Can EMDR Therapy be Done Online?
When so many of the day to day functions of our lives came to a haulting stop in 2020, many people began to work with their therapists online.
At the same time, there were many skeptics who did not believe the benefits of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is traditionally a hands-on therapy, could translate to online platforms.
As the shutdown unfolded and more and more therapists began using EMDR therapy online, it became clear that this method 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?
EMDR requires bilateral stimulation- eye movement, sound, or tapping in an alternating motion on the body which activates both side of the brain for reprocessing of information that was stored in the brain in a negative way.
Generally an EMDR therapist would facilitate the movement of your eyes by moving their finger from left to right in front of the your face. However, this is not the only means to achieve bilateral stimulation.
You can actually be led to tap your shoulders or knees in a rhythmic sequence.
Thanks to secure therapy platforms like Telehealth and EMDR Remote, you and your therapist can have face-to-face sessions where bilateral stimulation can easily be achieved.
Do You Need Help Overcoming Unwanted Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviors?
EMDR is a highly effective tool for helping you heal from unresolved emotional pain that continues to negatively effect your life.
EMDR can also be used successfully to help you eliminte anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, attachment wounds and more.
Though the 2020 shutdown is over, many people choose to continue Therapy sessions online. Doing the deep work of healing from the comfort of your own home helps you feel safe.
Online sessions are always secure and confidential.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule your first session, give me a call or text.
SOURCES:
https://emdrhealing.com/online-emdr/
