The COVID pandemic has brought trauma, adversity and distress to most parents and children. In addition, it has exacerbated previous and generational trauma as they had to endure losses, seclusion, financial hardships, and the lack of social support. The distressed caregiving system and children have been forced to move out of homeostasis, connection and co-regulation into self- preservation, defense, and survival. Children are malleable and resilient and at the same time incredibly vulnerable. How has the biology and nervous systems of our children been impacted by the stresses of such uncertain times? This seminar will offer an overview of the individual and the systemic work needed to help children and their families heal during such unprecedented times. In addition, this plenary will show how to utilize a multimodal approach within the overarching structure of EMDR therapy that include: Polyvagal focused strategies, parent-child interventions, play, Sandtray and expressive arts, among others.
Ana Gomez, MC, LPC
