"The Benefits of Doing EMDR Therapy Online"

Introduction

There is a definite growing trend in online therapy, and it is transforming the mental health landscape. I believe it’s really important that clients have access to mental health care in any form and that they are given choice and flexibility.

This blog is designed to help you understand what to expect from Online EMDR therapy sessions and why they can be beneficial. I will also provide some practical tips to ensure your sessions run smoothly.

What is EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps you work through difficult past experiences and close old chapters of your life.

The most common issues EMDR can help with include PTSD, trauma and anxiety disorders. In reality, it can support the processing of any difficult past memories that continue to affect you in the present. For more information, please visit: https://www.renata-psychotherapy.com/emdr

The Rise of Online Therapy

Traditionally, most psychotherapy sessions have been provided face to face in an office environment. During the EMDR sessions, the therapist would typically use a light bar, tappers/buzzers, or hand movement to achieve the bilateral stimulation needed for processing.

Nowadays, online platforms can achieve the same results and can be just as effective as meeting in person.

Psychological therapy has been provided remotely for many years, even before the Covid-19. Many therapists and clients still prefer working online for a variety of reasons. Online therapy is popular because it is convenient, accessible and flexible. And it is effective.

Key Benefits of Doing EMDR Therapy Online

EMDR Online is highly accessible and allows you to attend sessions from home, reducing the need to travel and potentially avoiding time spent in traffic. It offers easier access for people who live in remote areas, as long as they have an internet connection.

It is also a valuable option for people with mobility issues, as sessions can be attended from the comfort of their own home. Additionally, if you have a busy and demanding work – life schedule, it can be easier to arrange your sessions around your existing commitments.

For many people, comfort during sessions is key. Being in your favourite room and a familiar setting can help you feel more at ease, especially when working through trauma and needing to feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

Online sessions can also be more flexible.  Appointments can be scheduled around work, family and other commitments. If you are in a different time zone for any reason, your appointments can be adjusted so you can continue your therapy without interruption.

EMDR conducted online can feel more private. As long as you ensure that you won’t be disturbed during your session, you can fully focus on yourself and your therapy. This can be a helpful option for people that feel self-conscious in a traditional therapy setting or for those individuals who might have social anxiety or trauma related to public spaces. Online sessions can feel more like a personal safe space.

We are fortunate to live in times when technology complements online therapies.  Digital tools now make it easy to use eye movements and other modalities of bilateral stimulation in EMDR. The overall therapy experience can feel very natural, with meaningful eye contact, clear communication, and enhanced interactivity through video and audio.

Research and Effectiveness of Online EMDR

I have been providing EMDR Online to my clients since 2020 and I continue to be impressed by how well it works. There are many success stories and positive testimonials from clients who appreciate EMDR delivered in this format. Research shows that EMDR can be just as effective online as it is in person, and there are numerous studies confirming its effectiveness in terms of therapeutic outcomes.

Challenges of Online EMDR Therapy

It is important to acknowledge that there are some challenges when it comes to any online therapy. Occasional technical issues might arise, but most of the time they are minor and easy to resolve.

A stable and reliable internet connection greatly improves the quality of your session. If you have a quiet, private space at home and a decent connection, your session is likely to be productive and smooth. In rare cases, if technology fails, a session can be conducted by phone.

Top tips for clients for a successful online EMDR experience

Please make sure that for your online sessions:

1. You join the meeting at the agreed time.

2. Your microphone and video are turned on for your session.

3. You are in a quiet, private and confidential location (ideally not in your bedroom) and will not be disturbed for the duration of the session.

4. Your phone is on mute so that it is not a distraction during the session.

5. There is adequate lighting in the room so I can clearly see your eye movements and facial expressions during processing.

6. You have a glass of water with you or a cup of tea. I would like you to be as comfortable as possible. 

7. You have some tissues ready, just in case. Allow yourself to express emotions during the session. 

8. Your device has enough battery power to last the entire session (55-60 minutes), and you have a decent internet connection. 

9. You have a pen and paper ready or notes on your phone open, in case you’d like to make notes.

10. Usually, the bigger the screen you have (laptop or tablet rather than a phone) the easier is to do the eye movements.

11. Some people choose to use headphones during online sessions. This can create a more intimate, immerse and powerful experience.

12. After the session, I encourage you to sit quietly for 10-15 minutes after to reflect on your process. Log out, turn off your computer, close your eyes, and allow yourself some time to consolidate your learning and integrate how you feel.

My approach and experience

I find online work quite helpful when it comes to balancing work-life demands and self-care. I value flexibility, and as a therapist, it allows me to personalise therapy more closely to each client’s unique needs and challenges. With the online option there are fewer barriers to accessing support. For example, I’m able to offer time slots that might not be available elsewhere, such as evening appointments.

I prefer to use Zoom for the initial couple of sessions (Assessment, Introduction, Preparing) and Bilateral Base for Processing sessions. Both platforms are user-friendly. You simply need to click on the link I send you.  

I hope to continue offering online sessions in the foreseeable future, as approach works for both me and my clients.

Conclusion

EMDR is a powerful and transformative approach. By offering it online, we can make mental health support more accessible and flexible, helping more people receive the care they need. We will create a better world 😊

EMDR can be successfully delivered online and if flexibility is important to you, this format might be the right choice. Online EMD is effective, comfortable, and safe.

I hope online therapy can fit easily into your life, and that together we can work around your schedule in a way that supports your wellbeing. Whenever you’re ready, please feel free to reach out and let me know if I can help you.