In online EMDR, the therapist typically uses video conferencing tools (like remotEMDR or easyemdr) to communicate with the client. The key components of EMDR—history-taking, desensitization, reprocessing, and installation of positive beliefs—remain similar to in-person sessions. However, the bilateral stimulation (usually through guided eye movements) can be adapted for an online setting.
Some common ways bilateral stimulation is adapted online include:
- Using Visual Cues: The therapist may ask the client to follow a light or an object on the screen, mimicking the eye movement component of traditional EMDR.
- Audio Cues: In some cases, therapists use audio-based bilateral stimulation, where the client hears alternating sounds (usually through headphones) in each ear. This is a viable option if the visual method is not practical.
- Tactile Cues: In certain cases, clients may use tapping on their own hands or knees to replicate the bilateral stimulation.
Benefits of Online EMDR
- Accessibility: Online EMDR makes therapy more accessible, especially for individuals in remote areas or those with mobility challenges. People who may not have access to qualified therapists in their region can now seek treatment from the comfort of their own home.
- Comfort and Safety: Some individuals feel more comfortable in their own space, which can help them open up and engage in the therapeutic process more easily. The online format can also reduce any anxiety related to travel or the in-person therapeutic setting.
- Convenience: Online therapy removes the need for travel, allowing clients to fit sessions into their schedules more easily, which can be especially helpful for those with busy lifestyles.
- Continued Support During Disruptions: Online therapy provides continuity of care, even during situations that may interrupt in-person sessions (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic, relocation, or other life changes).
Considerations for Effective Online EMDR
- Technical Issues: A reliable internet connection and proper video/audio equipment are essential for online EMDR. Interruptions in the connection can disrupt the flow of the session and potentially hinder the therapeutic process.
- Therapist Training: Not all therapists are trained in delivering EMDR remotely. It’s important to ensure that your therapist is specifically trained to offer online EMDR, as delivering this therapy effectively in a virtual environment requires specific knowledge of both the technique and the technology.
- Space for Safety and Privacy: Clients should have a private and quiet space where they can focus on the session without distractions or interruptions. It’s crucial that both the therapist and client feel secure, especially when dealing with sensitive trauma.
- Bilateral Stimulation: While online EMDR can effectively incorporate bilateral stimulation (via visual or audio cues),
- Research on Online EMDR:Recent studies and anecdotal evidence support the effectiveness of online EMDR. Research has shown that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many psychological conditions, including trauma and PTSD. Although more research is needed to understand the nuances of EMDR in an online format, the existing evidence suggests that online EMDR can still lead to meaningful improvements in mental health.
