In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck speaks with Tiffany Freer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDRIA Approved Trainer and Consultant. Tiffany shares her deep expertise in using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy with children and adolescents, drawing from her experience in community mental health and the foster care system. Their conversation explores how trauma, both big and small, can impact a child’s development and emotional regulation, often leading to internalized beliefs of self-blame and unworthiness. Tiffany discusses the nuances of adapting EMDR for young clients, the importance of building positive memory networks, and how therapeutic storytelling can support healing, particularly for adopted children. Together, Nicky and Tiffany unpack the power of EMDR to address complex trauma and the vital role of a skilled, attuned therapist in guiding children and families toward lasting transformation.

Takeaways:

• Childhood trauma can have lasting effects into adulthood.
• EMDR requires modifications when working with children.
• Concrete tools are essential for engaging children in therapy.
• Children can experience dysregulation similar to adults during therapy.
• Small traumas can have significant impacts on self-worth.
• Memories are stored state-dependently, affecting emotional responses.
• EMDR helps synthesize maladaptive and adaptive memory networks.
• Building positive memory networks is crucial in therapy.
• Therapeutic storytelling can be effective for adopted children.
• Many people experience trauma that they may not remember until later in life.
• Therapists should not act as fact-checkers but rather support clients in their journey.
• Children often internalize negative experiences, leading to self-blame.
• EMDR helps clients process trauma by alternating between past and present memories.
• The effectiveness of EMDR can vary based on the individual's prior experiences with trauma.
• Finding a qualified EMDR therapist is crucial for effective treatment.
• Therapists should be aware of the importance of resourcing clients before diving into trauma work.
• Children's memory networks are shorter, allowing for quicker reprocessing in therapy.
• Building a trusting relationship with clients is essential for effective therapy.
• Therapists must accept the limitations of their role in a child's healing process.

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Tiffany:

https://greenwoodcounselingcenter.com/

https://emdroftherockies.com/

Keywords: EMDR, child therapy, trauma, mental health, childhood trauma, EMDR consultant, therapeutic techniques, emotional regulation, memory processing, attachment theory, childhood, therapy, mental health, healing, memory, internalization, therapist, counseling