EMDR Therapy & Telehealth, Can It Be Done?
When the pandemic hit, many people began to work with their therapists online. But there were many skeptics who did not believe the benefits of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, also known as EMDR therapy, which is traditionally a hands-on therapy, could translate to online platforms. But as the pandemic unfolded and more and more therapists began using EMDR therapy online, it became clear that this protocol was just as effective used virtually as it was in-person.
While anecdotal evidence has its place (and there is plenty of anecdotal evidence for online EMDR therapy), scientific research is now emerging that proves the effectiveness of EMDR therapy practiced online. One such study from 2021 is cited in this article.
How is EMDR Therapy Conducted Online?
One of the main things to know about EMDR is that it requires bilateral stimulation. Generally an EMDR therapist would facilitate the movement of their client’s eyes by moving their finger from left to right in front of the client’s face. However, this is not the only means to achieve bilateral stimulation. The client can actually be led to tap their shoulders or knees in a rhythmic sequence on the left and right side of the body. There are also apps that allow for the eye movement on the screen as well as sound through headphones to deliver the bilateral stimulation.
Thanks to platforms like Zoom, a therapist and their client can conduct face-to-face sessions and bilateral stimulation can still easily be achieved.
Is Online EMDR Safe?
It will be important for you to work with your therapist to ensure EMDR delivered online is a safe and appropriate avenue for your care. Your therapist should be trained, as ours are, to assess for your environment to be physically and emotionally safe. You will also be exploring your access to safe and supportive people as well as access to emergency care if needed. You and your therapist will assess your ability to emotionally regulate and strengthen your tools through resourcing. Your safety is always top priority and we will work to ensure there is a plan in place that meet this important aspect of care.
You will also explore with your therapist if you have a secure internet connection and network. There will be a plan in place that you both understand for how to re-connect if there are issues with the online platform. We know relying on internet can come with it's own issues that are outside of our control, so we work together to ensure you are confident in any barriers that may present to reduce distress.
If at any time you no longer feel online EMDR is appropriate for you, communicate this to your therapist to ensure your needs are being met and alternative options are established.
Do You Need Help Overcoming Trauma?
EMDR is a highly effective tool for helping individuals heal from trauma. EMDR can also be used successfully to treat anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias and more. Online EMDR also allows for individuals that live in rural areas, limited transportation, disabilities, childcare constraints and more to receive care they might not have access to with traditional in person care.
Many of our clients choose to continue their EMDR sessions online. They find doing this work from the comfort of their own home helps them feel safe. Online sessions are always secure and confidential as we ensure to use HIPAA compliant tools.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule your first session, please give our office a call for you to be connected with the best therapist for your needs!
SOURCES:
https://www.emdria.org/research/online-emdr-therapy-recent-research-and-overview/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10990439/#CIT0013
https://emdrhealing.com/online-emdr/