EMDR and CBT for Teens: Healing Trauma Effectively

According to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 1 in 4 teens has experienced a trauma by the age of 16. Many of these traumatic experiences are caused by abuse, neglect, or events such as natural disasters or school shootings [1]. 

Unresolved trauma can cause long-term effects in teens such as depression, anxiety, strained relationships, lack of trust, and even physical health problems. Fortunately, as research around trauma and adolescent development grows, so do effective treatments. 

EMDR and CBT are two commonly used approaches to treating trauma in teens. While EMDR focuses more on processing traumatic memories, CBT helps teens integrate new, positive beliefs and develop healthy coping strategies. Read on to learn more about both and which is the best fit for your teen.  

Understanding EMDR and CBT: Two Powerful Therapies for Teens

EMDR is recognized by organizations like the WHO and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) as a first-line treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although primarily used for PTSD, it can also relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse that are driven by trauma. It is a structured 8-step approach, using guided eye movements and auditory stimulation to facilitate the brain's natural healing process by re-integrating traumatic memories into the rest of the brain’s memory network [2]. 

CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy widely used to treat a range of mental health and substance abuse disorders. However, it is tweaked for trauma patients (Trauma-Focused CBT) to focus on the unique needs of teen trauma survivors. CBT helps teens reframe negative thought patterns, implement positive beliefs, increase self-esteem, and practice problem-solving skills or stress management [3]. 

How EMDR Complements CBT

EMDR can make CBT outcomes more effective by helping teens process trauma stored deep in the brain. EMDR directly focuses on the emotional and physiological impacts of trauma, while CBT focuses on cognition and behavior. After EMDR is used to process and resolve traumatic memories, CBT can then be used to reinforce healthier thought patterns and teach positive coping strategies.  

For example, teens may benefit from EMDR to process specific events or memories, alleviating the associated emotional distress. Then CBT is used to help them reframe any lingering negative beliefs (e.g., “I don’t have the strength”) and practice coping skills to manage mental health symptoms or overcome challenges in daily life. 

Is EMDR or CBT Right for Your Teen? Key Differences 

You might have many questions when deciding between EMDR and CBT for your teen. Both have successful outcomes; however, they differ in their approaches, duration, and techniques. 

What To Expect in EMDR and CBT Sessions 

EMDR and CBT are both structured therapies that follow their own set of principles to guide teens through the course of treatment. 

EMDR: An 8-Phase Approach 

EMDR is structured in an 8-step approach that encompasses the following: 

• History taking: Mental and physical health history  
• ‍Preparation: Set goals and expectations for treatment, address any questions or concerns from teens or their parents
• Assessment of Target Memory: Teen and therapist work collaboratively to identify the target memory and associated emotional distress to be re-processed
• Desensitization: Therapist uses guided eye movements and tapping sounds that encourage the brain to enter a state of relaxation, making it easier to process deeply stored trauma memories 
• Installation: Therapist integrates target memories and new beliefs identified in earlier phases into the teen's awareness
• Body Scan: A form of mindful meditation, guiding the teen to explore where in the body they feel trauma or tension is stored 
• ‍Closure: Therapist spends a few minutes after the session bringing the teen back to the present moment and helping them feel grounded 
• Evaluate Results: Go over previous results, check in on how your teen is currently feeling, and reassess treatment goals 

CBT: Goal-Oriented and Problem-Solving Skills 

CBT is based on the theory that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. It focuses on several principles such as goal-setting, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. It can be modified to meet individual developmental needs or cultural sensitivities of teens. 

CBT sessions use talk therapy, worksheets, and structured activities such as games or art to help teens understand the CBT model of emotions (thought-feeling-behavior cycle). Some of the core things teens learn in CBT include: 

• Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying where negative thoughts come from or what triggers them, how they influence behavior, and what evidence supports those beliefs. 

• Behavioral Activation encourages teens to engage in healthy, positive activities that bring them pleasure. This could include trying out for a sport or joining a club, which can also increase social connections and boost self-esteem.

• Self-monitoring: Teaches teens how to track their mood, such as through journaling or using an app such as Daylio, Moodfit, or Moodflow. 

• Setting goals: Teens set short and long-term goals and develop plans to achieve them. 

EMDR and CBT For Teens in Florida 

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Florida. Our programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse & co-occurring mental health disorders. We offer trauma-informed therapies to help teens break the cycle of trauma and reduce emotional distress that often drives addiction. 

Our facility offers several levels of care, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient services, to meet the needs of teens and their families at all stages of recovery. 

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Sources

[1] PTSD in Children and Teens. 2025. National Center for PTSD. 

[2] Perm, J. 2014. The Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Medicine. National Library of Medicine. 

[3] Suma, P. Cognitive Behavior Therapy. National Library of Medicine.