EMDR with children and adolescent - breaking the transgenerational cycle of trauma
Description
Background and aims
WHO estimates that globally one billion children are affected by physical, sexual and/or emotional violence and neglect [1]. Studies, esp. the Kaiser study have shown that direct or vicarious exposure to violence as in adverse childhood experiences affects children’s and adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment (behavioral, emotional, social and academic) and produces an array of psychological effects that jeopardize their ability to function optimally later in life [2]. These difficulties may in turn affect the next generation and can lead to a cycle of violence[3,4]. WHO recommends the use of EMDR in the management of conditions caused by stress [5] and child maltreatment [6].
Methods
The workshop will give an overview on the impact of trauma on children and the transgenerational impact of unresolved trauma on the cycle of violence. It will highlight the effectiveness of EMDR in breaking the cycle of violence in theory and outlining it by three case studies.
Results
The first case outlines the treatment of an adolescent with severe feelings of revenge after her brother was murdered, the second case outlines a case of Conduct Disorder/System Challenger and the third the treatment of an adolescent who was involved in organized gang violence in a juvenile prison in South Africa.
Conclusions
Offering EMDR (Standard and MASTR [7] Protocol) to children and adolescent affected by violence is a crucial factor in the process of conflict transformation and violence prevention.
Learning objectives
1) an understanding of the cycle of violence; 2) EMDR treatment planning of cases with revenge, guilt or rage; 3) introduction to the MASTR Protocol
WHO estimates that globally one billion children are affected by physical, sexual and/or emotional violence and neglect [1]. Studies, esp. the Kaiser study have shown that direct or vicarious exposure to violence as in adverse childhood experiences affects children’s and adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment (behavioral, emotional, social and academic) and produces an array of psychological effects that jeopardize their ability to function optimally later in life [2]. These difficulties may in turn affect the next generation and can lead to a cycle of violence[3,4]. WHO recommends the use of EMDR in the management of conditions caused by stress [5] and child maltreatment [6].
Methods
The workshop will give an overview on the impact of trauma on children and the transgenerational impact of unresolved trauma on the cycle of violence. It will highlight the effectiveness of EMDR in breaking the cycle of violence in theory and outlining it by three case studies.
Results
The first case outlines the treatment of an adolescent with severe feelings of revenge after her brother was murdered, the second case outlines a case of Conduct Disorder/System Challenger and the third the treatment of an adolescent who was involved in organized gang violence in a juvenile prison in South Africa.
Conclusions
Offering EMDR (Standard and MASTR [7] Protocol) to children and adolescent affected by violence is a crucial factor in the process of conflict transformation and violence prevention.
Learning objectives
1) an understanding of the cycle of violence; 2) EMDR treatment planning of cases with revenge, guilt or rage; 3) introduction to the MASTR Protocol
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Stellermann-Strehlow, K. (2024, June). EMDR with children and adolescent - breaking the transgenerational cycle of trauma. Presentation at the 22nd EMDR Europe Conference, Dublin, Ireland
Citation
“EMDR with children and adolescent - breaking the transgenerational cycle of trauma,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 12, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/28664.