Can EMDR be Done Virtually?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing one of the most effective therapies for processing trauma and reducing distress caused by disturbing memories. In the past, EMDR sessions were always in person, with client and therapist in the same physical space.

With so much therapy now done online, you may be asking yourself “Can EMDR be done virtually?” We answer this question and more in this blog from Yatra Centre.

While Yatra does now offer online EMDR sessions, we do include EMDR as part of our holistic approach to treating trauma. Contact us today on +66 96 916 3287 for more information on how we can help you recover from trauma at our serene coastal location in Krabi, Thailand.

What is EMDR?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a trauma therapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. EMDR is designed to help you process and heal from traumatic experiences by engaging the brain’s natural healing processes.

During an EMDR session, your therapist will guide you to focus on traumatic memories while you perform specific eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory tones. This process helps to desensitize the emotional charge associated with your memories and reprocess the information. This leads to a reduction in trauma-related symptoms.

EMDR is particularly effective for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it has also been used successfully to address anxiety, depression, phobias, and other mental health conditions. The structured approach of EMDR helps you to gradually confront and reframe distressing memories, making them less intrusive and overwhelming.

Does EMDR Work Online? The Effectiveness of Virtual Therapy

In the past, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing was only available in person, but in recent years therapists have begun offering online EMDR. But is this method of doing EMDR as effective as face to face therapy?

The Pros of Virtual EMDR

Not only can EMDR be done virtually, but there are also several benefits to having EMDR sessions in this way.

Accessibility and Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of virtual EMDR is accessibility. If you live in a remote area or have mobility issues, online EMDR therapy allows you to receive treatment without the need to travel. Having sessions from the comfort of your home can also reduce anxiety and make it easier to open up during therapy.

Flexible Scheduling: Virtual EMDR means you can fit sessions into your busy life without the added time and stress of commuting. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a tight schedule or if traditional office hours are challenging for you.

Continued Support: During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual EMDR meant that people with trauma and other conditions could continue therapy without interruption. This continuity was crucial to maintain progress and manage symptoms for many of these people.

The Cons of Virtual EMDR

Virtual EMDR also comes with a number of downsides which you will not have problems with during in person Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing sessions.

Technical Issues: One of the main challenges of virtual EMDR is the potential for technical problems. Internet connectivity issues, software glitches, and other technical difficulties can disrupt the flow of a session and affect how effective the session is.

Distractions: Being at home means there may be distractions that do not exist in a therapist’s office. You can counteract this a little by creating a quiet, private space for your virtual sessions where you will not be disturbed.

Therapeutic Connection: While virtual therapy can still foster a strong therapeutic relationship, some people find it harder to connect with their therapist through a screen. The physical presence and non-verbal cues available in face-to-face sessions can enhance the therapeutic bond and make you feel more supported. This is an important part of the therapeutic process.

Why In-Person EMDR is More Effective Than Online

While the answer to “can EMDR be done virtually?” is a resounding “yes”, most people find in-person sessions offer a deeper and ultimately more effective therapeutic experience. Here are some reasons why face-to-face EMDR might be more effective for you:

Enhanced Presence and Connection: In-person EMDR sessions allow you to experience the full presence of your therapist, which can be reassuring and comforting. The direct eye contact, body language, and immediate feedback available in a physical setting helps build a stronger therapeutic connection. This connection plays an important role in the healing process.

Better Control Over the Environment: In a therapist’s office, the environment is specifically designed to be conducive to therapy. The setting is free from distractions, which creates a safe and controlled space for you to focus on your therapeutic process. At home, it can be challenging to replicate this environment, and external factors might interfere with your ability to fully engage in the session.

Immediate Intervention and Support: During in-person EMDR sessions, your therapist can provide immediate intervention if you become distressed or overwhelmed. They can offer physical presence and comfort, which is not possible during virtual EMDR sessions. This ability to address emotional responses in real-time also plays an important role in processing traumatic memories.

Creating an Optimal Virtual EMDR Experience

If you decide to start virtual EMDR, there are steps you can take to enhance the effectiveness of your sessions.

Set Up a Private Space

Choose a quiet, private space where you can attend your sessions without interruptions. Inform the people around you about your therapy schedule to minimize disruptions. Creating a comfortable and safe environment will help you to focus fully on the therapy process.

Use Reliable Technology

Make sure you have a stable internet connection and familiarize yourself with the video conferencing platform your therapist uses. Test your equipment before sessions to reduce the likelihood of technical issues. Having a backup plan, such as a phone call or alternative internet connection can also be helpful if technical problems happen.

Communicate Openly with Your Therapist

Effective communication is key to successful virtual therapy. Share any concerns or difficulties you experience during online EMDR sessions with your therapist. They can provide guidance and adjust their approach to better suit your needs. Ultimately you may reach the decision that online EMDR sessions are not suitable for you at the moment.

EMDR at Yatra Centre 

We offer all our clients at Yatra Centre EMDR. We find that this modality is one of the most effective at treating trauma, particularly when it is used as part of our holistic program of trauma recovery.

However we also acknowledge that EMDR is not for everyone. If for whatever reason EMDR does not resonate for you, we will focus on treating your trauma with other therapies. Because at Yatra, we truly believe in client-directed care, and find that when clients have a say in their treatment protocol, there is a sense of agency, which can accelerate the healing process

For more information on what we do at Yatra, contact us today on +66 96 916 3287.