EMDR therapy with children and adolescents: Using a superhero card to access their resources
Description
Background and aims
In EMDR psychotherapy, the objective of phase 2 is to create the optimal conditions for the reprocessing of memories [1]. This involves activating and strengthening the patient's resources. The younger the patients are, the more difficult it is to access their resources. This poster will present a procedure specifically used to develop, strengthen or reactivate the resources of children during the preparation phase.
Methods
We will present a playful tool adapted to the world of children that takes the form of a superhero card whose objective is to assess the patient's resources. For each skill, the child will have to identify memories in which he/she felt the evoked skill in order to activate the resource. Superheroes allow children to project their resources into a fictional character, thus bypassing their blocking beliefs. This tool will also allow us to define EMDR treatment goals.
Results
This tool offers the practitioner a way to make the search for resources of children concrete and structured. The child creates his/her own resource sheet that will remain a guide throughout the therapy, allowing the child to identify the positive aspects of his or her personality and to evaluate the changes.
Conclusion
Many practitioners are at a loss when working with children. This work must be creative and age-appropriate. The more the memory is under construction, the more important it is to use a concrete support, which serves as a guide and directs the collaborative work. The superhero card allows for this and the optimal conditions for EMDR psychotherapy.
In EMDR psychotherapy, the objective of phase 2 is to create the optimal conditions for the reprocessing of memories [1]. This involves activating and strengthening the patient's resources. The younger the patients are, the more difficult it is to access their resources. This poster will present a procedure specifically used to develop, strengthen or reactivate the resources of children during the preparation phase.
Methods
We will present a playful tool adapted to the world of children that takes the form of a superhero card whose objective is to assess the patient's resources. For each skill, the child will have to identify memories in which he/she felt the evoked skill in order to activate the resource. Superheroes allow children to project their resources into a fictional character, thus bypassing their blocking beliefs. This tool will also allow us to define EMDR treatment goals.
Results
This tool offers the practitioner a way to make the search for resources of children concrete and structured. The child creates his/her own resource sheet that will remain a guide throughout the therapy, allowing the child to identify the positive aspects of his or her personality and to evaluate the changes.
Conclusion
Many practitioners are at a loss when working with children. This work must be creative and age-appropriate. The more the memory is under construction, the more important it is to use a concrete support, which serves as a guide and directs the collaborative work. The superhero card allows for this and the optimal conditions for EMDR psychotherapy.
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Sorel, O., & St James, J. T. (2021, June). EMDR therapy with children and adolescents: Using a superhero card to access their resources. Poster presentation at the 23rd EMDR Europe Association Conference, Valencia, Spain
Citation
“EMDR therapy with children and adolescents: Using a superhero card to access their resources,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 11, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/27379.