Exploring Virtual EMDR Therapy: How does Online EMDR work?
Virtual therapy is more accessible than ever. Virtual therapy or online therapy can make it easier to access care, remove time barriers, and widen the pool of available therapists that could be a great fit. As a practice that provides extensive care in a virtual setting, we hear these questions a lot:
“Can I do EMDR virtually?” Does EMDR work virtually?” “How do you do EMDR virtually?” “Is virtual therapy ok?” “Which one is better?”
Quick definition time: What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy technique that helps individuals cope with and move through emotional distress and symptoms associated with traumatic or challenging experiences. EMDR involves eight unique phases. Learn more about the ins and outs of EMDR here.
Research shows that EMDR can be just as effective online compared to in person. Therapists may spend longer in the resourcing phase of EMDR to provide effective support remotely. Spending additional time in this phase, however, could enhance the client’s abilities to provide their own support outside of session, in any setting in which they find themselves.
Let’s spend some time with these questions.
Can I do EMDR virtually?
Yes! With the right tools and a skilled therapist, the process of bilateral stimulation can be just as impactful online as it is in person. If you and your clinician find that it is hard for you to stay focused, or it feels challenging to create a space that feels safe enough on your own, you and your therapist will collaborate on ways to minimize the challenges. Ultimately, if virtual therapy does not work for you, your clinician will likely be able to provide in-person referrals to look into.
(Note: We work with teens, young adults, and adults only. For EMDR for children, in person care may be most appropriate.)
Does EMDR work virtually?
Yes! The core principles of EMDR stay the same regardless of the setting. Studies have shown that virtual EMDR can be just as effective as in-person EMDR. Notably, since the Covid-19 pandemic, many therapists are completing their EMDR training, learning how to effectively apply the method in a virtual setting.
How do you do EMDR virtually?
Technology has evolved alongside EMDR. Given EMDR’s wide support, many platforms offer unique services for clinicians and clients. Technology continues to fuel innovations that adapted traditional, in-person EMDR tools with online techniques. There are a variety of platforms that facilitate multiple forms of bilateral stimulation (BLS) and support both the therapist and the client. Many of the phases of EMDR look identical to in-person therapy, therapists practicing virtually have options for facilitating BLS. Many of the tools create a dot or object for the client to track with their eyes, prompting the bilateral eye movements. These tools can also include sound and other forms of stimulation.
One of the most popular tools, bilaterstimulation.io, was actually created by an EMDR-client in order to support his own EMDR work during the pandemic. Today, it’s used by thousands of therapists across the world.
How is virtual EMDR different from in-person EMDR?
As with any type of therapy, the relationship between the therapist and the client is the most important part of the work. Some people may have a harder time feeling comfortable with a clinician they have only ever seen online. Non-verbal cues that provide safety like tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language are still visible but may be harder to interpret due to video quality or screen limitations.
When doing the phases of EMDR in person, therapists might use additional tools for BLS like a light bar or tappers. Those options are limited in a virtual setting.
In person EMDR is performed in the contained space of a therapist’s physical office. If it is hard to access a private, distraction-free space where you feel comfortable, seeking in person treatment may be a better option.
What is better? In person or virtual EMDR?
This depends on the person. If ease of access is important, virtual EMDR is the easiest to fit into your already existing schedule. If you are comfortable with basic technology, working with a virtual EMDR therapist will likely offer the same benefit as being in person. If you have any concerns about the setting, share them with your therapist. They can help you come up with a plan, a safe space, or fine-tune ways to stay connected to the process from the comfort of your own home.
Overall, the right therapist will guide you through the process of EMDR, virtually or face-to-face, in a way that is tailored to you. If you would like to talk to a therapist about starting EMDR virtually, schedule a free consultation with one of our highly-trained clinicians here.
We do offer a limited number of in-person EMDR intensives outside of the Philadelphia, PA, area. To learn more about an EMDR Intensive, click here.
More Reading:
Healing Attachment Wounds: How EMDR and Parts Work Can Help
How EMDR Can Help With Negative Thoughts
Top 5 Benefits of EMDR Intensive Retreats for Trauma Healing
Authorship: This blog was written by Katy Levine, LMSW. Katy (licensed in Washington, D.C., MD, VA, & PA), focuses on supporting clients with complex trauma history, attachment wounding, anxiety, and perfectionism, using IFS-informed EMDR.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health care nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. No claims, promises, or guarantees are made about the completeness, accuracy, currency, content or quality of information linked. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.
IFS EMDR Therapy Group is an outpatient therapy group founded by Morgan Levine. We specialize in helping adults struggling with the effects of living in dysfunctional systems move toward healing and wholeness. We provide therapy to address symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors including but not limited to using work, perfectionism, substances, relationships, food, etc. We offer ongoing support as well as EMDR intensives; both of which are informed by IFS, EMDR, DBT, CBT, Polyvagal Theory, trauma-informed yoga, attachment, and other recovery principles. Our therapists work virtually with clients living throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Florida. Morgan Levine also provides trauma-informed consultation to therapists worldwide.
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