With up to 5% of teens dealing with PTSD, it is vital to seek out effective treatment to help them process and overcome the underlying trauma. As a parent, it can also be tough seeing your teen suffer and not know how to help them. At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand these challenges. That’s why we utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), a proven trauma and PTSD treatment option for teens in Arizona. In this guide, we will take a step-by-step approach to cover wide ground and ensure that you understand EMDR better.
If you are interested in learning more about EMDR, call our team today to discuss treatment options.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of treatment that helps people who struggle with trauma and PTSD. EMDR differs from conventional talk therapy because it focuses on how our brains store memories. So, instead of just talking about their traumatic experiences, EMDR enables your teen to reprocess traumatic memories and make them less devastating.
Dr. Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in the late 1980s. She realized that when she moved her eyes back and forth while thinking about traumatic memories, she felt less sad about those memories. After some time, Dr. Francine refined her technique into a more structured form of therapy we know today.
Generally, the rationale behind EMDR is how our brain stores memories. When your teen undergoes something traumatic, it can stick in their brain. EMDR helps your teen reprocess these memories and store them as normal, non-traumatic memories.
During an EMDR session in Arizona, your teen’s therapist will guide them as they begin thinking about their traumatic memories while moving their eyes back and forth. The therapist may ask your teen to listen to sounds or tap their hands, helping them reprocess the memories better.
How Does EMDR Work?
As we have stated earlier, EMDR is more structured. It has eight phases, and each phase is designed to deal with different aspects of trauma. Let’s explore these phases:
Phase 1 - History Taking
The first step involves the therapist assessing whether your teen is suitable for EMDR. The therapist will then discuss your teen’s trauma experience, current symptoms, and goals for EMDR and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Phase 2 - Preparation
The second phase involves the therapist explaining the EMDR process to your teen and detailing rules and expectations. This will help your teen be informed and feel comfortable with the therapy. The therapist can address any questions or concerns you or your teen may have at this phase.
Phase 3 - Assessment
During the third phase of EMDR, therapists work to understand the client’s current experience and develop a baseline for future measurements.
Phase 4 - Desensitization Process
In this next phase, your teen will revisit sad memories while receiving bilateral stimulation. This can involve tapping their hands, listening to sounds alternating between their right and left ears, or following the therapist’s finger with their eyes. Bilateral stimulation is important because it helps your teen’s brain reprocess traumatic memories and reduce emotional strength.
Phase 5 - Installation of Positive Beliefs
During this next phase, your teen’s therapist will help them acquire and strengthen positive beliefs about themselves. This phase involves the therapist collaborating with your teen to identify your teen’s negative beliefs that may have been caused by trauma. They will then replace these with positive beliefs through affirmation and guided visualization.
Phase 6 - Body Scan
In the next phase, the therapist will conduct a body scan to release any residual discomfort or tension and ensure your teen leaves the session feeling calm and grounded. Body scans involve your teen engaging in relaxation exercises and focusing on their body from head to toe to manage any lingering distress. The therapist will guide your teen through this process, so you do not need to worry.
Phase 7 - Closure
Before this session ends, the therapist will guide your teen through closure. Closure will help your teen feel safe and transition back to normal life.
Phase 8 - Reevaluation and Ongoing Support
As the EMDR process continues, your teen’s therapist will regularly monitor their progress and adjust therapy appropriately. This process may include revisiting memories, managing new triggers, and offering extra support outside therapy. The therapist will also collaborate with your teen to establish future directions and targets for continued treatment. Regular monitoring and ongoing support guarantee your teen effective care and relapse prevention.
Comparing EMDR with Other Trauma Therapies
There are several therapeutic approaches to teen trauma. Each approach has unique strengths and weaknesses. Here, we will discuss how EMDR compares to talk and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
EMDR vs. Talk Therapy
Conventional talk therapy involves your teen talking about their past traumatic experiences, emotions, and thoughts with their therapist. These conversations are always held in a safe and supportive environment. Although talk therapy provides emotional support, it does not deal with the physiological aspects of trauma directly like EMDR does. EMDR could be said to be more comprehensive because it utilizes certain elements of talk therapy but builds on them further.
EMDR vs. CBT
EMDR and CBT are both evidence-based, but their principles are different. In CBT, the therapist helps your teen identify negative behaviors and thought patterns related to trauma and challenges them. Conversely, EMDR focuses on the underlying traumatic memories directly. It aims to help the brain reprocess these memories and reduce their emotional effects through bilateral stimulation. While both are helpful and proven to be effective, studies show that EMDR may be quicker and more effective than CBT.
Advantages of Choosing EMDR
EMDR takes a targeted approach to deal with the root cause of your teen’s trauma. It specifically targets the underlying traumatic memories that cause stressful symptoms leading to faster and lasting relief.
As opposed to other therapies that involve going through the traumatic events over again, EMDR minimizes reliving trauma. Instead, it focuses on reprocessing the memories and events. This prevents re-traumatization.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, which integrates the mind and body. This holistic approach promotes well-being and wholeness.
EMDR also empowers your teen to participate actively in their growth and healing. It offers them practical tools and techniques to manage stressful symptoms and build resilience. This agency and autonomy enhance motivation and participation in therapy.
Loss, whether from parental separation or the death of a loved one, can cause your teen emotional pain and grief. EMDR offers your teen a supportive setting to process their loss and begin their healing journey.
During an EMDR therapy session, the therapist will help your teen reflect on the memories of loss and any feelings of sadness, anger, or guilt. Using cognitive structuring and bilateral stimulation, EMDR will facilitate the adaptation of these memories and help your teen find acceptance and meaning in their loss.
Research indicates that EMDR can help reduce symptoms of grief among teens who have experienced loss. EMDR particularly addresses cognitive and emotional aspects of grief, allowing your teen to find peace and resolution.
Accident Trauma
Accidents from natural disasters or car crashes often lead to severe physical injuries and psychological pain among teenagers. EMDR can help your teen manage the emotional impacts of witnessing or experiencing such accidents.
EMDR will target the memories of accidents that may cause your teen stress symptoms. As a result, it will enable your teen to reprocess these memories in a manner that reduces the effects of reactions related to trauma. The therapist will also help your teen manage the fear of driving, survivor guilt, or any other challenges associated with the accident. Studies reveal that EMDR helps reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among accident survivors. This allows them to regain resilience and control.
Abuse Trauma
Sexual, physical, and emotional abuse may also cause trauma among teens. Such abuses can have long-term effects on your teen’s well-being. EMDR can help your teen deal with such trauma from abuse.
In an EMDR session, the therapist will guide your teen to process the memories of abuse as they engage in bilateral stimulation. This will help desensitize such emotions related to the traumatic experiences of abuse. EMDR can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms and associated stress among survivors of abuse. Hyperarousal, avoidance behaviors, and intrusive memories are some of the improvements in symptoms from EMDR treatment for abuse trauma.
Benefits of EMDR for Teens
Teenagers will receive several benefits from EMDR therapy, especially if they are struggling with trauma.
Addressing Common Trauma Symptoms
Flashbacks: Flashbacks are invasive and worrying memories of traumatic experiences. They can make your teen feel worried since it seems like they are reliving the traumatic events. EMDR can make flashbacks less disruptive and emotionally charged by reprocessing these memories.
Anxiety: Anxiety is one of the common symptoms of trauma. It is displayed through apprehension, fear, and constant worry. EMDR desensitizes emotional triggers related to trauma and can thus reduce anxiety. This will make your teen feel relaxed and calm.
Sleep Disturbances: Trauma can interfere with your teen’s sleeping pattern. EMDR reduces stress and emotional arousal related to traumatic experiences, promoting better sleep quality.
Long-Term Benefits of EMDR
Let’s now look at the lasting benefits of EMDR that your teenager stands to enjoy:
Reduction of PTSD Symptoms: EMDR significantly reduces teen PTSD symptoms such as hyperarousal, avoidance behaviors, and intrusive memories. Since it addresses the root cause of trauma, EMDR improves your teen’s psychological well-being and enhances relief.
Enhances Coping Skills: EMDR will equip your teenager with effective coping skills to manage their triggers, difficult emotions, and stress. Reprocessing of memories helps teenagers learn to control their emotions better and develop more resilience.
Improved Relationships: Trauma often destroys a teenager’s relationship with friends, family, and peers. EMDR will help your teen repair broken bonds and develop stronger relationships through emotional growth and healing.
Increased Self-Esteem: Trauma can also affect your teen’s confidence and self-worth. EMDR can help your teen develop a better self-image by replacing their negative beliefs with more positive ones.
EMDR Therapy Sessions at Nexus Teen Academy
At Our mental health treatment center for teens in Arizona, we offer a structured, safe, and supportive environment for EMDR therapy where your teen can process traumatic memories. Through our EMDR therapy programs, along with other evidence-based practices, we can help clients overcome underlying trauma and PTSD.
The EMDR Process
We follow the eight-phase EMDR therapy process to ensure your teen leaves our facility feeling calm, relieved, and relaxed. Our expert team will review your teen’s history before preparing them for therapy. It will then help your teen develop healthy coping skills and offer them resources to manage their triggers and emotions. We will also guide your teen through a desensitization procedure followed by reprocessing through bilateral stimulation. Toward the end, our team will help your teen receive closure and then reevaluate and ensure ongoing support.
EMDR Therapy Duration
Our EMDR therapy sessions run for around 60 to 90 minutes a day. However, this duration may vary depending on your teen’s unique needs and general progress. The frequency will also differ depending on the severity of your teen’s trauma and availability. You should expect your teenager to attend weekly sessions initially but taper off gradually as their condition improves.
Integration of Other Therapeutic Interventions
Our approach is to offer a comprehensive treatment plan that guarantees your teen holistic healing and growth. Our approach incorporates other therapeutic interventions like CBT, DBT, expressive therapies, and mindfulness-based techniques. This approach ensures that our expert team addresses your teen’s trauma and any underlying or co-occurring mental health issues.
Common Issues
Generally, as your teen undergoes EMDR therapy, they are likely to experience physical sensations, cognitive shifts, or emotional distress. You should not be worried because these reactions are normal and part of the process. Recognizing these aspects, we endeavor to provide ongoing support and guidance to help your teen recover successfully. Our therapists will adjust the therapy pace if necessary and include extra coping mechanisms to deal with any issues.
The Role of Parents in EMDR Therapy
As a parent, you play a key role in your teen’s EMDR therapy. Here’s how you can guide and support your teenager in EMDR:
Before the EMDR Therapy Sessions
Begin by educating yourself on EMDR therapy to understand its key components. This will help you manage your expectations effectively and support your teen effectively.
Assure your teen of your availability and unwavering support during therapy. Your teen should not feel like they will be on their own.
Maintain open, non-judgmental communication with your teen. Allowing your teen to express their concerns and thoughts about EMDR therapy will help you understand their perspectives. You can then clarify their doubts and reassure them.
Help your teen plan the logistics, like scheduling consultations and transportation.
During EMDR Therapy Sessions
Respect your teen’s privacy as they engage one-on-one with their therapist. Do not pressure your teens for details about the therapy sessions. Instead, let them tell you voluntarily.
Participate in family therapy sessions with your teen. This will help you communicate better and deal with any family conflicts.
Be patient with your teen. Understand that healing does not happen overnight.
Consistently encourage your teen to be hopeful and attend therapy. Offer them emotional support before and after therapy sessions. Tell them that you are proud of them for their courage and resilience.
After EMDR Therapy Sessions
Check-in with your teen after every therapy session. Ask if they want to talk. Use open-ended questions, and do not be intrusive.
Remind your teenager that it’s okay to meet some obstacles along the way. Validate their feelings and reassure them of your support.
Encourage and help your teen practice self-care. You can recommend stress relief and relaxation techniques to help them feel calm. Journaling, walking together, and spending quality time with family and friends can also help.
Common Misconceptions About EMDR
Although EMDR therapy is effective in addressing teenage trauma, there are some myths and misconceptions surrounding it. It’s crucial to dispel these myths to encourage teenagers to undertake EMDR therapy. If you ever have any doubts, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified healthcare professional for more information. Let’s now look at some of these myths:
Some people think EMDR is only for teens with severe trauma. That is false since even teens with mild trauma or single-incident trauma can also benefit from EMDR. EMDR is versatile and can be tailored to every teen’s unique needs.
Those who think EMDR is a form of hypnosis are also wrong. EMDR is evidence-based and uses bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic memories. Your teen will remain fully conscious during the EMDR therapy session.
Another myth is that EMDR erases traumatic memories. It does not. It helps your teen’s brain reprocess these memories and reduce their charge and intensity. EDMR aims to change how traumatic memories are stored in the brain, making them less stressful. It is not about forgetting them.
Others also say that EMDR is a quick fix for trauma. Even though some teens may experience better relief after a short time, healing generally takes time, depending on your teen’s progress. It also depends on how severe your teen’s trauma is.
Another myth is that EMDR is only for adults. This is false. EMDR works effectively for children and teenagers, too. Therapists are trained to tailor and modify EMDR to fit different age categories.
Some people also say that EMDR only addresses recent trauma. EMDR can also address traumatic memories from the past.
How to Prepare Your Teen for EMDR Therapy
It is crucial to prepare your teen for EMDR therapy sessions. This involves emotional and practical steps to ensure your teen is informed and feels comfortable about the process. Consider the following tips and strategies:
Discussing Expectations
Have an open conversation with your teen about why EMDR could benefit them. Explain to them that EMDR involves reprocessing their traumatic memories and will make them feel less stressed.
Tell your teen that feeling unsure and nervous about the therapy is normal. Encourage them to ask you any questions and express their concerns.
Set realistic and achievable goals to effectively manage your teen’s expectations.
Be patient and teach your teen to be patient.
Addressing Any Concerns
Create a safe environment for them to express any concerns.
Listen to your teen actively without criticism or judgment.
Explain to them that they will be engaging with trained and qualified therapists so they will be safe.
Answer your teen’s questions honestly and transparently. Offer them age-appropriate explanations.
Encouraging Self-Care
Self-care is crucial for you and your teen during their EMDR therapy journey.
Together, learn and practice relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, or deep breathing.
Encourage positive talk and self-compassion.
Ensure your teen has a solid support system. Encourage them to interact with friends and peers.
Choosing the Right Therapist For EMDR Therapy in Arizona
You must choose the right trauma treatment programand select a qualified therapist for EMDR therapy to ensure your teen’s safety and well-being. Due to the huge pool of EMDR therapists in Arizona, consider the following factors to make informed decisions:
Qualifications and Experience: Select a therapist who is licensed to work in Arizona. They should have experience and specialized training in EMDR therapy for teen trauma.
Reviews: Check for reviews on the potential therapist. Inquire about their approach to EMDR therapy, availability, and success rates in dealing with teen trauma.
Confidentiality: Also, ensure the therapist respects your teen’s privacy. They should comply with legal, ethical, and confidentiality standards. Discuss confidentiality concerns with the therapist during the initial consultation.
Additional Insights
Encourage your teenager to seek support from family, friends, online communities, or local support groups. These can complement your teen’s EMDR therapy.
Find books, seminars, and workshops on EMDR to help you understand how the therapy works. These resources will give you insights into how to support your teen effectively.
Assist your teenager in developing lasting coping mechanisms and self-care routines for sustaining their mental health.
Stay informed about potential innovations and emerging research on EMDR treatment for trauma to ensure your teen receives the best treatment possible.
Conclusion
EMDR therapy is evidence-based and highly effective in treating teen trauma. It primarily focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories, which helps reduce trauma and PTSD symptoms. This will equip your teen with enhanced coping strategies and skills to improve their relationships.
As a parent, finding a holistic approach to your teen’s mental health is probably the best way you can support them. At Nexus Teen Academy, we provide a safe and nurturing environment where your teens can undergo EMDR therapy tailored to their unique needs. We encourage you to contact our team and schedule a consultation to learn more about this treatment approach. You can also reach out to us if you want to know more about the other components of our program and how we can help your teen’s specific situation..
Don’t hesitate, call our team today and learn more.
Yes, EMDR therapy can also effectively address anxiety disorders like social anxiety, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorders. Particularly, EMDR will focus on the specific stressful memories and associated triggers to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Generally, EMDR therapy is versatile and can be modified for children as young as six years old. It also works effectively for adolescents and adults. It would help if you consulted an experienced therapist to confirm that EMDR therapy suits your child’s situation.
Recovery generally takes some time. Specifically, the duration of EMDR therapy varies depending on the severity of your teen’s trauma. Some teens may see significant results after a few sessions, while others may require longer treatment.
Yes, EMDR therapy can be used as a standalone treatment for teens and will still be effective. However, considering that teenagers go through a lot of challenges and may be struggling with underlying mental health issues, a comprehensive approach is better. Such an approach should incorporate other therapies like CBT, DBT, family therapy, and other interventions depending on your teen’s needs.
When conducted by trained and qualified therapists, EMDR therapy is generally safe for teenagers. However, some teens may experience stress during or after therapy due to reprocessing of traumatic memories. This is why you must be available to support your teen emotionally through all treatment steps. If you see any major concerns, promptly alert your teen’s therapist.
EMDR Therapy for Teen Trauma in Arizona
Published On April 15, 2024
Table of Contents
With up to 5% of teens dealing with PTSD, it is vital to seek out effective treatment to help them process and overcome the underlying trauma. As a parent, it can also be tough seeing your teen suffer and not know how to help them. At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand these challenges. That’s why we utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), a proven trauma and PTSD treatment option for teens in Arizona. In this guide, we will take a step-by-step approach to cover wide ground and ensure that you understand EMDR better.
If you are interested in learning more about EMDR, call our team today to discuss treatment options.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of treatment that helps people who struggle with trauma and PTSD. EMDR differs from conventional talk therapy because it focuses on how our brains store memories. So, instead of just talking about their traumatic experiences, EMDR enables your teen to reprocess traumatic memories and make them less devastating.
Dr. Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in the late 1980s. She realized that when she moved her eyes back and forth while thinking about traumatic memories, she felt less sad about those memories. After some time, Dr. Francine refined her technique into a more structured form of therapy we know today.
Generally, the rationale behind EMDR is how our brain stores memories. When your teen undergoes something traumatic, it can stick in their brain. EMDR helps your teen reprocess these memories and store them as normal, non-traumatic memories.
During an EMDR session in Arizona, your teen’s therapist will guide them as they begin thinking about their traumatic memories while moving their eyes back and forth. The therapist may ask your teen to listen to sounds or tap their hands, helping them reprocess the memories better.
How Does EMDR Work?
As we have stated earlier, EMDR is more structured. It has eight phases, and each phase is designed to deal with different aspects of trauma. Let’s explore these phases:
Phase 1 - History Taking
The first step involves the therapist assessing whether your teen is suitable for EMDR. The therapist will then discuss your teen’s trauma experience, current symptoms, and goals for EMDR and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Phase 2 - Preparation
The second phase involves the therapist explaining the EMDR process to your teen and detailing rules and expectations. This will help your teen be informed and feel comfortable with the therapy. The therapist can address any questions or concerns you or your teen may have at this phase.
Phase 3 - Assessment
During the third phase of EMDR, therapists work to understand the client’s current experience and develop a baseline for future measurements.
Phase 4 - Desensitization Process
In this next phase, your teen will revisit sad memories while receiving bilateral stimulation. This can involve tapping their hands, listening to sounds alternating between their right and left ears, or following the therapist’s finger with their eyes. Bilateral stimulation is important because it helps your teen’s brain reprocess traumatic memories and reduce emotional strength.
Phase 5 - Installation of Positive Beliefs
During this next phase, your teen’s therapist will help them acquire and strengthen positive beliefs about themselves. This phase involves the therapist collaborating with your teen to identify your teen’s negative beliefs that may have been caused by trauma. They will then replace these with positive beliefs through affirmation and guided visualization.
Phase 6 - Body Scan
In the next phase, the therapist will conduct a body scan to release any residual discomfort or tension and ensure your teen leaves the session feeling calm and grounded. Body scans involve your teen engaging in relaxation exercises and focusing on their body from head to toe to manage any lingering distress. The therapist will guide your teen through this process, so you do not need to worry.
Phase 7 - Closure
Before this session ends, the therapist will guide your teen through closure. Closure will help your teen feel safe and transition back to normal life.
Phase 8 - Reevaluation and Ongoing Support
As the EMDR process continues, your teen’s therapist will regularly monitor their progress and adjust therapy appropriately. This process may include revisiting memories, managing new triggers, and offering extra support outside therapy. The therapist will also collaborate with your teen to establish future directions and targets for continued treatment. Regular monitoring and ongoing support guarantee your teen effective care and relapse prevention.
Comparing EMDR with Other Trauma Therapies
There are several therapeutic approaches to teen trauma. Each approach has unique strengths and weaknesses. Here, we will discuss how EMDR compares to talk and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
EMDR vs. Talk Therapy
Conventional talk therapy involves your teen talking about their past traumatic experiences, emotions, and thoughts with their therapist. These conversations are always held in a safe and supportive environment. Although talk therapy provides emotional support, it does not deal with the physiological aspects of trauma directly like EMDR does. EMDR could be said to be more comprehensive because it utilizes certain elements of talk therapy but builds on them further.
EMDR vs. CBT
EMDR and CBT are both evidence-based, but their principles are different. In CBT, the therapist helps your teen identify negative behaviors and thought patterns related to trauma and challenges them. Conversely, EMDR focuses on the underlying traumatic memories directly. It aims to help the brain reprocess these memories and reduce their emotional effects through bilateral stimulation. While both are helpful and proven to be effective, studies show that EMDR may be quicker and more effective than CBT.
Advantages of Choosing EMDR
EMDR for Different Types of Trauma
EMDR is multipurpose and effective in treating many teen traumatic experiences, such as loss, accidents, and abuse.
Loss Trauma
Loss, whether from parental separation or the death of a loved one, can cause your teen emotional pain and grief. EMDR offers your teen a supportive setting to process their loss and begin their healing journey.
During an EMDR therapy session, the therapist will help your teen reflect on the memories of loss and any feelings of sadness, anger, or guilt. Using cognitive structuring and bilateral stimulation, EMDR will facilitate the adaptation of these memories and help your teen find acceptance and meaning in their loss.
Research indicates that EMDR can help reduce symptoms of grief among teens who have experienced loss. EMDR particularly addresses cognitive and emotional aspects of grief, allowing your teen to find peace and resolution.
Accident Trauma
Accidents from natural disasters or car crashes often lead to severe physical injuries and psychological pain among teenagers. EMDR can help your teen manage the emotional impacts of witnessing or experiencing such accidents.
EMDR will target the memories of accidents that may cause your teen stress symptoms. As a result, it will enable your teen to reprocess these memories in a manner that reduces the effects of reactions related to trauma. The therapist will also help your teen manage the fear of driving, survivor guilt, or any other challenges associated with the accident. Studies reveal that EMDR helps reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among accident survivors. This allows them to regain resilience and control.
Abuse Trauma
Sexual, physical, and emotional abuse may also cause trauma among teens. Such abuses can have long-term effects on your teen’s well-being. EMDR can help your teen deal with such trauma from abuse.
In an EMDR session, the therapist will guide your teen to process the memories of abuse as they engage in bilateral stimulation. This will help desensitize such emotions related to the traumatic experiences of abuse. EMDR can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms and associated stress among survivors of abuse. Hyperarousal, avoidance behaviors, and intrusive memories are some of the improvements in symptoms from EMDR treatment for abuse trauma.
Benefits of EMDR for Teens
Teenagers will receive several benefits from EMDR therapy, especially if they are struggling with trauma.
Addressing Common Trauma Symptoms
Long-Term Benefits of EMDR
Let’s now look at the lasting benefits of EMDR that your teenager stands to enjoy:
EMDR Therapy Sessions at Nexus Teen Academy
At Our mental health treatment center for teens in Arizona, we offer a structured, safe, and supportive environment for EMDR therapy where your teen can process traumatic memories. Through our EMDR therapy programs, along with other evidence-based practices, we can help clients overcome underlying trauma and PTSD.
The EMDR Process
We follow the eight-phase EMDR therapy process to ensure your teen leaves our facility feeling calm, relieved, and relaxed. Our expert team will review your teen’s history before preparing them for therapy. It will then help your teen develop healthy coping skills and offer them resources to manage their triggers and emotions. We will also guide your teen through a desensitization procedure followed by reprocessing through bilateral stimulation. Toward the end, our team will help your teen receive closure and then reevaluate and ensure ongoing support.
EMDR Therapy Duration
Our EMDR therapy sessions run for around 60 to 90 minutes a day. However, this duration may vary depending on your teen’s unique needs and general progress. The frequency will also differ depending on the severity of your teen’s trauma and availability. You should expect your teenager to attend weekly sessions initially but taper off gradually as their condition improves.
Integration of Other Therapeutic Interventions
Our approach is to offer a comprehensive treatment plan that guarantees your teen holistic healing and growth. Our approach incorporates other therapeutic interventions like CBT, DBT, expressive therapies, and mindfulness-based techniques. This approach ensures that our expert team addresses your teen’s trauma and any underlying or co-occurring mental health issues.
Common Issues
Generally, as your teen undergoes EMDR therapy, they are likely to experience physical sensations, cognitive shifts, or emotional distress. You should not be worried because these reactions are normal and part of the process. Recognizing these aspects, we endeavor to provide ongoing support and guidance to help your teen recover successfully. Our therapists will adjust the therapy pace if necessary and include extra coping mechanisms to deal with any issues.
The Role of Parents in EMDR Therapy
As a parent, you play a key role in your teen’s EMDR therapy. Here’s how you can guide and support your teenager in EMDR:
Before the EMDR Therapy Sessions
During EMDR Therapy Sessions
After EMDR Therapy Sessions
Common Misconceptions About EMDR
Although EMDR therapy is effective in addressing teenage trauma, there are some myths and misconceptions surrounding it. It’s crucial to dispel these myths to encourage teenagers to undertake EMDR therapy. If you ever have any doubts, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified healthcare professional for more information. Let’s now look at some of these myths:
How to Prepare Your Teen for EMDR Therapy
It is crucial to prepare your teen for EMDR therapy sessions. This involves emotional and practical steps to ensure your teen is informed and feels comfortable about the process. Consider the following tips and strategies:
Discussing Expectations
Addressing Any Concerns
Encouraging Self-Care
Choosing the Right Therapist For EMDR Therapy in Arizona
You must choose the right trauma treatment program and select a qualified therapist for EMDR therapy to ensure your teen’s safety and well-being. Due to the huge pool of EMDR therapists in Arizona, consider the following factors to make informed decisions:
Additional Insights
Conclusion
EMDR therapy is evidence-based and highly effective in treating teen trauma. It primarily focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories, which helps reduce trauma and PTSD symptoms. This will equip your teen with enhanced coping strategies and skills to improve their relationships.
As a parent, finding a holistic approach to your teen’s mental health is probably the best way you can support them. At Nexus Teen Academy, we provide a safe and nurturing environment where your teens can undergo EMDR therapy tailored to their unique needs. We encourage you to contact our team and schedule a consultation to learn more about this treatment approach. You can also reach out to us if you want to know more about the other components of our program and how we can help your teen’s specific situation..
Don’t hesitate, call our team today and learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, EMDR therapy can also effectively address anxiety disorders like social anxiety, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorders. Particularly, EMDR will focus on the specific stressful memories and associated triggers to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Generally, EMDR therapy is versatile and can be modified for children as young as six years old. It also works effectively for adolescents and adults. It would help if you consulted an experienced therapist to confirm that EMDR therapy suits your child’s situation.
Recovery generally takes some time. Specifically, the duration of EMDR therapy varies depending on the severity of your teen’s trauma. Some teens may see significant results after a few sessions, while others may require longer treatment.
Yes, EMDR therapy can be used as a standalone treatment for teens and will still be effective. However, considering that teenagers go through a lot of challenges and may be struggling with underlying mental health issues, a comprehensive approach is better. Such an approach should incorporate other therapies like CBT, DBT, family therapy, and other interventions depending on your teen’s needs.
When conducted by trained and qualified therapists, EMDR therapy is generally safe for teenagers. However, some teens may experience stress during or after therapy due to reprocessing of traumatic memories. This is why you must be available to support your teen emotionally through all treatment steps. If you see any major concerns, promptly alert your teen’s therapist.