Today we are going to explore 5 of the ways that story-writing deepens EMDR processing for children.

1. Stories help us relate to each other

When we hear a story, our brains release Ocytocin, helping us connect to the main character in the story – we even see him or her as ourselves.

Children’s memories gradually build their puzzle on the development of a sense of self. This unfolds over time.  Trauma (or difficult and painful events) disrupt the cohesive narrative of one’s life – one’s sense of self.  Story-writing can restore the narrative. It enhances the processing of memories and negative beliefs that EMDR is built upon.

Stories have long been the foundation of how humans communicate, process emotions, and make sense of the world. But did you know that storytelling has a profound effect on the brain—especially for children recovering from trauma?