healing process, family members contribute to a more comprehensive recovery that addresses not only individual challenges but the collective emotional health of everyone involved.
Find Help for Your Teen
We have EMDR therapists at Family First who can help your teen process their trauma and start healing. Residential treatment is available for boys at our center in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and our Pinnacle Day Program offers PHP-level care for teen boys and girls in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. Call 888.904.5947 or contact us online to get started.