Does EMDR Work Online? What to Know About EMDR Therapy Through Telehealth

When I first started offering telehealth counseling, I was skeptical.

I kept wondering, How could therapy be helpful when you aren’t sitting in the same room as someone? I could see the possibilities: someone could meet with their therapist from home, sit in their car on a lunch break, get comfortable in their pajamas, or find a quiet spot on their back porch. The flexibility was exciting. But I was still uncertain.

Then COVID happened, and we didn’t have much of a choice. Offices were closing, people were anxious, and many clients understandably felt more comfortable staying home. People still needed support—and at a time when so much of our usual social interaction was limited, being able to connect with someone mattered, too.

As I began working with clients virtually, I saw that meaningful therapeutic work could happen through a screen. But I had another question: Could EMDR therapy work this way, too?

If you’ve been wondering the same thing, the short answer is yes. EMDR can be offered through telehealth with a trained therapist, and research suggests it can help reduce PTSD symptoms. Let’s talk about what that can look like and how to decide if it might be right for you.

I was skeptical about online EMDR, too

Before providing EMDR virtually, I used handheld devices that vibrated in clients’ hands, alternating from one side to the other. That was how I was used to providing bilateral stimulation, an element of EMDR’s memory-processing phase. I wondered how we could do that when we weren’t in the same room.

We had to learn other ways to provide it. And much to my surprise, I saw clients doing meaningful trauma work and making progress virtually.

“Trust the process” is something that has been etched into my brain as an EMDR therapist. Watching clients do this work through a screen gave that phrase a whole new meaning for me.

How can EMDR be done online?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that can help people process distressing memories and experiences. It is an established treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You can learn more in my blog, What Is EMDR Therapy, and Can It Help Me?.

EMDR includes learning about your history, preparing for the work, identifying experiences to address, processing those experiences, and checking your progress. These parts of therapy can take place during video sessions with your therapist.

During the memory-processing portion, your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation—alternating stimulation from one side to the other. Online, this may involve following a moving image on your screen or using therapist-guided self-tapping. Other options may be available, depending on your therapist’s approach and your needs.

You and your therapist will discuss what method feels comfortable and appropriate for you.

Does online EMDR actually work?

Research suggests that therapist-delivered EMDR through telehealth can help reduce PTSD symptoms. Researchers are still studying how online EMDR compares with in-person EMDR, so we cannot say the two will work equally well for every person or every concern.

What we do know is that EMDR is more than the eye movements. The relationship you build with your therapist, the preparation you do together, and having a treatment plan that fits your needs are all important parts of the process.

If you’re unsure whether a screen will make it harder to connect or feel comfortable, that is a conversation worth having. Your preferences matter.

Why I chose to keep my practice online

Over time, I saw how much flexibility telehealth offered both my clients and me. Clients could attend from a private place that worked for them without taking extra time away from work to drive to and from an office.

Moving my practice online also reduced some of the costs of maintaining an office. That helped me keep my rates lower than they might otherwise need to be.

For some clients, being in their own space makes it easier to feel comfortable and open up. Others have shared that when an EMDR session ends, closing their laptop or exiting the session gives them a sense of closure until we meet again.

Of course, everyone is different. Some people prefer an office, and finding privacy at home isn’t always easy. What matters is finding a setting where you feel comfortable and supported.

What might an online EMDR session look like?

You will not necessarily begin processing a difficult memory during your first session.

First, we talk about what brings you to therapy, your history, what you hope will change, and whether EMDR is a good fit. We also spend time building trust and identifying ways to manage distress.

When you and your therapist decide you’re ready, you might identify a memory, the belief connected to it, and what you notice emotionally or physically. Your therapist then guides you through processing while checking in with you along the way.

You are awake and aware during EMDR. You can ask questions, request a break, or let your therapist know if something feels too overwhelming. Your therapist will help you come back to the present before the session ends.

What do I need for virtual EMDR?

You don’t need a therapy office in your home, but you will need a space where you can talk privately and focus. It can help to have:

• A reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and sound.

• A comfortable, private place where you are unlikely to be interrupted.

• Headphones, if they help you hear or protect your privacy.

• A little time after your appointment to transition back into your day, if possible.

Your therapist can talk through the technology with you and make a plan for what to do if the connection drops.

I know a quiet space can be difficult to find, especially if you work from home or have children. If you’re wondering what might work for you, we can talk about it before starting.

Is online EMDR right for everyone?

Not necessarily. Some people prefer being in the same room as their therapist, have difficulty finding privacy, or have internet access that makes video sessions challenging.

Your symptoms and support needs also matter. For example, if you experience significant dissociation or often feel disconnected from yourself or your surroundings, we may need more time to assess your needs, build skills, and decide whether and how to proceed. In some situations, a different type of care or a therapist with additional expertise may be a better fit.

Choosing the right approach is something we can explore together.

Can I do EMDR from anywhere?

Your physical location at the time of your session matters. Therapists must follow the licensing rules for the location where a client is physically present, so talk with your therapist before scheduling a session from another state.

At Serenity Therapy Services, I offer online counseling and EMDR therapy for clients in Missouri. Telehealth can be especially helpful when you live in a rural area, have a busy schedule, or would rather attend from a private space at home.

Curious about trying online EMDR therapy?

You don’t need to know exactly what you want to work on—or whether EMDR is right for you—before reaching out.

If you’re looking for online EMDR therapy in Missouri, schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Serenity Therapy Services. We can talk about what you’re experiencing, answer your questions, and see whether working together feels like a good fit.