EMDR Therapy

Who we help

• Children (Ages 5+)
• Teens
• Adults
• Families

Treatment approaches

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Bilateral Stimulation
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Play-Based EMDR for Children

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro, it is now one of the most extensively researched and evidence-based therapies for trauma and PTSD. EMDR is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs as a frontline treatment for trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe traumatic events in detail or complete homework assignments. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation — guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones — to help your brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional intensity.

How Does EMDR Work?

During an EMDR session, your therapist guides you through a structured eight-phase protocol. While you briefly focus on a distressing memory, your therapist introduces bilateral stimulation (such as moving their fingers back and forth for your eyes to follow, or using gentle tapping). This process mimics the natural memory processing that occurs during REM sleep, allowing your brain to 'unstick' traumatic memories and integrate them in a healthier way. Most clients describe the experience as surprisingly gentle — you remain fully awake and in control throughout the session.

• Phase 1: History-taking and treatment planning
• Phase 2: Preparation — building coping skills and establishing safety
• Phase 3-6: Assessment, desensitization, installation, and body scan
• Phase 7: Closure — ensuring stability between sessions
• Phase 8: Re-evaluation — tracking progress and next steps

EMDR for Children and Teens

Children and adolescents respond remarkably well to EMDR therapy. Our clinicians are specially trained in child-friendly EMDR adaptations that use play, storytelling, drawing, and age-appropriate bilateral stimulation to help young minds process difficult experiences. Whether your child has experienced bullying, family disruption, abuse, a frightening event, or chronic stress, EMDR can help them release the emotional weight they carry — often faster than traditional approaches.

• Play-based EMDR using toys, puppets, and creative expression
• Storytelling and drawing to help children externalize difficult feelings
• Shorter sessions adapted to a child's attention span
• Parent involvement to reinforce safety and progress at home
• Effective for children as young as 5 years old

What Can EMDR Treat?

While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD and trauma, research now supports its effectiveness for a wide range of conditions. At CCD, we use EMDR to help clients of all ages with:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Anxiety disorders including panic attacks and phobias
• Depression linked to past experiences
• Grief and loss
• Performance anxiety and test anxiety in students
• Nightmares and sleep disturbances
• Low self-esteem and negative self-beliefs
• Attachment difficulties
• Behavioral issues rooted in unprocessed experiences

Why Choose CCD for EMDR in Delaware?

The Center for Child Development is one of the few practices in Delaware with multiple EMDR-trained and certified therapists who specialize in working with children and teens. Our team brings deep expertise in adapting EMDR for young clients, combining it with play therapy, family systems work, and trauma-informed care to create a comprehensive healing experience. We offer EMDR at our Newark office and via secure telehealth for anyone in Delaware.

• EMDR-certified and trained therapists on staff
• Specialized experience with children, teens, and families
• Bilingual EMDR services available (English & Spanish)
• In-person sessions in Newark, DE and telehealth statewide
• Integrated with play therapy and family counseling for holistic care
• Most major insurance plans accepted, including Delaware Medicaid

What to Expect in Your First EMDR Session

Your first session focuses on building trust and understanding your unique story. Your therapist will explain EMDR in detail, answer all your questions, and help you develop coping skills to use during and between sessions. No trauma processing happens in the first session — we ensure you feel safe and prepared before beginning the reprocessing phases. Most clients begin to notice shifts within 3-6 sessions, though the total number depends on the complexity of what you're working through.

Symptoms and conditions we treat

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories
• Nightmares
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Avoidance of triggers
• Emotional numbness
• Hypervigilance
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Negative self-beliefs
• Irritability or anger outbursts

Frequently asked questions

Is EMDR safe for children?

Yes, EMDR is considered safe and effective for children. Our therapists are specially trained in child-friendly EMDR techniques that use play, art, and storytelling to make the process engaging and age-appropriate. We work with children as young as 5 years old.

How many EMDR sessions will my child need?

The number of sessions varies depending on the nature and complexity of the issue. Many children experience significant improvement in 6-12 sessions. Single-incident traumas often resolve more quickly, while complex or ongoing issues may require more time.

Does EMDR work for anxiety, not just trauma?

Absolutely. While EMDR was originally developed for trauma, extensive research supports its effectiveness for anxiety disorders, phobias, panic attacks, performance anxiety, and other conditions where distressing experiences contribute to current symptoms.

Will my child have to talk about what happened in detail?

No. One of the unique advantages of EMDR is that it does not require detailed verbal descriptions of traumatic events. Your child only needs to briefly bring the memory to mind while the therapist guides the bilateral stimulation process.

Is EMDR covered by insurance in Delaware?

Yes, EMDR is covered by most major insurance plans we accept, including Aetna, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, Health Options, Delaware First Health (Centene), and Delaware Medicaid. Call us at (302) 292-1334 to verify your specific coverage.

Can EMDR be done via telehealth?

Yes! We offer EMDR via secure telehealth for clients located anywhere in Delaware. Virtual EMDR uses audio tones or self-tapping as bilateral stimulation and is just as effective as in-person sessions for many clients.

What is the difference between EMDR and regular talk therapy?

Traditional talk therapy relies on verbal processing and conscious understanding of experiences. EMDR works at a neurobiological level, using bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess memories without requiring extensive verbal discussion. Many clients find EMDR produces faster results with less emotional distress during sessions.

Locations

We provide emdr therapy through telehealth, our Newark office, and school-based programs throughout Delaware.

• Newark, DE
• Wilmington, DE
• Dover, DE
• Middletown, DE
• Milford, DE
• Seaford, DE
• Georgetown, DE
• Sussex County, DE

Get started

We accept most Delaware Medicaid plans, Aetna, and Highmark. To get started, complete new client paperwork at ccddelaware.com or call the office at (302) 292-1334.