Is Online EMDR Therapy Effective?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on the brain’s natural healing processes, using bilateral stimulation—typically in the form of guided eye movements, sounds, or taps—to help clients reprocess difficult experiences. EMDR has been proven effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, phobias, and other trauma-related conditions. Especially since the pandemic, the question around whether EMDR therapy can be done effectively online has been raised by many professionals and clients alike. In this blog post, we will discuss how EMDR online works, why people may want to be able to do EMDR from the comfort of their own homes, and how EMDR online differs from EMDR in person.
While studies around the efficacy of online EMDR are scarce, a recent study published by the European Journal of Psychotraumatology details that it is indeed an acceptable, safe, and effective alternative to in-person EMDR. Virtual EMDR sessions take place in a similar manner to in-person ones, employing the same 8-phase process. The most significant difference in the online session involves phase 4, during which the provider uses bilateral stimulation to help the client recall a certain memory and work through it. This will require therapists to use a virtual EMDR tool, often combining audio and visual stimulation, to work through this phase.
Why Opt for EMDR Online?
Many individuals have continued to remain interested in virtual therapy options as they provide a flexible, accessible way to receive therapy. In addition, online communication may feel safer to some folks, as it can seem more comfortable than speaking to a therapist in person, especially when sharing personal information. In the aforementioned study, clients who chose EMDR online mentioned feeling more in control during the sessions, and enjoying not having to travel. Clients’ main concerns related to lack of privacy and struggling with the transition between work and/or life and shifting to therapy in the same space.
Overall, though, studies have revealed that online EMDR can provide the same benefits to receiving EMDR therapy in person. In a study conducted during the pandemic, patients who received online EMDR therapy in combination with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy saw a 55% reduction in their traumatic and depressive symptoms. One of the key benefits of EMDR is that it allows individuals to heal from the emotional effects of trauma without having to relive every detail of the painful event. The therapy helps the brain reprocess memories, turning distressing experiences into neutral or even empowering ones. Because trauma can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s emotional and physical health, EMDR is a vital tool for helping individuals regain control over their lives, improve emotional well-being, and heal from past experiences.
How New Perspective Counseling Can Help
At New Perspective Counseling, we are committed to offering high-quality, individualized care through EMDR therapy. Our licensed and experienced therapists have undergone specialized training in EMDR and integrate this therapy with other evidence-based treatments to provide a comprehensive healing experience. We work closely with clients to ensure that they feel safe and supported throughout the EMDR process. We understand that every trauma is unique, and tailor each session to meet the client’s specific needs, ensuring that they are progressing at a pace that feels comfortable. Our approach emphasizes compassion, respect, and professionalism, ensuring that clients feel empowered to overcome their past traumas and move toward a more fulfilling life. Make an appointment with one of our licensed therapists today.
