Utilizing play and creativity in work with children and adolescents enhances EMDR

In standard adult EMDR, accessing a target network relies heavily on verbalized narrative, explicit negative cognitions, and abstract numerical scales. For younger clients or those with pre-verbal and complex trauma, these memory nodes are primarily encoded somatically, viscerally, and symbolically.

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This workshop is designed to equip practitioners with the tools to engage children through their most natural language: play and creativity.  By utilizing creative interventions such as drawing, playdoh, and sand tray, we can bypass cognitive barriers and help children process trauma, regulate emotions, and develop resilience.  The use of creative interventions is discussed related to each phase of EMDR.

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Learning Objectives:

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• Identify at least three (3) creative interventions, such as drawing, playdoh, or sandtray, that can be used to support engagement and emotional expression in EMDR therapy with children.

• Explain how play-based and creative interventions can help children access material, reduce cognitive barriers, support regulation, and process trauma.

• Use developmentally appropriate creative interventions to support specific phases of EMDR therapy with children.

• Demonstrate how to integrate at least one (1) creative intervention into an EMDR therapy phase while maintaining fidelity to the overall EMDR therapy model.

Agenda: 11 am to 3:30 pm Eastern Tiem zone (CAD/USA)

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11:00 am to 12:30 pm:

​Foundations of Play-Based and Creative Interventions in EMDR Therapy

Connecting play-based and creative interventions with the AIP model

Maintaining fidelity to EMDR therapy while adapting how information is accessed and expressed

Incorporating the caregiver into treatment - important considerations

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12:30 pm to 12:45 pm: Break

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12:45 pm to 2:00 pm:

Introducing creative modalities across developmental stages

Selecting interventions based on the child’s developmental needs, interests, communication style, sensory preferences, and treatment goals

​Creative Interventions During EMDR Phases 1–2

Creative Interventions During EMDR Phases 3–8

2:00 pm to 2:15 pm: Break

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2:15 pm to 3:30 pm:

Incorporating caregivers while preserving the child’s voice, autonomy, and therapeutic relationship

Understanding the role of parents and caregivers in supporting engagement, emotional safety, co-regulation, and the child’s use of creative resources

​Assessing caregiver readiness and ability to remain regulated during therapeutic activities

Determining when caregiver participation may be helpful and when individual work with the child may be more appropriate

Protecting the child’s privacy, autonomy, and therapeutic relationship when collaborating with caregivers

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