Does this sound like your child?
When kids go through scary or overwhelming experiences, their brains and bodies often hold onto the stress. Trauma can look very different from child to child, and parents are sometimes surprised by the ways it shows up.
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Kids and teens who have experienced trauma may:
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Have frequent nightmares or trouble sleeping
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Startle easily or seem “on edge” much of the time
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Act out aggressively or withdraw completely
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Struggle to trust adults or peers
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Complain of stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
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Relive events through play or repetitive stories
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Show big emotional outbursts over small things
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Avoid certain people, places, or situations that remind them of the trauma
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These behaviors are not defiance or attention-seeking. They are the body and brain’s way of trying to stay safe after something overwhelming has happened.
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Many children who have lived through trauma are also strong, brave, and creative. With the right support, those strengths can become the foundation for healing.
At PlayWorks, We Help Kids and Teens Heal From Trauma
At PlayWorks, we are trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), one of the most researched and effective trauma therapies.
For children and teens, we often begin a session with EMDR to help the brain safely reprocess memories. We then use play therapy to help children regulate, make sense of what came up, and end the session grounded and calm.
This integrative approach gives children the best of both worlds: the effectiveness of EMDR with the accessibility and comfort of play therapy.
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Through this work, children can:
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Process traumatic memories in a safe, structured way
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Calm their nervous system after overwhelming experiences
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Build tools for emotional regulation and resilience
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Strengthen trust in relationships and daily routines
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Heal from grief, fear, or shame connected to trauma
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Rediscover joy, confidence, and hope
EMDR is one of the most researched therapies for trauma and has been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD more quickly than traditional talk therapy.
EMDR helps children safely reprocess traumatic memories while play therapy provides the tools to regulate emotions and build resilience.
- Research on EMDR and play therapy with children (Adler-Tapia & Settle, 2009; Carey, 2016)
Why is EMDR and Play Based Therapy So Effective for Trauma?
Trauma can keep the brain’s alarm system stuck in overdrive. EMDR helps the brain reprocess those memories, while play therapy strengthens regulation and resilience.
Because trauma lives in the body and nervous system, not just in memory. EMDR uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a safe and structured way. For children, pairing EMDR with play therapy makes the process developmentally appropriate and emotionally supportive.
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Play therapy allows kids to explore and regulate after EMDR, reinforcing safety and helping them process what they experienced during the session.
Over time, children learn to:
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Feel calmer and more in control of their bodies
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Reprocess difficult memories without being overwhelmed
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Express feelings safely through play and words
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Strengthen resilience and coping strategies for the future
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Rebuild confidence and trust in safe relationships
Why Wilmington Parents Choose PlayWorks for Trauma Support
We are EMDR-certified
Our therapists are trained in EMDR, a leading trauma therapy recognized worldwide for its effectiveness.
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We integrate EMDR with play therapy
Sessions combine the power of EMDR with the accessibility of play therapy, helping kids heal while also feeling safe and regulated.
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We support YOU too
Trauma impacts the whole family. We provide parents with tools and support to understand and guide their child’s healing journey.
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We honor the whole child
We go beyond symptom reduction. Our work builds resilience, confidence, and a renewed sense of safety.
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We’re inclusive and affirming
Our therapists are trained in LGBTQ+ affirming care, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
You’re Not Alone & It’s Not Too Late
Watching your child struggle after trauma can feel heartbreaking. The good news is that healing is possible. At PlayWorks, therapy is child-first, family-focused, and grounded in neuroscience. Our EMDR and play-based approach helps children safely process trauma while building the skills they need to feel secure again.
Together, we will help your child heal, rebuild trust, and rediscover joy.
We’re located in Wilmington, NC and work with children, teens, and families across the Cape Fear region. Schedule your free 20-minute parent consult or start the intake process here.