118: Should Parents Be in EMDR Sessions With Kids and Teens?

Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you're EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work.   In this episode of the EMDR Playground podcast, we explore co-regulation through a powerful story shared by Lisa Dion, founder of Synergetic Play Therapy. Lisa shares a moving experience of grief and unexpected connection, describing a moment with a mama turtle laying her eggs. In that space, something shifts. Not because the pain disappears, but because she is no longer alone inside it. This conversation highlights an essential truth for EMDR therapists. What shapes an experience is not only what happened, but whether there was enough support, attunement, and connection in the midst of it. Co-regulation plays a central role in how overwhelming experiences are carried and integrated. It is not separate from EMDR therapy. It lives within the relationship, the pacing, and the therapist's ability to stay present when clients move toward something difficult.   In this episode, we explore: The role of co-regulation in trauma and healing How connection influences the way experiences are held and processed Why the therapist's presence matters in every phase of EMDR A story that brings the clinical importance of co-regulation to life As you listen, notice what stands out for you in your own clinical work and how co-regulation shows up in your sessions. Learn more about Lisa Dion and Synergetic Play Therapy SynergeticplaytherapyHomepage - Synergetic Play Therapy Institute   Explore more resources and trainings with Jackie Flynn www.jackieflynnconsulting.com     You can Find us at     jackieflynnconsulting.com     emdrplayground.com     facebook.com/groups/emdrwithkidscommunity     facebook.com/groups/1130971706932394     instagram.com/playtherapycommunity     tiktok.com/@jackieflynnconsulting     youtube.com/@EMDRPlayground

Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you're EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work.   In this episode, Jackie talks with Claudia Ocampo about how she brings Internal Family Systems thinking into her EMDR practice. Claudia shares how a parts lens can help therapists respond with more compassion and clarity when suicidal ideation is present. Rather than seeing suicidality as the whole person, she invites us to consider the part of the client carrying overwhelming pain and desperation.   Through a clinical story, Claudia offers a practical example of how this way of thinking can shape the work in session. The conversation points back to an essential EMDR principle.   Safety and stabilization come before trauma processing.   This episode offers a thoughtful look at how protective parts, careful pacing, and attuned presence can help lay the foundation for deeper healing work.   In this episode, we discuss • how Claudia integrates IFS ideas into her EMDR practice • understanding suicidal ideation through a parts lens • a clinical story that shows practical application • the importance of safety and stabilization in EMDR • how protective parts can support the work before trauma processing   To Learn More, Visit: www.evegreenjourneycounseling.com Remember, Safety and stabilization come before trauma processing. Protective parts and resources help create that foundation.

Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you're EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work. In this episode, we explore something we do every week in practice but rarely examine closely. Recommendations. Books. Apps. Breathwork. Sleep tools. Supplements. Journaling prompts. Support groups. Retreats. Productivity systems.   These may feel like small suggestions. They are not.   Every recommendation is an intervention. It shapes what a client does between sessions, often when they are alone and outside their window of tolerance.   When a recommendation fits, it can build regulation and capacity. When it misses, it can amplify shame, threat, or collapse.   This episode invites EMDR therapists to apply the same precision to recommendations that we apply to targeting, pacing, and reprocessing.   What We Cover Why recommending is clinical, not casual How tools interact with nervous system states The risk of unintentionally reinforcing negative cognitions How power and authority shape client uptake Why cultural context and lived experience must be considered What to do when a recommendation backfires The Three Checks Before You Recommend Anything It Fits Does this align with the client's age, neurotype, cultural context, and current phase of EMDR Does it match your case conceptualization Safety Could this push them outside their window Are there medical, psychological, or digital risks Could it increase dissociation, panic, avoidance, or shutdown Meaning If this does not work, what story might the client make Will it increase shame or performance pressure Will it build capacity or dependency   Key Clinical Reminder Recommendations are adjunctive supports. They are not substitutes for assessment, phase based work, or reprocessing. If a tool reinforces "I am not enough," we may be strengthening a network we will later need to target.   Memorable Line If we are precise with bilateral stimulation, we need to be precise with what we send clients home with.   Reflection Question Before your next recommendation, ask What might be the unintended nervous system cost of this suggestion for this client, right now   About EMDR Playground EMDR Playground is a space for therapists who want to practice with depth, precision, and fidelity to the EMDR model across the lifespan. We move beyond hacks and trends toward thoughtful, nervous system informed care.

Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you're EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work. In this episode of EMDR Playground, host Jackie Flynn discusses the integration of EMDR therapy with children and the role of parents in the therapeutic process. She emphasizes the importance of understanding each child's unique needs and the necessity of creating a safe environment through play. The conversation covers various phases of EMDR therapy, the significance of consent and confidentiality, and cultural considerations in involving parents in sessions. Jackie also shares resources available for clinicians looking to enhance their practice with EMDR.        #EMDR #PlayTherapy #JackieFlynnConsulting         You can Find us at     jackieflynnconsulting.com     emdrplayground.com     facebook.com/groups/emdrwithkidscommunity     facebook.com/groups/1130971706932394     instagram.com/playtherapycommunity     tiktok.com/@jackieflynnconsulting     youtube.com/@EMDRPlayground

Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you're EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work. In this episode, Jackie Flynn breaks down the 8 phases of EMDR therapy, explaining what clients and clinicians can expect at each stage of the process. From history-taking and preparation to reprocessing, integration, and closure, Jackie offers a clear, compassionate overview of how EMDR supports trauma healing. Whether you're new to EMDR, considering it for yourself, or a therapist looking to deepen your understanding of the model, this episode provides practical insight into why the structure of EMDR matters—and how it helps create lasting change.    #EMDR #PlayTherapy #JackieFlynnConsulting         You can Find us at     jackieflynnconsulting.com     emdrplayground.com     facebook.com/groups/emdrwithkidscommunity     facebook.com/groups/1130971706932394     instagram.com/playtherapycommunity     tiktok.com/@jackieflynnconsulting     youtube.com/@EMDRPlayground

Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you're EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work. Join us in this insightful episode of the EMDR Playground podcast, where host Jackie Flynn engages in a heartfelt conversation with the esteemed Theresa Fraser. Discover how EMDR integrates with play therapy, Sadtray, and the natural world to foster transformation. Theresa shares her wisdom on creating safe therapeutic spaces and the importance of community among therapists. Whether you're new to EMDR or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights into the neurobiological foundations of healing. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion!    #EMDR #PlayTherapy #TheresaFraser         You can Find us at     jackieflynnconsulting.com     emdrplayground.com     facebook.com/groups/emdrwithkidscommunity     facebook.com/groups/1130971706932394     instagram.com/playtherapycommunity     tiktok.com/@jackieflynnconsulting     youtube.com/@EMDRPlayground

Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you're EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work. Join Jackie Flynn and Waldo Winborn as we delve into the integration of EMDR therapy with Sand Tray therapy, focusing on trauma and generational healing. Discover the importance of working with parents to address attachment issues and how cultural narratives shape behaviors. This episode highlights the therapeutic process and the power of being present and authentic in therapy.   https://sandtraytraining.com/homepage/about/waldo-winborn-lpcc-rpt/     You can Find us at     jackieflynnconsulting.com     emdrplayground.com     facebook.com/groups/emdrwithkidscommunity     facebook.com/groups/1130971706932394     instagram.com/playtherapycommunity     tiktok.com/@jackieflynnconsulting     youtube.com/@EMDRPlayground

Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you're EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work.   Haruna Nail, MA, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor in Melbourne, Florida. She provides trauma-informed therapy for primarily adolescents and adults, and on case-by-case basis with children and seniors, with expertise in neurodiversity, anxiety, grief, life transitions, identity exploration and LGBTQ+ affirming care. Haruna integrates play, relational, and holistic approaches to support nervous system regulation and mind/body/spirit healing. She is active in the local counseling community through the Space Coast Mental Health Counselors Association and is committed to bringing creative, accessible interventions into clinical practice.   Haruna additionally helps fellow clinicians step into their purpose by deepening their integrative clinical skills, expanding their intuitive wisdom, cultivating neurodiversity-informed care, and embodying a grounded, nervous-system–aligned clinical presence.     New Consultation Group Cohort starting January 21st, 2026   https://haruna-nail.mykajabi.com/offers/v59X27wP/checkout   1:1 consultations available upon request-can contact via email [email protected]     You can Find us at jackieflynnconsulting.com emdrplayground.com facebook.com/groups/emdrwithkidscommunity facebook.com/groups/1130971706932394 instagram.com/playtherapycommunity tiktok.com/@jackieflynnconsulting youtube.com/@EMDRPlayground

Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you're EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work. Join Jackie Flynn and Marshall Lyles as they delve into the transformative power of dissociation in therapy. Discover how EMDR and creative modalities like poetry and sand tray can turn dissociation from a struggle into a resource. This insightful conversation explores the nuances of therapeutic practices and the importance of honoring each client's unique journey. Don't miss this enlightening episode! #EMDR #Therapy #dissociation    https://marshall-lyles-s-school.teachable.com/l/pdp/dissociation https://www.marshalllyles.com/   You can Find us at     jackieflynnconsulting.com     emdrplayground.com     facebook.com/groups/emdrwithkidscommunity     facebook.com/groups/1130971706932394     instagram.com/playtherapycommunity     tiktok.com/@jackieflynnconsulting     youtube.com/@EMDRPlayground

Welcome to EMDR Playground, the podcast for therapists who want to integrate EMDR and play with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Hosted by Jackie Flynn, Registered Play Therapist, EMDRIA Trainer, and author of the EMDR with Kids Flipchart, this show explores how fidelity to the EMDR model, a deep understanding of the nervous system, and the language of play can transform therapy for children, teens, and adults. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert conversations, and insights you can use right away to help your clients heal more deeply. Whether you're EMDR-trained or just beginning to explore this powerful approach, EMDR Playground is your space to grow, connect, and bring more depth and effectiveness to your work. Dr. Kristin K. Wallace is a licensed mental health professional in Florida with over 20 years of experience in the field and more than 15 years working directly with families. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a minor in Abnormal Psychology from Florida State University, graduating cum laude, and went on to complete a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Central Florida. Driven by a deep curiosity about the emotional lives of therapists themselves, she pursued a Ph.D. in General Psychology, completing a dissertation on how marriage therapists experience the impact of their work on their own marriages. Throughout her extensive education and early career, Dr. Wallace gained wide-ranging experience—from crisis stabilization and residential treatment to school-based services and private practice—developing a clinical lens that is both empathic and evidence-based. Her career reflects a balance of research, teaching, and practice.   Dr. Wallace has contributed to studies through the University of Miami and the University of Central Florida, including the development of virtual-reality interventions for adolescent girls, and she currently collaborates with the Life Aid Research Institute to support mental health optimization among service members. In her private practice, Complete Family Consultants, she specializes in trauma, high-conflict divorce, and family dynamics, serving as a Social Investigator and Certified Family Mediator. She also teaches at the University of Central Florida and California Southern University, mentoring the next generation of clinicians. Dr. Wallace is the creator and developer of an online coparenting course, called ExProof Parenting, designed to take stressed coparents from powerlessness to hopeful empowerment. A collaborative professional in Brevard County, Dr. Wallace's approach emphasizes child-centered, solution-focused strategies in divorcing families. Outside of her professional life, she is a wife, mother of six, and car enthusiast who enjoys sports, kava nights with friends, and board games with her family.     You can Find us at jackieflynnconsulting.com emdrplayground.com facebook.com/groups/emdrwithkidscommunity facebook.com/groups/1130971706932394 instagram.com/playtherapycommunity tiktok.com/@jackieflynnconsulting youtube.com/@EMDRPlayground