EMDR Therapy for Ages 10+ | Trauma-Informed Care in Belleville, IL

EMDR Therapy

Trauma-Informed Support for Ages 10 and Up

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help reduce the emotional distress associated with difficult or overwhelming experiences. EMDR supports the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate experiences that may feel “stuck,” allowing individuals to respond to present-day situations with greater clarity and regulation.

At The Play Therapy Center, EMDR therapy is offered to children ages 10 and older, adolescents, and adults in a calm, supportive, and relationship-focused environment.

How EMDR Works

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require detailed verbal descriptions of past experiences. Instead, EMDR focuses on how experiences are stored emotionally and physiologically. Through guided bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements or other forms of rhythmic stimulation—clients are supported in reprocessing distressing material in a way that feels manageable and contained.

Over time, many individuals notice a decrease in emotional intensity, physical tension, and reactivity related to past experiences.

Who EMDR May Be Helpful For

EMDR therapy may be beneficial for individuals ages 10 and up who are experiencing:

Trauma or overwhelming life experiences
Anxiety or persistent stress responses
Difficulties related to past relational or attachment-related experiences
Grief or loss
Ongoing emotional or physiological reactions that feel difficult to explain

EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I work collaboratively with clients and caregivers to determine whether EMDR is an appropriate and supportive option based on developmental level, emotional readiness, and individual needs.

What to Expect in an EMDR Session

EMDR sessions are conducted in a safe, supportive, and paced manner. Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes. You are not required to share detailed narratives of past experiences. Instead, the focus remains on present-moment awareness, emotional responses, and bodily sensations.

Particular attention is given to preparation and stabilization, especially for children and adolescents. The therapeutic relationship and sense of safety remain central throughout the process.

EMDR Within a Relationship-Centered Practice

While EMDR is a structured therapy, my approach remains grounded in the importance of relationships. Whether working with adolescents or adults, I prioritize attunement, collaboration, and emotional safety throughout treatment.

For younger clients, caregivers may be involved in supportive ways when appropriate, helping reinforce regulation and understanding outside of sessions.

Considering EMDR Therapy

If you are wondering whether EMDR therapy may be helpful for you or your child, I am happy to talk with you and help you think it through. Choosing a therapy approach does not require certainty—only a willingness to explore what may be supportive.

Contact me to learn more about EMDR therapy and whether it may be a good fit for your needs.