Childhood traumatic experiences are common.
Almost one in three (32 per cent of) Australians reported being physically abused as a child, 31 per cent experienced emotional abuse, 28.5 per cent were victims of sexual abuse and 9 per cent were neglected. Some 40 per cent of Australians were exposed to domestic violence against a parent.
Untreated childhood trauma is associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders. These children are more likely to become teens and adults who binge drink, attempt suicide and self-harm.
To reduce the chance of these long-term negative effects, it’s important to understand what treatments work for trauma in children. One option is eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, or EMDR, a therapy which aims to reduce distress and traumatic memories.
So how does EMDR work? And how strong is its evidence base?
EMDR first emerged in the late 1980s and is now recognised as a suitable approach for adults and
children In EMDR, clients are first assisted to gain insight into what is causing their distress.
In a subsequent phase of the therapy, the client holds the traumatic memory in their mind, while moving their eyes backwards and forward, tracking the therapist’s hand.
It is suggested eye movements decrease the physical distress sensations by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, associated with a restful and calm state. Moving the eyes backwards and forward is also thought to assist with accessing earlier memories.
The small number of studies conducted so far suggests EMDR can help children with post-traumatic stress disorder to reduce symptoms of emotional upset, depression, anxiety and behavioural issues such as sleeping.
EMDR has also been beneficial (and as effective as other therapies) for children who experienced natural disasters.
Generally, six to 12 sessions is sufficient for EMDR treatment, compared to 12 to 15 for trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy.
However, EMDR cannot be used with clients unless the therapist is appropriately trained and qualified.
If children view themselves as being responsible for the traumatic event, in order to cope they will distance themselves from ongoing trauma by disowning that bad or wounded part of themselves. This alienation of themselves helps them survive but maintains their trauma symptoms.
Shame and suppression of self can lead to behavioural outbursts or shut-down coping strategies. This leaves the child easily triggered, living in their survival brain and oscillating between their fight, flight, freeze or fawn (people-pleasing) states.
(SBC NEWS)
