Can EMDR Therapy Be Done Online?

If you are interested in EMDR therapy but prefer meeting with a therapist from home, you may be wondering whether EMDR can be provided through telehealth.

Some clinicians provide EMDR remotely, but online treatment requires careful planning. Whether it is suitable depends on your needs, the therapist’s training and experience, the telehealth setting, and applicable professional and legal requirements.

It is important not to assume that every EMDR approach or every client is automatically suited to online treatment.

What Might an Online EMDR Session Involve?

The overall treatment framework may include assessment, preparation, working with selected experiences, and reviewing progress. In a telehealth setting, the therapist and client also need to consider how to communicate clearly and use the technology safely.

A clinician may discuss:

• Whether you have a private, comfortable place for sessions

• Whether your internet connection and device are reliable

• How you will communicate if you need to pause

• What to do if you become distressed during or after a session

• What support or emergency procedures are available

• Whether remote EMDR is appropriate for your circumstances

Your therapist should explain the process and answer questions before beginning.

Does Online EMDR Use Eye Movements?

EMDR includes bilateral stimulation, which can take different forms. The specific method used in telehealth should be determined by the clinician as part of an appropriate treatment plan.

Do not attempt to conduct EMDR processing on your own based on a video or online instructions. EMDR is a psychotherapy intervention that should be provided by a properly trained and licensed clinician.

Is Online EMDR Right for Everyone?

No single format works for everyone. A therapist should consider your history, symptoms, current supports, privacy, safety, and ability to participate remotely.

If online EMDR therapy is not suitable, you and your therapist can discuss other treatment options or a different way of accessing care.

What About Licensing and Where I Live?

Telehealth rules can depend on where the client is physically located during the session. Before scheduling, confirm that the clinician is authorized to provide services in your location and that online treatment is appropriate for your situation.

Ask Questions Before You Begin

You may want to ask a prospective therapist:

• Do you provide EMDR through telehealth?

• What EMDR training and experience do you have?

• How do you assess whether online EMDR is appropriate?

• How do you prepare clients for remote sessions?

• What should I do if I feel overwhelmed?

• What are the limits of telehealth care?
  

At Gaining Grace LLC, you can learn more about available online therapy services and ask whether EMDR may be an appropriate option for you. Availability depends on clinician authorization and the client’s location.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR  

Hey, I'm Brooke -- I'm a licensed anxiety and addiction therapist serving individuals, adolescents, and couples in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. My experience brings both a personal and professional perspective to the work that I do with my clients. If you are interested in learning more about the therapy process and would like to schedule a free consultation, I would love to schedule a free, ten-minute phone consultation with you!

This article is educational and does not establish that online EMDR is appropriate for any particular person.