Online EMDR Therapy: How Remote Sessions Can Provide Powerful Healing

Teletherapy is a convenient and effective way for people to access mental health support. But should you use it for intense treatments, such as trauma therapy? Our small team of highly trained trauma therapists says Yes! Our preferred trauma treatment, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, has proven to be just as effective online as it is in-person. It comes with some serious benefits outside of trauma treatment, too.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a type of trauma therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences. It works by using bilateral stimulation to help reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their impact. The goal is to help the brain process these memories correctly, so they no longer cause distress in daily life.

How Online EMDR Works

In a virtual EMDR session, the therapist guides you through the process using a video conferencing platform like Zoom. It's completely possible to engage in the full eight phases of EMDR online. Here’s what typically happens:

EMDR therapist Alexis Bibler works with people throughout California to help heal trauma.

Initial Discussion

Your therapist will start by talking about your concerns and identifying specific traumatic memories you want to work on. They will explain the EMDR process and answer any questions you might have.

Preparation

Your EMDR therapist should take a thorough life history and explore your capacity for tolerating the discomfort of EMDR. EMDR can be intense, and if you need support in handling it, your therapist will spend some time on that before jumping in.

Bilateral Stimulation

Your EMDR therapist will guide you through eye movements, tapping, or other forms of bilateral stimulation. You and your therapist will work together to determine what the best style is for you. This might involve following a moving dot on the screen, alternating sounds, or tapping yourself alternately.

Processing the Memory

As you follow the bilateral stimulation, you’ll be asked to focus on a specific memory and notice any thoughts, feelings, or sensations that arise. Your EMDR therapist will help you process these responses. Over time, you'll get desensitized and stop feeling so reactive to reminders.

Closure and Reflection

At the end of each session, your therapist will help you return to a state of calm and reflect on the session’s progress. They may give you exercises or coping strategies to use between sessions.

If you want a more in-depth explanation of EMDR with examples, we've got an on-demand webinar about EMDR you can access any time.

The Benefits of Online EMDR Therapy

Convenience and Accessibility

One of the biggest advantages of virtual EMDR is that it can be done from anywhere. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or traveling, you can access your therapy session without the need to commute. This flexibility makes it easier for people with busy schedules or those living in remote areas to get the help they need. Just be sure you've got privacy and a good internet connection.

Comfort and Safety

Being in a familiar environment, like your home, can make the therapy process feel safer and more comfortable. For people with social anxiety or those who find in-person sessions intimidating, online EMDR provides a less stressful alternative.

Consistency

Online EMDR allows for more consistent therapy sessions. Without the need to travel, it’s easier to stick to a regular therapy schedule, which is crucial for effective trauma treatment.

Privacy

Teletherapy sessions offer an added layer of privacy. You can do therapy without worrying about running into someone you know at a therapist’s office, especially in smaller communities or professional settings.

Considerations for Virtual EMDR Sessions

Technical Requirements

A stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone are essential for virtual EMDR. It’s important to ensure that your technology is set up properly before the session to avoid disruptions.

Setting Up a Safe Space

Choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted during your session. This space should feel comfortable and secure, allowing you to fully engage in the therapy process.

Building Trust

Establishing a therapeutic relationship online can feel different than in person. Take time to get to know your therapist and communicate openly about how you’re feeling during sessions. Trust is a key component of effective EMDR therapy, and it can be built successfully online with the right approach.

Self-Care Between Sessions

After an EMDR session, you might feel emotionally drained or more aware of your feelings. Practicing self-care and having a plan for grounding exercises or relaxation techniques can help manage these responses.

The Effectiveness of Online EMDR Therapy

Research has shown that online EMDR can be just as effective as in-person sessions. The key to success lies in the quality of the therapeutic relationship and the use of proper EMDR techniques. The great news is both of these are possible in a virtual setting. Many clients have reported significant improvements in their trauma symptoms after engaging in virtual EMDR therapy.

Who Can Benefit from Online EMDR

Trauma Survivors

Whether it’s from a recent event or childhood experiences, trauma survivors can find relief through virtual EMDR. This method is particularly beneficial for those who might feel too vulnerable to attend in-person sessions.

People With Phobias

EMDR therapy isn't just for trauma. It can treat anything that produces an outsized emotional or physical reaction, including phobias.

Busy Professionals

People with demanding careers, such as lawyers, healthcare workers, and executives, need the flexibility of online EMDR. It allows them to schedule sessions around their work commitments, ensuring they still receive the support they need.

Couples

Alexis Bibler, AMFT

Alexis is a fully trained EMDR therapist. She works online with clients in California.

Couples dealing with shared trauma or relational issues can engage in online EMDR together. This approach can help them process events that impact their relationship, promoting healthier interactions and compassion.

Online EMDR In California

If you’re dealing with trauma and looking for a convenient, effective way to heal, consider virtual EMDR therapy. Our experienced therapists are trained to provide trauma therapy online, making it easy to access the support you need. We can support anyone who is physically in California.

Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how virtual EMDR therapy can help you reclaim your life.