Engaging EMDR approaches for dysregulated youth and their grown-ups

Children and adolescents who experience emotional and behavioral dysregulation may struggle with impulse control, reasoning, and problem‑solving due to factors such as neurodivergence, developmental differences, and early relational trauma. Caregivers often experience significant stress in response to these challenges, and families frequently seek treatment during periods of heightened crisis. This presentation explores EMDR‑informed, attachment‑focused clinical considerations for working with dysregulated youth and their caregivers. Drawing from principles commonly used within attachment‑informed EMDR frameworks, the session highlights the role of caregiver involvement, co‑regulation, and developmentally responsive preparation in supporting treatment engagement. Attendees will examine how EMDR preparation‑phase concepts, including approaches to trigger tolerance and caregiver participation, may be incorporated within family‑centered treatment planning. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision‑making, ethical considerations, and developmentally appropriate adaptations when working with youth and caregivers within an EMDR‑informed framework.

Conference

English

Wesselmann, D., & Mark-Griffin, C. (2026, April 24–25). Engaging EMDR approaches for dysregulated youth and Their grown-ups. [Conference presentation]. EMDRIA Virtual Summit 2026