Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Child and Adolescent Psychology: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is recognized as an excellent approach to the treatment of trauma in clinical and academic contexts by several national and international organizations. The purpose of this work is to summarize the results of research on EMDR therapy with children and adolescents in various contexts through a narrative review of the scientific literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Selected studies were clustered in several clinical domains: (1) EMDR and trauma, (2) EMDR and violence, (3) EMDR and physical illnesses, and (4) EMDR and psychological problems. Our research indicates how the effectiveness of EMDR therapy within the context of child and adolescent psychology has been widely established in literature. One of the advantages of the use of EMDR therapy with children and adolescents is its flexibility, which allows it to be adapted for various age ranges, situations, and cultures. SUMMARY: EMDR therapy is a structured psychotherapeutic method that facilitates the treatment of several psychopathologies and problems related to both traumatic events and more common experiences that are emotionally stressful for children and adolescents, although new studies are necessary to increase its validity.