EMDR Prep- What Is Resourcing?

Why Resourcing Is a Crucial Step in EMDR for Teens With Anxiety and ADHD

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming—especially when your child or teen is dealing with intense emotions, behavior struggles, or trauma. If you’ve been researching trauma treatment options like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), you may have come across something called resourcing. But what is it, and why does it matter—especially for teens with anxiety, ADHD, or ODD?

As child therapists in Passaic County, NJ, we often work with families whose teens are showing signs of emotional dysregulation, shutdowns, outbursts, or chronic worry. Many of these teens are struggling with a combination of ADHD, ODD, and anxiety, which makes it harder for them to manage their emotions and feel safe in their bodies. That’s where resourcing comes in.

Let’s explore what resourcing is, how it works in EMDR therapy, and why it’s essential before reprocessing trauma—especially for teens with complex mental health needs.

What Is Resourcing in EMDR?

In EMDR therapy, resourcing is part of the Preparation Phase (Phase 2) of the standard 8-phase protocol. Before diving into any distressing memories or trauma, your child first needs to build a toolbox of emotional coping skills. That’s what resourcing does—it helps kids and teens access internal and external sources of support, calm, and strength.

This is not just about positive thinking. Resourcing includes guided imagery, grounding exercises, and tools that can help a dysregulated brain feel safe enough to start healing.

Why Teens With Anxiety and ADHD Need Resourcing First

Teens dealing with ADHD, ODD, and anxiety often experience heightened sensitivity to stress and struggle to regulate their emotions. They may go from 0 to 100 in seconds or shut down completely when overwhelmed. If we jump straight into trauma work before they’re ready, it can feel re-traumatizing rather than healing.

Resourcing gives them the foundation they need to manage distress, feel empowered, and stay grounded throughout the therapy process.

Some common teenage anxiety symptoms are:

• Constant worry or nervousness

• Avoiding social situations or school

• Trouble sleeping or frequent headaches/stomachaches

• Irritability or emotional outbursts

• Panic attacks or sudden overwhelm

• Intrusive thoughts or overthinking

Resourcing helps your teen build the internal tools to manage these symptoms and prepares them for the deeper work ahead.

Common Resourcing Techniques We Use in EMDR

Here are some resourcing techniques we frequently use with our teen clients:

• Calm or Safe Place Visualization
  Teens imagine a place where they feel calm and safe—real or imaginary—and we strengthen that image using bilateral stimulation (BLS) to create a powerful calming effect.

• The Container Exercise
  Teens learn to mentally “store” distressing thoughts or feelings in a safe container, giving them more control over when and how to process difficult emotions.

• Resource Tapping
  Using BLS while focusing on a strength, positive memory, or support system helps reinforce a felt sense of safety or confidence.

• Nurturing and Protective Figures
  Teens visualize a figure (real or imagined) that offers support, love, or protection. This might be a mentor, superhero, or even a version of their ideal self.

• Somatic Tools
  These include grounding techniques like deep breathing, body scans, or progressive muscle relaxation—great for teens with body-based anxiety symptoms or hyperactivity.

Wondering How You Can Support The Process?

If your child is starting EMDR, you may feel eager to see results quickly—but the resourcing phase is not something to rush. It may take a few sessions, especially if your teen has a long history of anxiety, avoidance, or trauma. That’s okay.

Encourage your teen to practice the tools they’re learning in session. You can even ask your therapist for ways to reinforce those skills at home. Remember, healing starts with safety—and that’s exactly what resourcing is about.

Looking for Child Therapists in Wayne NJ?

Hi, I’m Kristen, and I specialize in working with children and teens who are struggling with teenage anxiety symptoms, ADHD, ODD, anxiety, and trauma. I use trauma-informed, evidence-based methods like EMDR, DBT, and CBT to help your child feel safe, supported, and empowered to make real progress.

I offer in-home therapy intensives for families seeking faster relief and deeper healing located in Wayne, NJ, and throughout Passaic County.

What Is EMDR? →

Ready to Get Started?

Whether your teen is dealing with panic attacks, emotional outbursts, or ongoing anxiety, EMDR with proper resourcing can be a game-changer. Don’t let your child struggle without support.

🔗 Learn more about our EMDR services for teens here
📍 Serving families across New Jersey, including Wayne, Pequannock, and beyond.

Learn how to create a protective shield, an EMDR resourcing technique.