EMDR with PTSD in children and adolescents: Overview and prospects

As with many therapies, the evidence base for the effectiveness of EMDR with children and adolescents is much less established than that with adult clients suffering PTSD. Whilst there is sufficent evidence from open studies and case studies to justify its application, there is a real need for proper evaluation with the younger clinical groups. This paper will review existing evidence, but will also raise issues of the implications for clinical practice of working with rapidly developing children. To what extent can and should one takecognisance of th e developmental levels, both cognitive and emotional? How is or should EMDR technique be adapted for work with young children? The actual practices of Shapiro and Tinker vary dramatically, and this needs tbe confronted and understood. The conclusions are that EMDR has an important role In helping traumatized children, but we need to understand both children and EMDR better in order to develop even more effective interventions.

Conference

English

William Yule

Yule, W. (2004, February). EMDR with PTSD in children and adolescents: Overview and prospects. Keynote presented at the 2nd EMDR Association UK & Ireland Annual Conference, Birmingham, UK