Questions for teens & parents · Online care
EMDR for teens in Washington
EMDR can be adapted for teenagers and offered online when appropriate. At Breaking Boulders Counseling, we start by getting to know the teen, building trust and discussing safety, privacy and readiness—not by asking them to relive everything right away.
Could EMDR be a fit for my teen?
If a difficult experience still feels present—through distressing memories, fear, shame or feeling on guard—it may be worth asking about trauma-focused care. Those experiences alone don’t establish a diagnosis or mean EMDR is the right treatment.
We consider the teen’s history, current support, goals and ability to stay engaged online. EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy used to treat PTSD; choosing it for a particular teen requires an individual assessment. Online sessions aren’t a substitute for emergency care.
Does my teen have to tell the whole story?
No. We need enough information to understand their needs, but a detailed retelling of every experience isn’t required. A teen can say that a question feels too difficult or that they need a break.
Preparation includes ways to notice distress and feel more grounded. When appropriate, memory processing uses guided bilateral stimulation, such as alternating eye movements or taps. The pace and approach are adapted to developmental needs. There is no deadline for being ready.
If you’re the teen reading this: you don’t have to perform being “okay,” and you don’t have to know exactly what to say. Your questions and preferences belong in the conversation.
How do privacy and parent involvement work?
We discuss consent, confidentiality and its limits before treatment, including how Washington requirements apply to the teen’s circumstances. I won’t promise that everything is shared with a parent—or that nothing ever is.
We talk together about the caregiver’s role, what information may be shared and how to support the teen outside sessions. For online care, the teen needs a space where they can speak privately. We also agree on a plan for interruptions, a dropped connection or needing immediate support.
A little clarity
Questions you might have
Can a teen do EMDR from home in Washington?
Yes, online EMDR may be an option when the teen is physically in Washington and telehealth fits their needs. We assess privacy, support and readiness before deciding to begin memory processing.
What if my teen is reluctant to try therapy?
Bring that concern to the consultation. We can discuss what feels uncomfortable and what the teen wants help with. Pressure to disclose or process memories is not a substitute for trust and readiness.
How many sessions will my teen need?
There isn’t a standard number for every teen. Preparation, history, current stress and goals all affect the pace. We review progress together rather than promising a fixed timeline.
Does the practice also work with younger children?
Yes. Breaking Boulders Counseling serves ages 7 and older, with care adapted to developmental needs. A consultation helps us decide whether the service and online setting fit your child.
Who would my teen be working with?
I’m Aunastasia Zsidiewicz, LICSW, Washington license SWI.LW.61437905, and an EMDRIA Certified Therapist. My practice focuses on childhood trauma, sexual abuse, complex PTSD, dissociation and anxiety. You can ask about experience relevant to your teen during a free consultation.
The first session is $350; ongoing sessions are $300 per hour. Online care is available across Washington & Oregon State for ages 7 and older. We’ll talk through fit and any questions before you decide to begin.
Read what online EMDR can feel like, explore EMDR therapy or learn more about me.
Further reading: EMDRIA’s educational overview of EMDR with children and teens via telehealth. General information cannot determine the right care for an individual teen.
Let’s start with your questions, not pressure.
A free consultation is a chance to meet, ask questions, and see whether working together feels right.
$350 first session · $300/hour · Online in Washington & Oregon State · Ages 7+
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