Telehealth EMDR: How Online EMDR Therapy Works
Telehealth EMDR therapy brings the power of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) directly to you at home. Instead of meeting in an office, you connect with your therapist over a secure video call to process trauma and distressing memories. Remarkably, online EMDR works very similarly to in-person sessions – and research shows it can be just as effective. In this guide, we’ll explain how virtual EMDR therapy works, what to expect, and why it’s helping so many people heal from trauma, anxiety, and more.
Key Takeaways
Online EMDR is effective: Studies find that virtual EMDR therapy can be as safe and effective as in-person sessions, with similar improvements in PTSD and anxiety symptoms. Major organizations like EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) support online EMDR as a valid treatment approach.
How it works: Telehealth EMDR uses video conferencing. The therapist guides you through the standard EMDR process (which uses back-and-forth eye movements, sounds, or taps) adapted for an online format. For example, you might follow a moving dot on your screen or do self-tapping like the butterfly hug (crossing your arms and tapping your shoulders alternately) for bilateral stimulation.
Convenience and access: Virtual EMDR therapy offers big benefits in accessibility. You can attend sessions from home or anywhere with internet, which is great if you live far from specialists, have mobility issues, or a busy schedule. No commute or waiting room – just log on and start healing.
Comfort and privacy: Many people feel more comfortable opening up from a familiar, private space. Being at home with your own calming items (pets, cozy blanket, etc.) can enhance feelings of safety during EMDR. (Just make sure you won’t be interrupted and use headphones for extra privacy.)
Safety is a priority: Trained EMDR therapists follow EMDRIA guidelines for virtual EMDR to keep therapy safe and secure. They use HIPAA-compliant video platforms and plan ahead for emergencies or intense emotional reactions. You and your therapist will have a clear plan (like pausing or calling by phone) if technical issues or distress occur, so you’re supported throughout the process.
EMDR therapy helps reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer cause intense distress. Even through telehealth, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to facilitate healing and shift negative beliefs toward positive ones.
If you’re brand new to EMDR, you may want to start with our guide on Understanding EMDR Therapy.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy designed to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences. In EMDR, you briefly revisit painful or triggering memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation – which means stimulating both sides of your brain in an alternating rhythm. Often this is done by having you move your eyes side-to-side following the therapist’s hand or a moving object. It can also be done with alternating sounds in each ear or tapping movements. This back-and-forth stimulation, paired with guided therapeutic techniques, helps your brain reprocess the trauma so it becomes less intense and overwhelming.
Unlike regular talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to talk in detail about the traumatic event. Instead, the focus is on changing how the memory is stored in your brain. Over a series of phases, the therapist guides you through recalling a troubling memory, noticing the emotions and beliefs around it, and then using bilateral stimulation to help the brain digest and release the “stuck” aspects of that memory. As processing happens, people often feel the memory becoming less upsetting and gain more positive beliefs about themselves (for example, shifting from “I am powerless” to “I am strong and in control”).
EMDR has been extensively researched and is best known for treating PTSD, but it’s also used for anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, grief, and other issues. In short, EMDR helps your brain heal from trauma much like it does during REM sleep, by activating adaptive neural processes. The result is often relief from symptoms and a healthier perspective on past events.
How Does EMDR Work Online?
You might wonder: how can a therapist do EMDR over a video call? It turns out that online EMDR therapy follows the same 8-phase EMDR treatment approach – the only differences are the tools used and the setting. Here’s how a typical telehealth EMDR session works:
Secure video connection: You’ll meet with your EMDR therapist through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Both you and the therapist should be in quiet, private spaces. At the start, your therapist ensures you can see and hear each other clearly. Good lighting, camera angle, and sound are important so the therapist can pick up on your facial expressions and tone, just like in person.
Preparation and grounding: Just as in an office session, your therapist will help you feel safe and prepared. They might begin with calming techniques or a guided visualization of a “safe place” to ground you. (Yes, this can work virtually too – some clients even have comforting items from home with them, like a soft pillow or a pet, which can help them stay grounded.)
Bilateral stimulation online: In a traditional EMDR session, the therapist might wave their fingers for you to follow with your eyes. In telehealth EMDR, therapists use creative alternatives:
Visual stimuli on-screen: Your therapist might use an on-screen tool or app that displays a moving dot or a bar bouncing left-right for you to track with your eyes. Some video platforms have built-in EMDR tools; otherwise, the therapist might share their screen with a moving target.
Guided eye movements without tools: Even simpler, the therapist may hold up two objects or use their own hand moving off-camera edges, and you follow them on your screen. Some therapists ask you to place sticky notes on either side of your screen to look between – low-tech but effective.
Tactile and audio methods: If visual tracking is hard or not preferred, auditory tones can be played alternately in each ear (this works great with headphones). Or the therapist might guide you in self-tapping techniques. A popular one is the “butterfly hug” – you cross your arms over your chest and tap your shoulders alternately, like butterfly wings flapping. This provides bilateral rhythm through touch. Some people tap their knees or the table with their hands as another option.
Throughout these sets of bilateral stimulation, the therapist will periodically pause and ask you to briefly report what you’re noticing (feelings, images, thoughts). Even via telehealth, your therapist stays very attuned to your reactions, voice, and body language. They might ask you to position your camera so they can see your upper body (to notice breathing changes or if you start tapping faster, for example).
Processing and support: As the session goes on, you and your therapist continue to target the traumatic memory or issue, just as you would face-to-face. The therapist ensures you remain within a safe “window” of tolerance – not too overwhelmed. If you do become very distressed or disconnected at any point, the therapist will help ground you (for instance, by stopping the EMDR for a moment, having you do a calming exercise, or talking you through some orientation to the present). Therapists delivering virtual EMDR therapy are trained to handle strong emotional reactions even from a distance. In fact, EMDRIA’s guidelines emphasize having a clear crisis plan and safety measures in place for online EMDR. That means before you even begin processing trauma, your therapist will discuss what to do if you suddenly drop off the call or have an emotional emergency (like having a phone backup number to reach you, or an emergency contact they can call if needed). These precautions ensure that even online, you’re in good hands and not alone if something unexpected happens.
Closing the session: At the end of an online EMDR session, the therapist will guide you through closure techniques similar to in-person. They’ll help you return to a state of calm before logging off. This may include more grounding exercises (some clients like to have a favorite soothing item nearby, like scented lotion or a soft blanket, to use during closure). The therapist will also make sure you’re oriented to your surroundings at home and feel safe before ending the video call. You might spend a few minutes discussing how to take care of yourself for the rest of the day, since EMDR can be tiring. For example, your therapist may remind you to do something relaxing afterward and avoid any intense activities immediately following the session.
In summary, online EMDR works very much like regular EMDR, with minor adaptations in technique. You’ll still engage in phases of identifying a target memory, doing sets of eye movements or alternative bilateral stimulation, and letting your brain process the trauma. The key ingredients – a supportive therapist, your own brain’s healing capacity, and the bilateral stimulation – are all still there online. Many clients report that after a while, they forget they’re even on a video call because they become so engaged in the EMDR process.
Is Online EMDR Effective?
Yes. Both clinical experience and growing research indicate that doing EMDR therapy online can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many people. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, therapists had to move EMDR to telehealth out of necessity. To everyone’s relief (and somewhat surprise), clients made excellent progress via virtual EMDR – and studies have since backed this up. For example, a 2023 study of a PTSD treatment clinic found no differences in therapy completion, dropout rates, or outcomes between clients who did EMDR online versus those who did it face-to-face. In fact, the online EMDR group had slightly lower PTSD symptom scores by the end of therapy (though both groups improved significantly). Therapists and clients in the study rated online EMDR as safe and effective, noting benefits like clients feeling more in control and not having to travel to sessions.
Other research and reports echo these findings. Many trauma therapists have observed that their telehealth EMDR clients do as well as in-person clients in terms of symptom reduction. Some clients actually do better online because they’re able to relax more in their own home. Being in a familiar environment can reduce the initial anxiety of therapy, allowing them to engage more fully in processing memories. One survey of individuals who tried EMDR over video found the majority (over 80%) felt comfortable with it and would do it again.
It’s also worth noting that major professional organizations endorse virtual EMDR. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and EMDR Europe have both supported the use of EMDR through telehealth, providing training and guidelines to therapists for best practices. Telehealth EMDR is not seen as a lesser alternative, but rather just another delivery method for the same effective therapy.
Of course, effectiveness ultimately depends on the quality of therapy and the individual person. Online EMDR isn’t magic – it still requires a skilled, EMDR-trained clinician and a willing client. But when those pieces are in place, virtual EMDR has proven to work. Numerous clients have successfully processed long-held traumas via Zoom or similar platforms. Therapists report seeing clients heal and overcome symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety attacks, etc., all through online sessions. In short, if you have an internet connection and a private space, there’s a very good chance EMDR can help you heal remotely just as it would in an office.
(One small exception: in rare cases, if a person has extremely severe trauma or unstable symptoms, a therapist might recommend intensive in-person support. However, even complex PTSD has been treated successfully via home-based telehealth EMDR in intensive formats. The key is ensuring safety and support, which a well-trained online EMDR therapist can provide.)
If you’re interested in how EMDR works for different conditions, you can explore our guides on EMDR for PTSD, EMDR for Anxiety, and EMDR for Panic Attacks.
Benefits of Telehealth EMDR
Why consider doing EMDR online instead of going to a therapist’s office? There are many potential benefits to telehealth EMDR that appeal to people:
Access from anywhere: Perhaps the biggest benefit is accessibility. You can work with the best EMDR therapist for your needs regardless of location. If you live in a rural area or a place with few trauma specialists, online EMDR connects you to licensed therapists in other cities or anywhere in your state. You’re no longer limited to who is within driving distance. For individuals such as military personnel, college students, or expats moving around, teletherapy means you can continue EMDR with the same therapist even if you relocate, as long as licensing permits.
Convenience and comfort: With teletherapy, there’s no commute in traffic, no sitting in a waiting room, and no need to arrange transportation or childcare to get to appointments. You can do sessions in the comfort of your own home. Many clients love being able to curl up in their favorite chair or have a cup of tea during therapy. This relaxed setting can lower stress levels. It also saves time – for busy professionals or parents, not having to drive to an office can make it feasible to fit therapy into a lunch break or a child’s nap time. Therapy can more easily integrate into your life, which means you’re more likely to stick with it.
Familiar, safe environment: Doing EMDR from home (or another personal space) can increase your sense of safety. Trauma work is hard emotional work; feeling at ease in your surroundings can help. You have your own comfort items on hand – maybe a pet at your feet, your cozy blanket, or your favorite scented candle. This familiarity often helps people open up more quickly and deeply, because they feel secure. One client noted that being at home made it easier to calm down after tough EMDR sessions – “I could process in a safe, familiar place”, she said, instead of having to then drive home while still emotional. For those with severe trauma or anxiety, not having to leave home to get help can remove a big barrier to starting therapy.
Privacy and anonymity: Online therapy can offer a bit more privacy for some. You won’t risk bumping into someone you know in the therapist’s waiting room. You also won’t be seen walking into a counseling center if that’s a concern. As long as you have a private room to yourself for the session, therapy remains confidential. (Remember to use headphones and let others in your home know not to disturb you.) Additionally, telehealth platforms are encrypted and secure, so your sessions stay confidential.
No breaks in care: Life events like moving cities, traveling for work, or public health issues (like snowstorms or pandemics) won’t interrupt your EMDR progress if you’re doing it online. Continuity of care is a huge plus – you can keep your regular therapy schedule regardless of external circumstances. This consistency helps you maintain momentum in healing. For example, if you catch a mild cold or the weather is bad, you don’t have to cancel – you can still log on from home. Telehealth EMDR proved its value during COVID lockdowns by allowing therapy to continue uninterrupted, and it continues to be a vital option.
Efficiency and cost savings: Virtual sessions may also save you money and hassle. There’s no gas or transportation cost, and no time lost to commuting. If you have to take time off work to attend therapy, online sessions can minimize that (maybe you can do it during a break instead of taking a half day off). For therapists, being able to see clients remotely can reduce overhead costs and travel time as well, potentially allowing more flexible scheduling. Some providers even offer slightly reduced fees for telehealth since they can see more clients per day (this varies, of course). Even if fees are the same, clients often feel the convenience factor itself is worth it.
In summary, telehealth EMDR offers freedom, flexibility, and comfort that many people value. It essentially brings the therapist to you. When you remove the logistical obstacles, therapy becomes more accessible, which means more people can get the help they need. The ability to do EMDR from a safe personal space can make the healing process feel less intimidating. It’s not the right choice for everyone (some still prefer the in-person connection), but it’s an empowering option to have.
What You Need for a Successful Online EMDR Session
To get the most out of telehealth EMDR, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips to set yourself up for a smooth online EMDR therapy session:
A private, quiet space: Choose a spot where you won’t be interrupted or overheard. This might be a spare room, your bedroom with the door closed, or even a parked car if you have no indoor privacy (some clients have done sessions from a parked car or quiet office!). Let family or housemates know not to disturb you for the duration of the session. Turn off ringers and notifications on your devices. A quiet, safe environment is essential so you can focus on the therapy.
Stable internet connection: Because EMDR can bring up intense emotions, you really don’t want the call dropping in the middle of processing a traumatic memory. A reliable internet connection is a must. If possible, use a wired Ethernet connection or sit close to your Wi-Fi router for a strong signal. You might ask others in your home to avoid heavy internet use (like streaming video games) during your session to preserve bandwidth. Many telehealth platforms have a test you can run beforehand to check your connection speed. If video does cut out, have a backup phone number arranged with your therapist so you can reconnect or finish the session by phone if needed.
Device with camera and large screen: A laptop or desktop computer tends to work best for online EMDR. The bigger screen allows for a wider range of eye movement if you’re following visual cues. Tablets can also work. While you can use a smartphone, it’s not ideal – the screen is small and it may be hard to see the therapist or any visual aids. Make sure your device’s camera and microphone are functioning well. Using a stand or propping the device at eye level will help the therapist see you clearly (and save you from holding it). If using a laptop, plug it in or ensure you have enough battery for the session.
Headphones or earbuds: Wearing headphones is strongly recommended. They improve sound quality and also provide more privacy (others won’t overhear the therapist’s voice or any audio tones used for BLS). Headphones are especially important if your therapist uses alternating beeps or tones for bilateral stimulation – you’ll need to hear clearly in each ear. They also help block out external noise, keeping you focused.
Comfortable seating and camera setup: Since EMDR might involve some eye movement or tapping, set yourself up in a comfortable but upright position – like sitting in a chair or propping yourself up in bed. Position your camera so your face and upper torso are visible. This way, your therapist can observe your eye movements and notice any physical cues (tears, changes in breathing, etc.). Good lighting helps too – try to have light on your face (natural light from a window, or a lamp), rather than being in shadow or backlit.
Personal comfort items: One perk of home therapy is you can have self-soothing items handy. Consider keeping a glass of water or tea nearby, tissues, perhaps a stress ball or fidget if you use those, and even a weighted blanket or your pet (if having your dog on your lap relaxes you, that’s okay as long as it’s not a distraction). Some people like to diffuse calming essential oils or hold a comforting object. These can be integrated into grounding techniques if you become anxious during EMDR. Just prepare whatever helps you feel secure.
Schedule buffer time: Plan your session at a time you can have a little buffer afterward. EMDR sessions are typically around 60–90 minutes. You may feel tired or emotionally raw right after, so it’s wise not to jump straight into something demanding. If you can, give yourself a short break after the session to journal, take a walk, or simply rest. For instance, some clients schedule in late afternoon or evening so they can relax the rest of the night. Others do morning but make sure to have a lighter day afterward. Find what works for you, and discuss scheduling with your therapist if needed (they’ll likely encourage this too).
By preparing these elements, you greatly increase the chances that your online EMDR sessions will go smoothly. The idea is to minimize distractions and technical hiccups, so that once you begin processing memories, nothing pulls you out of the moment. Think of it as creating your own little therapy sanctuary for an hour. With the right setup, you might even forget that you’re on a screen at all.
If you’d like to know what a standard EMDR session feels like, read our blog on What to Expect in EMDR Therapy.
Ensuring Safety and Connection in Virtual EMDR
One of the understandable concerns about doing therapy online is whether you’ll feel truly connected with your therapist and safe during intense moments. Therapists are very mindful of these concerns and take steps to ensure that telehealth EMDR is a supportive, safe experience:
Strong therapeutic alliance: Good therapists know that a strong rapport is the foundation of any therapy’s success. While it can take a bit more intention to build a relationship through a screen, therapists use plenty of warmth, empathy, and active listening to connect with you. They might spend a little extra time in early sessions building trust, just as they would in person. Many clients report that after the first one or two video sessions, it feels very natural and they feel just as close to their therapist as if they were in the same room. Don’t be afraid to share openly – your therapist is still right there with you virtually. Over time, you might even appreciate that the screen creates a gentle sense of distance for very painful stories, making it easier to open up (some people find it less intimidating than being in the same physical room when discussing trauma).
Therapist training and guidelines: Ethical EMDR therapists follow professional guidelines to keep telehealth safe. EMDRIA’s virtual EMDR therapy guidelines recommend that clinicians get additional telehealth training and carefully plan for things like tech failures or client crises. Before starting EMDR, your therapist will likely have you fill out informed consent forms that include telehealth emergency plans. For example, you’ll provide an emergency contact and confirm your physical location for each session (so if you did need urgent help, they could send aid). These precautions are rarely needed, but they’re in place “just in case,” similar to how a pilot has safety protocols. Knowing this can help you feel more secure entering trauma processing online.
Handling intense emotions: A big “what if” question is: what if I have an extreme reaction or panic during online EMDR? In face-to-face therapy, the therapist could physically comfort you (offer a tissue, etc.) or ground you by tapping your hands. Online, therapists use verbal coaching and the fact that you’re in your own space to help. They might say: “Keep your eyes open, look around your room, name 5 things you see” to re-orient you if you dissociate or panic. They might have taught you some self-soothing techniques (like the butterfly hug tapping or breathing exercises) to do if you get overwhelmed. Remember, you’re not truly alone – your therapist is still watching for signs of distress (they might notice you stopped responding or see visible panic) and will intervene. If worst came to worst (say you froze and didn’t respond), they would use the emergency plan – perhaps calling your phone, or contacting your emergency person to check on you. Again, this situation is very rare. Most people, even if they cry or shake during EMDR, find that just hearing the therapist’s calm voice guiding them is enough to help them through it. Many clients are pleasantly surprised that even via webcam, their therapist’s presence is felt and they feel supported during hard moments.
Privacy and confidentiality: Therapists use secure, encrypted video platforms for EMDR sessions. They also conduct sessions from a private office space on their end. You can trust that your confidentiality is protected online just as it would be in person. It’s important you also take privacy on your end seriously: use headphones, and ensure no one can overhear. Some people worry about others walking in – one tip is to put a note on your door or let family know you’ll be on a work call (you don’t have to say therapy if you don’t want) and not to interrupt. Knowing you won’t be startled or intruded upon helps you feel safe to express emotions freely.
Technical troubleshooting: Tech glitches can and do happen – maybe the video lags or someone forgets to un-mute. Good preparation (as described earlier) prevents most issues. However, therapists often start the first session by talking through “what if” scenarios. For example, “If our call drops, I will call your phone immediately. If my internet goes out, I will text you with instructions.” Having this plan means even if a disruption occurs, you both know how to handle it swiftly. In practice, if a freeze or dropout happens, usually it’s just a brief pause and things resume. Try not to panic if there’s a tech problem; your therapist will guide the recovery. Sometimes a momentary pause can even serve as an unintended grounding break, after which you continue processing. Still, therapists aim to minimize interruptions because an uninterrupted flow is best for EMDR. As mentioned, using wired internet and closing other programs can help. Many therapists will also have you double-check that you have the meeting link and their phone number handy before starting.
Overall, the safety and quality of online EMDR is very much manageable. Therapists are actively attentive to your well-being, even through a screen. If anything, they take more care to check in frequently (“How are you feeling right now? Shall we continue?”) because they can’t physically see everything as easily. Don’t hesitate to speak up if you need a break or if something doesn’t feel right – open communication is key in telehealth. With mutual trust and contingency plans in place, you can engage in EMDR work online with confidence that you are supported and safe throughout the journey.
Who Can Benefit from Online EMDR Therapy?
Online EMDR can benefit anyone who is a good candidate for EMDR in general, as long as they have the means to engage via telehealth. That includes people struggling with:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors of trauma (whether recent or long-past) often find EMDR helpful to process nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety. Telehealth EMDR has successfully helped many with PTSD, including veterans and first responders, to the point that some intensive trauma programs are now offered fully online.
Anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks: EMDR isn’t just for big traumas; it can target the roots of anxieties and fears. For example, if you have panic disorder or a phobia of driving, EMDR can work on those triggers. Doing it online might actually feel safer – e.g. someone with agoraphobia (fear of leaving home) can start therapy from the comfort of home. Over time, EMDR can reduce the power of those fears so you can function better. Virtual EMDR has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic, comparable to in-person therapy.
Depression and grief: EMDR can help with certain cases of depression, especially when past events or loss are contributing factors. Processing those memories can lift emotional burdens. People grieving losses have also used EMDR to find some peace. Being in a familiar home setting during such emotional work can be soothing. (You can have a box of tissues and your pet cat right there for comfort.)
OCD and intrusive thoughts: EMDR is emerging as a tool for conditions like OCD, where trauma or negative beliefs fuel obsessive thoughts. Online EMDR might be a convenient way for someone with OCD, who maybe has a hard time commuting due to rituals, to get help without added stress.
Chronic pain or illness-related trauma: Interestingly, EMDR has been applied to chronic pain management and the trauma of medical experiences. Telehealth is great for those with chronic illness or disability who can’t easily travel. You can do therapy without the physical strain of going to an office.
General stress and relationship issues: Some people try EMDR for distressing life events (like a bad breakup, or being bullied) that aren’t “trauma” per se but still deeply affect them. EMDR can facilitate emotional processing and relief in these cases too. Essentially, if something is stuck and bothering you, EMDR might help unstick it – and doing it online means it’s easier to fit into your life.
Who might not be ideal for online EMDR? Mostly, individuals who cannot ensure a safe, distraction-free environment or those with very severe instability. For example, if someone is actively self-harming, acutely suicidal, or in a situation where privacy is impossible (say, they live in a chaotic shared space with no alone time), a therapist might recommend in-person sessions or a higher level of care initially. Additionally, very young children may have difficulty engaging via video for longer periods – though EMDR can be done with kids online (therapists often coach the parent to assist the child). It depends on the child’s age and comfort with video; some under age 8 might do better in person with play-based EMDR methods.
For most teens and adults, however, online EMDR is a fantastic option. If you’re comfortable with basic technology and can carve out a private hour, you likely can do EMDR remotely. In fact, people who otherwise wouldn’t do therapy at all (due to distance, scheduling, or health issues) can finally get help because of teletherapy. Virtual EMDR particularly benefits:
Those in rural or underserved areas (access to specialists without the travel)
Busy professionals or students (therapy can flex around classes/work)
Parents of young kids (no sitter needed if you schedule during naps or after bedtime)
Individuals with physical disabilities or chronic pain (no need to leave a controlled environment)
Anyone who simply feels more at ease at home or finds an office setting too intimidating.
In short, if you have trauma, anxiety, or other emotional struggles and EMDR is indicated, don’t let the lack of in-person access stop you. Online EMDR therapy can bring the help to you, on your turf. Many people find it a lifeline that makes healing possible when it otherwise would have been out of reach.
Top Questions about Online EMDR Therapy
Below we answer some of the most common questions people have about EMDR and doing it through telehealth:
Q: What is EMDR therapy in simple terms?
A: EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a therapy that helps you heal from trauma or other distress by using bilateral stimulation (like side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds) while you think about a painful memory. This process “reprograms” how the memory is stored, reducing its emotional charge. In simple terms, EMDR helps your brain work through tough memories so you don’t feel as upset by them anymore. It’s been used successfully to treat PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and more.
Q: Can EMDR therapy be done online?
A: Yes, EMDR can absolutely be done online. Therapists have adapted EMDR techniques to work over video calls. Instead of sitting in the same room, you and your therapist connect via a secure video platform. The therapist will guide you through eye movements or tapping exercises remotely (for example, having you follow a moving dot on your screen, or instructing you to do the butterfly hug tapping on your shoulders). Research and clinical practice confirm that online EMDR works well – you can achieve the same kind of healing outcomes as in-person sessions. The key is that you still have a trained therapist directing the process; the only difference is you’re not physically together.
Q: Is online EMDR therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
A: Studies suggest it is just as effective in many cases. For example, research has shown no significant difference in PTSD symptom improvement between online EMDR and face-to-face EMDR. Many therapists report their online clients make excellent progress, comparable to in-office clients. As long as you have a good internet connection and a safe space, the therapeutic mechanisms of EMDR (like the bilateral stimulation and the guided processing) work the same. In some ways, online EMDR can be more effective for certain people – for instance, if being at home helps you feel calmer and more willing to engage, that can enhance the therapy. Every individual is different, but generally virtual EMDR has proven to be highly effective, which is why it’s endorsed by organizations like EMDRIA.
Q: What do I need for an online EMDR session?
A: You don’t need any fancy equipment – just a few basics:
A computer or tablet with a camera (a larger screen is better for eye movement exercises),
A reliable internet connection,
Headphones (for privacy and any audio stimulation), and
A quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted.
Make sure your device is charged or plugged in, and test your video/microphone before the session. It also helps to have some comfort items (tissues, water) nearby. Once you have these, you’re ready to log in and start EMDR therapy from home.
Q: How does the therapist do bilateral stimulation over video?
A: Therapists have creative ways to do the bilateral stimulation (BLS) part online. Common methods include:
Visual: The therapist might use an on-screen tool that makes a ball or light move left and right for you to follow with your eyes. Or they might simply move their finger or an object on their own video feed for you to track.
Auditory: If you’re using headphones, the therapist can play alternating beeps or tones that go in the left and right ear. Some will count or snap fingers on each side if tech fails, but usually a gentle audio cue is used.
Tactile (self-tapping): The therapist may guide you to tap on your body – e.g. the butterfly hug where you cross your arms and tap shoulders, or tapping your knees or the table with your hands in an alternating rhythm. You do the tapping yourself, but at the therapist’s direction and pace.
These methods achieve the same left-right stimulation of the brain as the traditional finger-wagging in person. Your therapist will find which mode you’re most comfortable with. Sometimes a combination is used (for instance, you might watch a moving dot and hold small vibrating tappers that a device controls – if you have special equipment – but this isn’t necessary). Therapists ensure that the BLS is effective by checking in with you and adjusting speed or method as needed.
Q: What if I get very emotional or upset during an online EMDR session?
A: It’s normal for strong emotions to come up in EMDR, whether in person or online. If you start to cry or feel upset during a virtual session, your therapist will be there to support you through it just as they would face-to-face. They might gently coach you with grounding techniques (like “take a deep breath, look around your room and name some colors you see”) or encourage you to use the calming skills you practiced (maybe a safe-place visualization or tapping on your shoulders). Therapists monitor your reactions on the screen and will suggest a pause if you’re getting overwhelmed. Remember, crying or feeling intensity is part of processing – it means your brain is working through the stuff. The therapist will help you safely ride that wave. If you were to have an extreme reaction (very rare), they have a plan: for example, they might stay on the call longer, contact someone you trust to be with you, or in an emergency, get local help. However, most of the time, simply talking you through it and grounding is enough. By the end of the session (the closure phase), the therapist will make sure you’re calm and okay before signing off.
Q: Are there any downsides to doing EMDR via telehealth?
A: The experience of online EMDR is positive for most, but a few challenges to be aware of:
Technology issues: If your internet is spotty, interruptions can disrupt the flow. This is why having a good connection (or backup plan) is important.
Less physical presence: Some people miss being in the same room as the therapist. Non-verbal cues or the sense of direct presence can feel a bit reduced on video. An experienced therapist compensates by checking in often and making their communication extra clear.
Privacy at home: You have to create your own private setting, which can be hard if, say, you have kids or roommates. Some clients might feel anxious that someone could overhear, which can inhibit them. But using headphones and doing a session when others are out (or asleep) can solve this.
Comfort with technology: Not everyone likes being on camera or using computer apps. There can be a learning curve to using Zoom or the therapist’s platform. Therapists will typically help you get set up and even do a test run if needed. After a couple sessions, most people adapt fine.
Overall, these downsides are usually manageable. The therapist’s preparation and your planning make a big difference. For many, the benefits (convenience, access, comfort) outweigh these minor issues. But it’s true that online therapy might not be a perfect fit for everyone’s personal style – and that’s okay. It’s an option available if it suits you.
Q: Can I do EMDR on myself (self-administered) without a therapist?
A: Guided EMDR should be done with a trained therapist for safely processing significant trauma. It’s not recommended to try to work through major traumatic memories entirely on your own – EMDR can bring up intense emotions, and a therapist is there to help you handle those and properly reprocess the memory. That said, there are a few EMDR-inspired self-help techniques you can use for milder stress or anxiety in between sessions. For instance, the tapping exercises (bilateral tapping) can be done by yourself as a calming tool. The butterfly hug method of self-tapping is often taught to clients so they can soothe themselves during moments of anxiety. Some people also use guided apps that simulate EMDR eye movements for relaxation, but these are not the same as full EMDR therapy. They might be okay for reducing general stress, but for deep trauma healing, it’s best to work with a therapist who can tailor the process to you and keep it safe. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself – you’d want a doctor. Similarly, for trauma healing, an EMDR therapist is your guide. Use self-tapping or deep breathing as first aid, but rely on professional EMDR treatment for the real healing work.
Q: How do I get started with online EMDR therapy?
A: Getting started is easier than ever. First, find a licensed therapist who is trained in EMDR and offers telehealth. You can search the EMDRIA directory for therapists in your state who do virtual EMDR, or use therapy platforms such as Psychology Today and filter for EMDR specialization. Once you find a potential therapist, you’ll usually have a consultation to make sure it’s a good fit and that online format works for both of you. Then you’ll schedule a video session. The therapist will email or text you a secure link for the appointment. Before the first EMDR session, they might spend one or more sessions doing intake – discussing your history, explaining how EMDR works, and prepping you with some coping skills. They’ll also handle paperwork like consent forms electronically. To prepare on your end, set up your space and tech as we described above. Then, just log in at your appointment time, and you’re on your way. Telehealth EMDR therapy is just a click away – literally! If you’re feeling nervous, let your therapist know; they can walk you through the process and answer any questions to help you feel at ease.
Healing is possible, even from afar. Telehealth EMDR has opened the doors for so many people to finally address their trauma and pain without the barriers of location or schedule. If you’ve been considering EMDR therapy but worried you can’t make it to an office each week, online EMDR could be the solution that brings therapy to you. With the right setup and a skilled therapist, you can embark on the same journey of processing, relief, and recovery – all from the comfort of your own safe space. Don’t let geography or a busy life keep you from getting help. Reach out to a qualified EMDR therapist who offers virtual sessions, and take that first step toward healing. You deserve the freedom from the past that EMDR can provide, whether in-person or through a screen. The help you need might be as close as your computer. 💻 Your path to healing trauma can start right at home.
