Does Virtual EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a form of psychotherapy based on the idea that traumatic or distressing memories can become "stuck" in the brain, leading to ongoing emotional distress and negative effects on a person's daily functioning. EMDR therapy aims to help individuals process and integrate these traumatic memories, leading to a reduction in emotional distress and an improvement in overall well-being.
We have discussed before about the basics of EMDR therapy, including what it entails and how it helps our client, and we have had individuals reach out asking if EMDR can be conducted over virtual therapy. The short answer is …yes!
Several studies have found that virtual EMDR therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related symptoms, especially for veterans and first-responders.
One particular study from the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research in 2019 found that virtual EMDR therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in a group of college students. Virtual EMDR therapy, which involves the use of online communication technologies to deliver eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, can offer several benefits, including:
Convenience and Access: Virtual EMDR therapy allows clients to participate in therapy sessions from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need to travel to a therapist's office. This can be especially helpful for individuals who live in remote or rural areas, or who have limited mobility. This allows us to expand access to mental health services for individuals who might otherwise be unable to receive therapy due to geographical or other barriers.
Increased Privacy: For some individuals, attending therapy sessions in person can feel intimidating or uncomfortable. Virtual EMDR therapy can provide a greater sense of privacy and anonymity, allowing individuals to feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences.
Cost-effectiveness: Virtual EMDR therapy may be less expensive than in-person therapy sessions, as it eliminates the costs associated with travel and overhead expenses.
Flexibility: Virtual EMDR therapy allows for more flexibility in scheduling, as clients and therapists can often arrange sessions outside of regular business hours.
While many clinicians provide EMDR therapy in-person, many modernized systems have enabled us to provide the same quality of therapy over online platforms, and the healing process remains the same. Like in-person therapy, virtual EMDR therapy typically begins with an initial assessment session to discuss the client's history and current symptoms. The eye movements used in EMDR therapy can be replicated virtually through techniques such as having the client follow a cursor, moving their finger back and forth on the screen or using bilateral tapping methods, and the Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) scale, which is used to measure the intensity of a client's distress during EMDR therapy, can be administered virtually through a chat-based system or other methods.
During virtual EMDR therapy, clients can expect to engage in processing sessions, where they focus on a traumatic memory or negative belief while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping). The therapist will guide the client through the processing session and help them explore and reprocess the traumatic memory.
It is important to note, however, that virtual EMDR therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional to determine whether it is a good fit for your individual needs.
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