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EMDR Therapy for children aged 6 to 12
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- No waiting times, immediate help
- For everyone
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EMDR Therapy at JongStressVRIJ for children
Children between the ages of 6 and 12 can process many impressions, but sometimes an experience remains stuck in their bodies. This is reflected in their behavior, emotions, or physical tension. EMDR helps children quickly and safely release this trapped stress, allowing them to continue their development. It is a proven effective method and often works even faster in children than in adults, because they are flexible in their emotions and processing.
How can EMDR help children aged 6 to 12?
EMDR helps children process stressful or traumatic experiences. It can offer support for anxiety, uncertainty, trauma, bullying, loss, sleep problems, or nightmares. By calming the nervous system, thoughts and emotions become more balanced.
How does EMDR work for children?
Children in this age group are more likely to talk about what's happening, but they also benefit greatly from images, imagination, and play. That's why we combine EMDR with drawing, figures, timelines, symbols, stories, and simple bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, taps, or sounds. The child doesn't need to fully discuss the event. As soon as the tension is visible or palpable, EMDR can initiate processing.
Why does EMDR work so well for this age group?
Children are in the midst of their development and are open to new connections in their brains. They are less inhibited than adults and use their imaginations more naturally, which makes processing easier.
Tension rises and subsides quickly when EMDR is applied. We often see significant improvement within one to four sessions.
What does a trajectory look like?
Before the intake, we'll send you an intake form to complete. The more detailed the information, the more effective the intake interview will be. We'll send the form via a secure environment.
We start with an intake with the parents to clarify what's going on and what you observe in the behavior. This is followed by EMDR sessions with the child, tailored to their age and attention span. Each session lasts a maximum of thirty minutes.
Parents receive feedback with tips for home use, so the process can continue. We then review the child's progress together and conclude the session when the tension has subsided sufficiently.
What do parents often notice after EMDR?
Many parents notice that their child sleeps more peacefully, worries less, and reacts less anxiously. Tantrums often decrease, and children gain more self-confidence. Physical tension also decreases, concentration improves, and children function better both at home and at school. They feel lighter, as if something has been lifted from them.
A personal and safe approach
What clients often appreciate about our approach at JongStressVRIJ is the small-scale approach and the personal touch. You'll always receive guidance from a single therapist. We work in a calm, safe environment—whether in person or online at your home. We believe in genuine attention, without labels or stigmas. Just you, as you are, with room to grow. Read more about our team here.
Why EMDR for children at JongStressVRIJ?
We specialize in children and adolescents and always connect with the child's experience. We combine EMDR with play, safety, and structure, and look beyond just the visible behavior. Parents are provided with clear and practical tools. Our guidance is warm, down-to-earth, and expert, focusing on the deeper layers underlying the behavior.
Additional advice for parents
In addition to the child's EMDR treatment, we often advise parents to participate in one mirror therapy session. This is absolutely not a reproach, nor is it an indication that you "did anything wrong." The point is that children react strongly to the atmosphere, emotions, and patterns within the family, sometimes consciously, but often unconsciously.
In a mirror therapy session, we explore together what your child might be mirroring: certain worries, tensions, expectations, or habits that you're not expressing intentionally. It's a calm, safe, and enlightening session where many parents discover how they can support their child even better.
This session often provides additional insight and ensures that the child makes faster and more stable progress. Parents also find it valuable for their own peace of mind and clarity.see mirror therapy)
Frequently asked questions about EMDR therapy for children
Yes. EMDR is one of the most researched and safe treatment methods for children. It works gently, playfully, and focused on reducing tension, without pressure or coercion.
EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and is a form of trauma treatment that helps you better process unpleasant memories and emotions.
EMDR helps you relive and neutralize traumatic memories through rapid eye movements or other stimuli, which reduces your emotional response to the memory.
Exposure therapy helps you to tackle your fears step by step, for example by consciously seeking out situations that you would otherwise avoid, either physically or mentally.
Yes, trauma treatment, such as EMDR and play therapy, can be adapted for children to help them process their trauma in a safe and age-appropriate way.
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of the trauma and the individual's situation. Some clients experience improvement after a few sessions, while others need more time.
Would you like to know if EMDR is suitable for your child?
You're welcome for an intake interview. We'll discuss your needs, brainstorm with you, and offer honest advice. Our goal is for your child to feel free, relaxed, and confident again.
JongStressVRIJ stands for
- Online & on location
- No waiting times, immediate help
- For everyone
- 1 permanent practitioner
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Read our clients' experiences
Curious about the experiences of JongStressVRIJ clients? Read real-life testimonials here and discover how others have found their way to a stress-free life!
ReviewsThank you for all your wisdom. For all the wonderful insights. I felt seen and heard. It's exciting to go home with all these insights. My backpack is filled with valuable tools to approach things differently. I'm glad I gave myself this opportunity.
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EMDR Therapy at JongStressVRIJ: Help for Everyone, Wherever You Are
At JongStressVRIJ you are welcome at our locations in Zwaagdijk (2 locations) and Tuitjenhorn, where we welcome clients from all over North Holland and West Friesland. Whether you are from Alkmaar, Heerhugowaard, Purmerend, Horn, To put away, The Helder, Castricum or another location in the region, our team is ready to support you.
Do you live far away or prefer therapy from home? No problem! JongStressVRIJ also offers online EMDR therapy, so you can access our expert help anywhere in the Netherlands. Choose the method that suits you and take the first step toward a stress-free life.
