Understanding EMDR Therapy and How It Can Help Children

Description

This webinar is an overview of EMDR therapy and specifically how it is helpful for children who have been hurt by neglect or abuse. The presentation provides insight into the link between difficult early experiences and symptoms of low self-worth, anxiety, depression, interpersonal problems, emotional dysregulation, dissociation, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. The four themes of negative beliefs related to stored, unprocessed trauma are also described.

In this webinar, participants will gain an understanding of the mechanisms through which bilateral stimulation impacts memory storage and brain integration. They will come to understand the rationale for the 3-pronged approach involving past, present, and future. A brief overview of the 8 phases will be presented as well as the rationale for a longer preparation phase and integrated EMDR and family therapy to help hurt children develop a sense of trust and connection. The presentation will include an overview of the evidence for the effectiveness of EMDR therapy with children and adults.

Debra Wesselmann

Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP has specialized in treating trauma and attachment problems in adults and children in private practice in Omaha, Nebraska for 33 years and co-founded The Attachment and Trauma Center of Nebraska. She is a trainer with the EMDR Institute and serves on the editorial board for The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research. Wesselmann has conducted research on treatment methods for children impacted by attachment trauma. She has co-authored articles, chapters, and books related to attachment and trauma, including two books on treating attachment trauma with EMDR therapy. She provides specialty workshops in the area of attachment with children and adults, and she has been invited to give workshops and keynotes at numerous conferences both nationally and internationally.