5 Ways Story-Writing Can Deepen EMDR Therapy Outcomes for Children
Today we are going to explore 5 of the ways that story-writing deepens EMDR processing for children.
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. So, when an EMDR client feels compassion for the character, they also can feel it for themselves. Mirror Neurons are also activated, activating the client’s own sensory representations of what they hear, in addition to activating the memory itself for the client. The more parts of a memory activated and remembered by the client, the more thorough the process will be.
Stories build more connections between the left and right side of the brain
During EMDR, we are connecting both sides of the brain for wholistic processing. Stories help move this process forward as well (1). The information of the story appeals to the left brain and the cohesive structure of the story stimulates the right side of the brain.
Stories help us remember and integrate what we learn
As more of our brain is engaged with both EMDR and the story, neural activity increases, helping integrate the information. Stories help make it easier to incorporate new information with our experience.
Stories can reinforce our highest ideals
Throughout history, we have used stories to teach values and culture. For the client, hearing their story, along with an adaptive resolution, connects to their own ideals. These ideals are uncovered in getting to know the caregivers and the client in therapy sessions prior to writing the story and can then be incorporated into the story. The client also has the opportunity to add or change the story as they listen to it.
The novelty of the story increases the recall of information
The brain pays more attention to new and different information. Presenting the child’s story in a comprehensive and cohesive way with a theme of a negative belief and an adaptive belief helps the child see their life in a new and different way. The story, along with the complement of EMDR, strengthens an adaptive view of self in a creative way.
These are only five of the benefits of using story-writing with EMDR, and they demonstrate how the technique can foster healing, creativity and empowerment. If story writing through EMDR could help someone in your life, reach out to me for more information.
If you’re an EMDR therapist eager to explore how storytelling and EMDR therapy can help children heal, consider signing up for my EMDR & Storywriting Training. In this workshop, you'll learn how to harness the power of stories to support trauma recovery. Join me today and help children rediscover hope—one story at a time.
(1) https://medium.com/storiusmag/the-neuroscience-of-story-how-stories-change-our-brains-7ed955b76f03