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Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

TPP 473: A Conversation with Naomi Fisher About EMDR

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

Debbie Reber

Education, Kids & Family, Parenting

4.8 • 1K Ratings

🗓️ 4 November 2025

⏱️ 37 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Today we’re exploring EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—a therapeutic approach that’s been shown to be highly effective in treating trauma, including for neurodivergent individuals. My guest is Dr. Naomi Fisher, a clinical psychologist who specializes in trauma, autism, and alternative education, and an expert in EMDR. Naomi will share her journey into EMDR and explains not just the mechanics of how it works, but also what actually happens in a session. We talk about the importance of understanding trauma in children, particularly those who are neurodivergent, and why flexibility and attunement are so essential for therapists in creating a truly supportive environment. About Dr. Naomi Fisher Dr. Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist who specialises in trauma, autism and alternative education. She is the author of several books including When the Naughty Step Makes Things Worse and the Teenager’s Guide to Burnout. She runs webinars for parents and more of her work can be found at www.naomifisher.co.uk Things you'll learn from this episode How EMDR combines emotionally activated memories with bilateral stimulation to help process trauma Why trauma can get “stuck” and how EMDR supports the brain’s natural healing process How EMDR can be effective for both adults and children when delivered in a safe, supportive environment Why neurodivergent individuals may have unique trauma responses that require flexibility in therapy How parents can play an important role in helping children make sense of traumatic experiences Why choosing accredited, well-trained therapists is critical for safe and effective EMDR treatment Resources mentioned Dr. Naomi Fisher’s website Naomi Fisher on Substack A Different Way to Learn by Naomi Fisher Changing Our Minds: How Children Can Take Control of Their Own Learning by Naomi Fisher What Can We Do When School’s Not Working: An Illustrated Handbook for Professionals by Naomi Fisher Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on Post-Traumatic Parenting (Full-Tilt Parenting podcast) EMDR UK Association EMDR Institute Francine Shapiro, PhD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

I'm Debbie Reber and this is Full Tilt Parenting. It's a podcast for parents, caregivers,

0:07.7

educators, therapists, anyone who wants to better understand, support, and show up for

0:13.4

neurodivergent kids. I am so excited about this conversation. We're going to be exploring

0:18.4

EMDR, which stands for eye movement, desensitization,

0:23.0

and reprocessing. It's a therapeutic approach that's been shown to be highly effective in treating

0:28.1

trauma, including, or maybe especially for neurodivergent folks. So I'm bringing back onto the show

0:34.2

Dr. Naomi Fisher. She was on the show a few months ago talking about

0:38.4

self-directed learning and PDA, but she's a clinical psychologist who specializes in trauma,

0:43.7

autism, and alternative education. And she's an expert in EMDR. Naomi is also the author of several

0:49.9

books, including When the Noddy Step worse and the teenager's guide to burnout.

0:55.1

And she regularly leads webinars for parents on these topics.

0:59.2

But this conversation is just about EMDR.

1:02.7

Naomi is going to share her journey into that therapeutic modality and explain not just the

1:08.7

mechanics of how it works, but also what is actually happening in a session.

1:13.2

We talk about the importance of understanding trauma in children, especially those who are

1:17.3

neurodivergent, why neurodivergent individuals might have a unique trauma response that requires

1:23.1

flexibility and therapy, how EMDR supports the brain's natural healing process, and even how

1:29.0

parents can play an important role in helping children make sense of traumatic experiences.

1:34.3

And also a just little side note, the way that traumatic experiences are defined is super

1:39.9

interesting and it might be different from what you think. So again, I found this to be such a

1:45.0

truly fascinating conversation. These are the conversations I get so excited about sharing on

1:49.6

this show. So have a listen. Share it in your communities. You can watch this on the full-tilt

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