References for Podcast 11 The Science of EMDR Therapy with Children and Teens
Here are the references for all the studies and books mentioned in Episode 11 of EMDR The Science Behind the Therapy — The Science of EMDR Therapy with Children and Teens.
In this month’s episode, I first summarize six key studies to sketch the arc of the research evidence—and then I am joined by Carolyn Settle to explore both the science of EMDR therapy with children as well as its application with children and teens. I close the episode with a recently published study of young children that used defined protocols and fidelity ratings.
Below you will find both a broad overview of the research on EMDR for children and teens as well as a specific list of the references for each of the studies mentioned in the June 2026 blog on SonomaPTI.com. You will also find links to 14 books on EMDR therapy with children and teens, 5 EMDR Grant Funding Sources, and 2 sources for advanced child and adolescent training with Carolyn Settle.
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Adler-Tapia, R., & Settle, C. (2009). Evidence of the efficacy of EMDR with children and adolescents in individual psychotherapy: A review of the research published in peer-reviewed journals. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(4), 232–247. https://spj.science.org/doi/abs/10.1891/1933-3196.3.4.232
Barron, I. G., Bourgaize, C., Lempertz, D., Swinden, C., & Darker-Smith, S. (2019). Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing for Children and Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Narrative Review. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 270–283. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.270
Beer, R. (2018). Efficacy of EMDR Therapy for Children With PTSD: A Review of the Literature. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12(4), 177–195. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.12.4.177
Burkhart, K., Agarwal, N., Kim, S., Neudecker, M., & Ievers-Landis, C. E. (2023). A Scoping Review of Trauma-Informed Pediatric Interventions in Response to Natural and Biologic Disasters. Children (Basel), 10(6), 1017. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10061017
Greyber, L. R., Dulmus, C. N., & Cristalli, M. E. (2012). Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Trauma: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials with Children and Adolescents. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 29(5), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-012-0266-0
Hensel, T. (2006). Effektivität von EMDR bei psychisch traumatisierten Kindern und Jugendlichen. [Effectiveness of EMDR with psychologically traumatized children and adolescents.] Kindheit und Entwicklung, 15(2), 107.
Jaberghaderi, N., Greenwald, R., Rubin, A., Dolatabadim, D., & Zand, S. O. (2004). A comparison of CBT and EMDR for sexually abused Iranian girls. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 11(5), 358-368.
Jaberghaderi, N., Rezaei, M., Kolivand, M., & Shokoohi, A. (2019). Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Child Victims of Domestic Violence. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, 14(1), 67-75. http://ijps.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijps/article/view/1129/836
Kraft, S., Schepker, R., Goldbeck, L., & Fegert, J. M. (2006). Behandlung der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung bei Kindern und Jugendlichen. [Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents: A review of treatment outcome studies] Eine Übersicht empirischer Wirksamkeitsstudien. Nervenheilkunde: Zeitschrift für interdisziplinaere Fortbildung, 25(9), 709.
Manzoni, M., Fernandez, I., Bertella, S., Tizzoni, F., Gazzola, E., Molteni, M., & Nobile, M. (2021). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: The state of the art of efficacy in children and adolescent with post traumatic stress disorder. J Affect Disord, 282, 340–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.088
Hoppen, T. H., Wessarges, L., Jehn, M., Mutz, J., Kip, A., Schlechter, P., Meiser-Stedman, R., & Morina, N. (2024). Psychological Interventions for Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, e243908. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.3908
Hoppen, T. H., Wessarges, L., Jehn, M., Mutz, J., Kip, A., Schlechter, P., Meiser-Stedman, R., & Morina, N. (2024). The efficacy of psychological interventions for child and adolescent PTSD: a network meta-analysis. medRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.09.24305537
Jiang, S., Cheng, Y., Qian, W., Dong, Z., Chen, Z., & Shui, L. (2025). Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Interventions in Reducing Externalizing Behaviors Among Traumatized Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Trauma Violence Abuse, 15248380251388127. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380251388127
Moreno-Alcázar, A., Treen, D, Valiente-Gómez, A., Sio-Eroles, A., Pérez, V., Amann, B. L., & Radua, J. (2017). Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Children and Adolescent with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1750. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01750
Simmons, C., Meiser-Stedman, R, Baily, H., & Beazley, P. (2021). A meta-analysis of dropout from evidence-based psychological treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and young people. Eur J Psychotraumatol, 12(1), 1947570. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1947570
Xie, Y., Zhu, X., Wang, L., Wan, Z., Yang, J., Su, C, Duan, S., Xu, C., & Kan, B. (2024). A network meta-analysis of psychological interventions for children and adolescents after natural and man-made disasters. BMC Psychiatry, 24(1), 468. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-05924-8
Ahmad, A., Larsson, B., & Sundelin-Wahlsten, V. (2007). EMDR treatment for children with PTSD: results of a randomized controlled trial. Nord J Psychiatry, 61(5), 349–354. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039480701643464
Chemtob, C. M., Nakashima, J., & Carlson, J. G. (2002). Brief treatment for elementary school children with disaster-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A field study. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 99–112. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.1131
de Roos, C., Greenwald, R., den Hollander-Gijsman, M., Noorthoorn, E., van Buuren, S., & de Jongh, A. (2011). A randomized comparison of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) in disaster-exposed children. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 2(1), 5694. https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v2i0.5694
Moghaddam, M. H., & Khalatbari, J. (2016). Investigating the Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) on Children with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Traffic Accident). The International Journal of Indian Psychology, 3(3), 45-55. https://doi.org/10.25215/0303.195
Rathore, A., Kalra, N., Tyagi, R., Khatri, A., Srivastava, S., & Khandelwal, D. (2024). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy as an adjunct to pain management during dental extraction in children – a randomized control trial. J Dent Anesth Pain Med, 24(5), 329–340. https://doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2024.24.5.329
Wanders, F., Serra, M., & de Jongh, A. (2008). EMDR versus CBT for children with self-esteem and behavioral problems: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(3), 180–189. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.2.3.180
Wadaa, N. N., Zaharim, N. M., & Alqashan, H. F. (2010). The Use of EMDR in Treatment of Traumatized Iraqi Children. Digest of Middle East Studies, 19(1), 26-36. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1949-3606.2010.00003.x
Khubsing, R. S. I., Daemen, I. K. S., Hendriks, L., van Emmerik, A. A. P., Shapiro, E., & Dekker, J. J. M. (2020). An EMDR group therapy for traumatized former child slaves in India: a pilot randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.25215/0803.082
Knipschild, R., Klip, H., van Leeuwaarden, D., van Onna, M. J. R., Lindauer, R. J. L., Staal, W. G., Bicanic, I. A. E., & de Jongh, A. (2023). Treatment of multiple traumatized adolescents by enhancing regulation skills and reducing trauma related symptoms: rationale, study design, and methods of randomized controlled trial (the Mars-study). BMC Psychiatry, 23(1), 644. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05073-4
Mustafa, N., Shehzadi, K., Mansoor, S., Jarero, I., Rana, M. H., Tahir, K., & Mainthow, N. (2025). Establishing Fidelity, Acceptability, Feasibility, and Efficacy of Urdu Translated Single-Session EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress among Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 19, 0. https://doi.org/10.34133/jemdr.0014
Paauw, C. C., de Roos, C., Koornneef, M. G. T., Elzinga, B. M., Boorsma, T. M., Verheij, M. A., & Dingemans, A. E. (2023). Eye movement desensitization and processing for adolescents with major depressive disorder: study protocol for a multi-site randomized controlled trial. Trials, 24(1), 206. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07226-y
Roque-Lopez, S., Llanez-Anaya, E., Álvarez-López, M. J., Everts, M., Fernández, D., Davidson, R. J., & Kaliman, P. (2021). Mental health benefits of a 1-week intensive multimodal group program for adolescents with multiple adverse childhood experiences. Child Abuse Negl, 122, 105349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105349
Banoğlu, K., & Korkmazlar, Ü. (2022). Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing group protocol with children in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder in refugee children. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 6(1), 100241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2021.100241
Carretero, K. P., Delgadillo, A., Jaramillo, M. C., Mainthow, N., Givaudan, J., Jarero, I., Rodriguez, M. P., Tirado, G. S., & Gomez, L. (2025). Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial on the Provision of the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress to Polytraumatized Children and Adolescents with PTSD or CPTSD Diagnosis. Academic Journal of Pediatrics & Neonatology, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.19080/AJPN.2025.15.555963
de Roos, C., van der Oord, S., Zijlstra, B., Lucassen, S., Perrin, S., Emmelkamp, P., & de Jongh, A. (2017). Comparison of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, cognitive behavioral writing therapy, and wait-list in pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder following single-incident trauma: a multicenter randomized clinical trial. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12768
de Roos, C., Zijlstra, B., Perrin, S., van der Oord, S., Lucassen, S., Emmelkamp, P., & de Jongh, A. (2021). Predictors and moderators of treatment outcome for single incident paediatric PTSD: a multi-centre randomized clinical trial. Eur J Psychotraumatol, 12(1), 1968138. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1968138
Diehle, J., Opmeer, B. C., Boer, F., Mannarino, A. P., & Lindauer, R. J. L. (2014). Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: what works in children with posttraumatic stress symptoms? A randomized controlled trial. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-014-0572-5
Karadag, M., Topal, Z., Ezer, R. N., & Gokcen, C. (2021). Use of EMDR-Derived Self-Help Intervention in Children in the Period of COVID-19: A Randomized-Controlled Study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(2), 114–126. https://doi.org/10.1891/emdr-d-20-00054
Meentken, M. G., van der Mheen, M., van Beynum, I. M., Aendekerk, E. W. C., Legerstee, J. S., van der Ende, J., Del Canho, R., Lindauer, R. J. L., Hillegers, M. H. J., Helbing, W. A., Moll, H. A., & Utens, E. M. W. J. (2020). EMDR for children with medically related subthreshold PTSD: short-term effects on PTSD, blood-injection-injury phobia, depression and sleep. Eur J Psychotraumatol, 11(1), 1705598. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2019.1705598
Meentken, M. G., van der Mheen, M., van Beynum, I. M., Aendekerk, E. W. C., Legerstee, J. S., van der Ende, J., Del Canho, R., Lindauer, R. J. L., Hillegers, M. H. J., Helbing, W. A., Moll, H. A., & Utens, E. M. W. J. (2021). Long-term effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in children and adolescents with medically related subthreshold post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjcn/zvaa006
Wigley, I. L. C. M., De Tommasi, V., Bonichini, S., Fernandez, I., & Benini, F. (2019). EMDR and Nonpharmacological Techniques for Anxiety Prevention in Children Prior to Invasive Medical Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(3), 163–175. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.3.163
Hensel, T. (2009). EMDR With Children and Adolescents After Single-Incident Trauma An Intervention Study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(1), 2-9. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.3.1.2
Karadag, M., Gokcen, C., & Sarp, A. S. (2020). EMDR therapy in children and adolescents who have post-traumatic stress disorder: a six-week follow-up study. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract, 24(1), 77-82. https://doi.org/10.1080/13651501.2019.1682171
Lempertz, D., Vasileva, M., Brandstetter, L., Bering, R., & Metzner, F. (2022). Short-term eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to treat children with posttraumatic stress symptoms after single trauma: A case series. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry, 13591045221082395. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591045221082395
Mevissen, L., Didden, R., Korzilius, H., & de Jongh, A. (2017). Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in a child and an adolescent with mild to borderline intellectual disability: A multiple baseline across subjects study. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12335
Rolling, J., Fath, M., Zanfonato, T., Durpoix, A., Mengin, A. C., & Schröder, C. M. (2024). EMDR-Teens-cPTSD: Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Adolescents with Complex PTSD Secondary to Childhood Abuse: A Case Series. Healthcare (Basel), 12(19), 1993. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191993
de Roos, C., Offermans, J., Bouwmeester, S., Lindauer, R., & Scheper, F. (2025). Preliminary efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for children aged 1.5–8 years with PTSD: A multiple baseline experimental design (N = 19). European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 16. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2024.2447654
Kaliman, P., Cosín-Tomás, M., Madrid, A., Roque López, S., Llanez-Anaya, E., Papale, L. A., Alisch, R. S., & Davidson, R. J. (2022). Epigenetic impact of a 1-week intensive multimodal group program for adolescents with multiple adverse childhood experiences. Sci Rep, 12(1), 17177. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-21246-9
Lempertz, D., Wichmann, M., Enderle, E., Stellermann-Strehlow, K., Pawils, S., & Metzner, F. (2020). Pre-Post Study to Assess EMDR-Based Group Therapy for Traumatized Refugee Preschoolers. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 14(1), 31–45. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.14.1.31
Adler-Tapia, R., & Settle, C. (2008). EMDR and the art of psychotherapy with children. Springer Publishing Company.
Adler-Tapia, R., & Settle, C. (2017). EMDR and the art of psychotherapy with children (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Adler-Tapia, R., & Settle, C. (2017). EMDR and the Art of Psychotherapy with Children: Infants to Adolescents Treatment Manual, Springer Publishing Company.
Adler-Tapia, R., & Settle, C. (2024). EMDR and the art of psychotherapy with children: Guidebook and treatment manual (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Beckley-Forest, A., & Monaco, A. (Ed.). (2021). EMDR with children in the play therapy room: An integrated approach. Springer Publishing Company.
Beer, R., & de Roos, C. (Eds.). English Translation (2026). Handbook of EMDR for children and adolescents. Oxford University Press.
Gomez, A. (2013). EMDR therapy and adjunct approaches with children: Complex trauma, attachment, and dissociation. Springer Publishing Company.
Gomez, A. (2025) EMDR-Sandtray-based Therapy: Healing Complex Trauma and Dissociation Across the Lifespan, Norton Publishing.
Greenwald, R. (1999). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in child and adolescent psychotherapy. Jason Aronson Inc.
Lovett, J. (1999). Small wonders: Healing childhood trauma with EMDR. Free Press.
Lovett, J. (2014) Trauma-Attachment Tangle: Modifying EMDR to Help Children Resolve Trauma and Develop Loving Relationships, Routledge.
Tinker, R. H., & Wilson, S. A. (1999). Through the eyes of a child: EMDR with children. W. W. Norton Publishing.
Wesselmann, D., Armstrong, S., Schweitzer, C., & Davidson, M. (2012). Integrative team treatment for attachment trauma in children: The family attachment and trauma therapy model. W. W. Norton.
Wesselmann, D. (2025). EMDR and Family Therapy: Integrative Treatment for Attachment Trauma in Children. W. W. Norton.
EMDR Research Foundation (International): As the primary dedicated funding body, they offer research grants up to USD $40,000 for studies and up to USD $100,000\) for special projects focused on children. They also provide USD $1,000 research consultation awards and travel awards for presenting findings.
EMDR Europe Association: Funds annual research grants, with a focus on pilot randomized controlled trials (RCTs). They recently awarded up to €15,000 per project.
MQ Mental Health Research & EMDRIA Foundation: Offer a dedicated EMDR fellowship stream (up to four awards, over USD $300,000 over three years designed to strengthen EMDR research in North America.
EMDR Global Alliance: Provides information and links to various research grants focused on specific diagnoses and clinical applications
Child and Adolescent Training by Carolyn Settle
EMDR for Kids and Teens: 12-Hour EMDRIA-Approved On-Demand Course. Psychwire.
EMDR Basic Training with Supplemental Information for Working with Children and Adolescents.
In this month’s episode, I first summarize six key studies to sketch the arc of the research evidence—and then I am joined by Carolyn Settle to explore both the science of EMDR therapy with children as well as its application with children and teens. I close the episode with a recently published study of young children that used defined protocols and fidelity ratings.
Below you will find both a broad overview of the research on EMDR for children and teens as well as a specific list of the references for each of the studies mentioned in the June 2026 blog on SonomaPTI.com. You will also find links to 14 books on EMDR therapy with children and teens, 5 EMDR Grant Funding Sources, and 2 sources for advanced child and adolescent training with Carolyn Settle.
Earn Home Study EMDRIA Credits
Subscribe to my newsletter
Follow me on LinkedIn
References
Review articles (10)
Adler-Tapia, R., & Settle, C. (2009). Evidence of the efficacy of EMDR with children and adolescents in individual psychotherapy: A review of the research published in peer-reviewed journals. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(4), 232–247. https://spj.science.org/doi/abs/10.1891/1933-3196.3.4.232
Barron, I. G., Bourgaize, C., Lempertz, D., Swinden, C., & Darker-Smith, S. (2019). Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing for Children and Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Narrative Review. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 270–283. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.270
Beer, R. (2018). Efficacy of EMDR Therapy for Children With PTSD: A Review of the Literature. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12(4), 177–195. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.12.4.177
Burkhart, K., Agarwal, N., Kim, S., Neudecker, M., & Ievers-Landis, C. E. (2023). A Scoping Review of Trauma-Informed Pediatric Interventions in Response to Natural and Biologic Disasters. Children (Basel), 10(6), 1017. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10061017
Greyber, L. R., Dulmus, C. N., & Cristalli, M. E. (2012). Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Trauma: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials with Children and Adolescents. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 29(5), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-012-0266-0
Hensel, T. (2006). Effektivität von EMDR bei psychisch traumatisierten Kindern und Jugendlichen. [Effectiveness of EMDR with psychologically traumatized children and adolescents.] Kindheit und Entwicklung, 15(2), 107.
Jaberghaderi, N., Greenwald, R., Rubin, A., Dolatabadim, D., & Zand, S. O. (2004). A comparison of CBT and EMDR for sexually abused Iranian girls. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 11(5), 358-368.
Jaberghaderi, N., Rezaei, M., Kolivand, M., & Shokoohi, A. (2019). Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Child Victims of Domestic Violence. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, 14(1), 67-75. http://ijps.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijps/article/view/1129/836
Kraft, S., Schepker, R., Goldbeck, L., & Fegert, J. M. (2006). Behandlung der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung bei Kindern und Jugendlichen. [Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents: A review of treatment outcome studies] Eine Übersicht empirischer Wirksamkeitsstudien. Nervenheilkunde: Zeitschrift für interdisziplinaere Fortbildung, 25(9), 709.
Manzoni, M., Fernandez, I., Bertella, S., Tizzoni, F., Gazzola, E., Molteni, M., & Nobile, M. (2021). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: The state of the art of efficacy in children and adolescent with post traumatic stress disorder. J Affect Disord, 282, 340–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.088
Meta-analyses (6)
Hoppen, T. H., Wessarges, L., Jehn, M., Mutz, J., Kip, A., Schlechter, P., Meiser-Stedman, R., & Morina, N. (2024). Psychological Interventions for Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, e243908. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.3908
Hoppen, T. H., Wessarges, L., Jehn, M., Mutz, J., Kip, A., Schlechter, P., Meiser-Stedman, R., & Morina, N. (2024). The efficacy of psychological interventions for child and adolescent PTSD: a network meta-analysis. medRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.09.24305537
Jiang, S., Cheng, Y., Qian, W., Dong, Z., Chen, Z., & Shui, L. (2025). Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Interventions in Reducing Externalizing Behaviors Among Traumatized Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Trauma Violence Abuse, 15248380251388127. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380251388127
Moreno-Alcázar, A., Treen, D, Valiente-Gómez, A., Sio-Eroles, A., Pérez, V., Amann, B. L., & Radua, J. (2017). Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Children and Adolescent with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1750. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01750
Simmons, C., Meiser-Stedman, R, Baily, H., & Beazley, P. (2021). A meta-analysis of dropout from evidence-based psychological treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and young people. Eur J Psychotraumatol, 12(1), 1947570. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1947570
Xie, Y., Zhu, X., Wang, L., Wan, Z., Yang, J., Su, C, Duan, S., Xu, C., & Kan, B. (2024). A network meta-analysis of psychological interventions for children and adolescents after natural and man-made disasters. BMC Psychiatry, 24(1), 468. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-05924-8
Randomized controlled studies of the treatment of children (7)
Ahmad, A., Larsson, B., & Sundelin-Wahlsten, V. (2007). EMDR treatment for children with PTSD: results of a randomized controlled trial. Nord J Psychiatry, 61(5), 349–354. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039480701643464
Chemtob, C. M., Nakashima, J., & Carlson, J. G. (2002). Brief treatment for elementary school children with disaster-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A field study. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 99–112. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.1131
de Roos, C., Greenwald, R., den Hollander-Gijsman, M., Noorthoorn, E., van Buuren, S., & de Jongh, A. (2011). A randomized comparison of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) in disaster-exposed children. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 2(1), 5694. https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v2i0.5694
Moghaddam, M. H., & Khalatbari, J. (2016). Investigating the Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) on Children with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Traffic Accident). The International Journal of Indian Psychology, 3(3), 45-55. https://doi.org/10.25215/0303.195
Rathore, A., Kalra, N., Tyagi, R., Khatri, A., Srivastava, S., & Khandelwal, D. (2024). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy as an adjunct to pain management during dental extraction in children – a randomized control trial. J Dent Anesth Pain Med, 24(5), 329–340. https://doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2024.24.5.329
Wanders, F., Serra, M., & de Jongh, A. (2008). EMDR versus CBT for children with self-esteem and behavioral problems: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(3), 180–189. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.2.3.180
Wadaa, N. N., Zaharim, N. M., & Alqashan, H. F. (2010). The Use of EMDR in Treatment of Traumatized Iraqi Children. Digest of Middle East Studies, 19(1), 26-36. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1949-3606.2010.00003.x
Randomized studies of the treatment of adolescents (5)
Khubsing, R. S. I., Daemen, I. K. S., Hendriks, L., van Emmerik, A. A. P., Shapiro, E., & Dekker, J. J. M. (2020). An EMDR group therapy for traumatized former child slaves in India: a pilot randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.25215/0803.082
Knipschild, R., Klip, H., van Leeuwaarden, D., van Onna, M. J. R., Lindauer, R. J. L., Staal, W. G., Bicanic, I. A. E., & de Jongh, A. (2023). Treatment of multiple traumatized adolescents by enhancing regulation skills and reducing trauma related symptoms: rationale, study design, and methods of randomized controlled trial (the Mars-study). BMC Psychiatry, 23(1), 644. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05073-4
Mustafa, N., Shehzadi, K., Mansoor, S., Jarero, I., Rana, M. H., Tahir, K., & Mainthow, N. (2025). Establishing Fidelity, Acceptability, Feasibility, and Efficacy of Urdu Translated Single-Session EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress among Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 19, 0. https://doi.org/10.34133/jemdr.0014
Paauw, C. C., de Roos, C., Koornneef, M. G. T., Elzinga, B. M., Boorsma, T. M., Verheij, M. A., & Dingemans, A. E. (2023). Eye movement desensitization and processing for adolescents with major depressive disorder: study protocol for a multi-site randomized controlled trial. Trials, 24(1), 206. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07226-y
Roque-Lopez, S., Llanez-Anaya, E., Álvarez-López, M. J., Everts, M., Fernández, D., Davidson, R. J., & Kaliman, P. (2021). Mental health benefits of a 1-week intensive multimodal group program for adolescents with multiple adverse childhood experiences. Child Abuse Negl, 122, 105349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105349
Randomized studies of the treatment of children and adolescents (9)
Banoğlu, K., & Korkmazlar, Ü. (2022). Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing group protocol with children in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder in refugee children. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 6(1), 100241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2021.100241
Carretero, K. P., Delgadillo, A., Jaramillo, M. C., Mainthow, N., Givaudan, J., Jarero, I., Rodriguez, M. P., Tirado, G. S., & Gomez, L. (2025). Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial on the Provision of the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress to Polytraumatized Children and Adolescents with PTSD or CPTSD Diagnosis. Academic Journal of Pediatrics & Neonatology, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.19080/AJPN.2025.15.555963
de Roos, C., van der Oord, S., Zijlstra, B., Lucassen, S., Perrin, S., Emmelkamp, P., & de Jongh, A. (2017). Comparison of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, cognitive behavioral writing therapy, and wait-list in pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder following single-incident trauma: a multicenter randomized clinical trial. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12768
de Roos, C., Zijlstra, B., Perrin, S., van der Oord, S., Lucassen, S., Emmelkamp, P., & de Jongh, A. (2021). Predictors and moderators of treatment outcome for single incident paediatric PTSD: a multi-centre randomized clinical trial. Eur J Psychotraumatol, 12(1), 1968138. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1968138
Diehle, J., Opmeer, B. C., Boer, F., Mannarino, A. P., & Lindauer, R. J. L. (2014). Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: what works in children with posttraumatic stress symptoms? A randomized controlled trial. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-014-0572-5
Karadag, M., Topal, Z., Ezer, R. N., & Gokcen, C. (2021). Use of EMDR-Derived Self-Help Intervention in Children in the Period of COVID-19: A Randomized-Controlled Study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(2), 114–126. https://doi.org/10.1891/emdr-d-20-00054
Meentken, M. G., van der Mheen, M., van Beynum, I. M., Aendekerk, E. W. C., Legerstee, J. S., van der Ende, J., Del Canho, R., Lindauer, R. J. L., Hillegers, M. H. J., Helbing, W. A., Moll, H. A., & Utens, E. M. W. J. (2020). EMDR for children with medically related subthreshold PTSD: short-term effects on PTSD, blood-injection-injury phobia, depression and sleep. Eur J Psychotraumatol, 11(1), 1705598. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2019.1705598
Meentken, M. G., van der Mheen, M., van Beynum, I. M., Aendekerk, E. W. C., Legerstee, J. S., van der Ende, J., Del Canho, R., Lindauer, R. J. L., Hillegers, M. H. J., Helbing, W. A., Moll, H. A., & Utens, E. M. W. J. (2021). Long-term effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in children and adolescents with medically related subthreshold post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjcn/zvaa006
Wigley, I. L. C. M., De Tommasi, V., Bonichini, S., Fernandez, I., & Benini, F. (2019). EMDR and Nonpharmacological Techniques for Anxiety Prevention in Children Prior to Invasive Medical Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(3), 163–175. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.3.163
Case reports or case series (5)
Hensel, T. (2009). EMDR With Children and Adolescents After Single-Incident Trauma An Intervention Study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(1), 2-9. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.3.1.2
Karadag, M., Gokcen, C., & Sarp, A. S. (2020). EMDR therapy in children and adolescents who have post-traumatic stress disorder: a six-week follow-up study. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract, 24(1), 77-82. https://doi.org/10.1080/13651501.2019.1682171
Lempertz, D., Vasileva, M., Brandstetter, L., Bering, R., & Metzner, F. (2022). Short-term eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to treat children with posttraumatic stress symptoms after single trauma: A case series. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry, 13591045221082395. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591045221082395
Mevissen, L., Didden, R., Korzilius, H., & de Jongh, A. (2017). Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in a child and an adolescent with mild to borderline intellectual disability: A multiple baseline across subjects study. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12335
Rolling, J., Fath, M., Zanfonato, T., Durpoix, A., Mengin, A. C., & Schröder, C. M. (2024). EMDR-Teens-cPTSD: Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Adolescents with Complex PTSD Secondary to Childhood Abuse: A Case Series. Healthcare (Basel), 12(19), 1993. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191993
Additional experimental studies of children and adolescents (3)
de Roos, C., Offermans, J., Bouwmeester, S., Lindauer, R., & Scheper, F. (2025). Preliminary efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for children aged 1.5–8 years with PTSD: A multiple baseline experimental design (N = 19). European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 16. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2024.2447654
Kaliman, P., Cosín-Tomás, M., Madrid, A., Roque López, S., Llanez-Anaya, E., Papale, L. A., Alisch, R. S., & Davidson, R. J. (2022). Epigenetic impact of a 1-week intensive multimodal group program for adolescents with multiple adverse childhood experiences. Sci Rep, 12(1), 17177. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-21246-9
Lempertz, D., Wichmann, M., Enderle, E., Stellermann-Strehlow, K., Pawils, S., & Metzner, F. (2020). Pre-Post Study to Assess EMDR-Based Group Therapy for Traumatized Refugee Preschoolers. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 14(1), 31–45. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.14.1.31
Books on EMDR With Children and Adolescents (14)
Adler-Tapia, R., & Settle, C. (2008). EMDR and the art of psychotherapy with children. Springer Publishing Company.
Adler-Tapia, R., & Settle, C. (2017). EMDR and the art of psychotherapy with children (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Adler-Tapia, R., & Settle, C. (2017). EMDR and the Art of Psychotherapy with Children: Infants to Adolescents Treatment Manual, Springer Publishing Company.
Adler-Tapia, R., & Settle, C. (2024). EMDR and the art of psychotherapy with children: Guidebook and treatment manual (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Beckley-Forest, A., & Monaco, A. (Ed.). (2021). EMDR with children in the play therapy room: An integrated approach. Springer Publishing Company.
Beer, R., & de Roos, C. (Eds.). English Translation (2026). Handbook of EMDR for children and adolescents. Oxford University Press.
Gomez, A. (2013). EMDR therapy and adjunct approaches with children: Complex trauma, attachment, and dissociation. Springer Publishing Company.
Gomez, A. (2025) EMDR-Sandtray-based Therapy: Healing Complex Trauma and Dissociation Across the Lifespan, Norton Publishing.
Greenwald, R. (1999). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in child and adolescent psychotherapy. Jason Aronson Inc.
Lovett, J. (1999). Small wonders: Healing childhood trauma with EMDR. Free Press.
Lovett, J. (2014) Trauma-Attachment Tangle: Modifying EMDR to Help Children Resolve Trauma and Develop Loving Relationships, Routledge.
Tinker, R. H., & Wilson, S. A. (1999). Through the eyes of a child: EMDR with children. W. W. Norton Publishing.
Wesselmann, D., Armstrong, S., Schweitzer, C., & Davidson, M. (2012). Integrative team treatment for attachment trauma in children: The family attachment and trauma therapy model. W. W. Norton.
Wesselmann, D. (2025). EMDR and Family Therapy: Integrative Treatment for Attachment Trauma in Children. W. W. Norton.
EMDR Grant Funding Sources
EMDR Research Foundation (International): As the primary dedicated funding body, they offer research grants up to USD $40,000 for studies and up to USD $100,000\) for special projects focused on children. They also provide USD $1,000 research consultation awards and travel awards for presenting findings.
EMDR Europe Association: Funds annual research grants, with a focus on pilot randomized controlled trials (RCTs). They recently awarded up to €15,000 per project.
MQ Mental Health Research & EMDRIA Foundation: Offer a dedicated EMDR fellowship stream (up to four awards, over USD $300,000 over three years designed to strengthen EMDR research in North America.
EMDR Global Alliance: Provides information and links to various research grants focused on specific diagnoses and clinical applications
Child and Adolescent Training by Carolyn Settle
Carolyn Settle
EMDR for Kids and Teens: 12-Hour EMDRIA-Approved On-Demand Course. Psychwire.
EMDR Basic Training with Supplemental Information for Working with Children and Adolescents.