Resource wand for bilateral stimulation in EMDR therapy

Resource Wand is an intervention that is designed to give added support to a child during the reprocessing of a memory that has the potential for overwhelming or flooding. It is used to manage levels of arousal and affect in Phase 4 of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Desensitization. A resource wand is a play-based item such as a magic wand or stick that has a picture (real or drawn) of a support person, animal, or object on it. During eye movements, the child follows the wand with the picture while processing the target. During history taking and the preparation phase, the therapist and child should identify the supports that exist in the child's life. Resource Wand is an intervention that is playful to make and use during the reprocessing of a memory. It offers any child an opportunity to feel safe during the desensitization phase.

Book Section

English

Annie Monaco

Monaco, A. (2021). Resource wand for bilateral stimulation in EMDR therapy. In Ann Beckley-Forest and Annie Monaco (Eds.), EMDR With Children in the Play Therapy Room: An Integrated Approach (365-370). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company. doi:10.1891/9780826175939.0015