Can You Do EMDR Virtually? A Guide to Online EMDR Therapy
Can You Do EMDR Virtually?
As an online EMDR therapy clinic, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Can you do EMDR virtually?” and “Is EMDR effective online?”. The short answer to both is yes! Online EMDR therapy works and has been shown to be just as effective as in-person sessions.
With in-person therapy, you typically go to a therapist’s office where they may use a light bar, finger movements, tapping, or thera-tappers for bilateral stimulation. With online EMDR therapy, you meet your therapist through a secure video platform from the comfort of your home, car, or other private space. You can use self-tapping, sound, eye movements, or at-home thera-tappers.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, research has been done specifically to look at “Can you do EMDR virtually?” and has confirmed that online EMDR therapy is effective and comparable to in-person treatment. Ultimately, it comes doe to personal preference!
Now that we have talked a little bit about “Can you do EMDR virtually?” and “Is EMDR effective online?”, let’s talk a little bit more about what is EMDR used to treat and is EMDR only for PTSD?
What is EMDR Used to Treat?
Many people wonder: “What is EMDR used to treat?”. While EMDR is best known as an evidence-based trauma therapy, it is used for far more than PTSD.
If you’ve ever chronically said to yourself:
“I’m not good enough.”
“I’m not safe.”
“I’m responsible".”
“I’m overwhelmed.”
EMDR is likely to be a benefit for you. These are things that we typically say to ourselves that we learned in likely in childhood that we have been carrying around for quite sometime. EMDR is used to treat those cognitions and support with putting them down.
So, What is EMDR Used to Treat, Really?
EMDR can treat things like:
PTSD and complex trauma
Recent traumatic events
Birth trauma
Anxiety
Depression
OCD
And more!
At it’s core, EMDR targets those negative cognitions we just talked about through the use of bilateral stimulation and memory processing and supports with desensitizing these thoughts so that they lose their intensity.
Is EMDR Effective for PTSD?
Another common question is: “Is EMDR effective for PTSD?”. If you’ve never experienced EMDR before, you may be skeptical, especially if you have heard others talk about how “magical” it is.
EMDR was originally designed for clients with chronic trauma symptoms. It helps desensitize traumatic memories so you can remember them without being overwhelmed by the emotional charge of those memories.
EMDR has been around since the 1980’s and research has shown that EMDR is highly effective, with studies finding significant reductions in PTSD symptoms. May clients report that EMDR feels faster and less overwhelming than traditional talk therapy because you don’t have to describe every detail of your trauma to the therapist.
Is EMDR Only For PTSD?
Is EMDR only for PTSD?—No. While it is often considered the “gold standard” for trauma treatment, EMDR is now widely used for anxiety, depression, OCD, and more. Anyone who feels “stuck” in negative thought patterns or frequently triggered by past experiences may benefit from online EMDR therapy.
Does EMDR work for Anxiety?
Yes—EMDR works for anxiety. Anxiety often comes with thoughts like “This is too big” or “I can’t handle this”. Online EMDR therapy helps you reprocess these thoughts and reduce the body’s anxiety responses. Many clients find relief from chronic worry, panic, triggers, and performance anxiety through EMDR. Individuals that often come in asking “Does EMDR work for anxiety"?” often find themselves surprised by how well it works for them!
Who Benefits from EMDR Therapy?
Who benefits from EMDR therapy? EMDR can be helpful for:
Anyone who feels stuck in painful memories or self-beliefs
People have experienced trauma (recent or in the past)
Individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns
Those who want faster progress than traditional therapy typically offers
Those who don’t want to go into all the details about what they’ve experienced
How Many EMDR Sessions Are Needed?
Clients often ask “How many EMDR sessions are needed?”. The answer depends on your history, symptoms, and your brain!
Some people find relief in just a few sessions while others may continue EMDR therapy for a year or longer.
Your therapist can help you estimate the number of sessions based on you and your unique situation.
Getting Started with Online EMDR Therapy
Whether you’re wondering “Can you do EMDR virtually?” or asking “Does EMDR work for anxiety?”, the answer is yes—online EMDR therapy is effective and widely accessible.
We provide online EMDR therapy in Minnesota, Colorado, California, Vermont, Wisconsin, Delaware, South Carolina, and Florida. Reach out to us today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation and learn how EMDR can support your healing journey!
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Soteria Mental Health
Specialized online trauma therapy specializing in EMDR trauma therapy online, pregnancy and postpartum therapy, anxiety therapy, and couples therapy. We support clients:
Online therapy in Minnesota | Online therapy in Wisconsin
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