Can You Really Do EMDR Therapy Online?
When most people think of therapy, they picture sitting in a cozy office across from a therapist. So when they hear about EMDR therapy—a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help people process trauma—they often wonder: Can this really be done online?
The answer is yes—and not only is it possible, but online EMDR therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized therapy developed to help people recover from trauma, anxiety, and distressing life experiences. EMDR helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelming or emotionally charged.
A core component of EMDR is bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating audio tones—which changes the way memories are stored in your brain and body, leading to a permanent reduction in distress.
How Does EMDR Work Online?
In an online EMDR session, we use a secure video platform to meet face-to-face in real time. Bilateral stimulation can be done in several ways virtually:
Visual cues: You may follow a moving dot across your screen that I control from my computer.
Tactile: There are a number of options I can provide for using “buzzers” that vibrate from one hand to the other and can be remotely controlled by me during our EMDR session.
Tapping: I might guide you through self-tapping techniques.
Auditory stimulation: We may use alternating tones or sounds delivered through headphones.
These tools are easily adapted for telehealth sessions, and most clients find them just as engaging and effective as in-person options.
Is Online EMDR Therapy Effective?
You're not alone in wondering whether EMDR can really work online. Fortunately, research supports the effectiveness of virtual EMDR therapy:
✅ Intensive EMDR therapy delivered via home-based telehealth is safe, effective, and leads to significant reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms, with high patient satisfaction.
(Bongaerts et al., 2021, European Journal of Psychotraumatology)✅ Remote intensive trauma-focused treatment, including EMDR, is feasible, safe, and leads to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms.
(Voorendonk et al., 2022, European Journal of Psychotraumatology)✅ The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), the primary professional body for EMDR therapists, officially supports telehealth EMDR and provides detailed guidance for safely conducting sessions online (EMDRIA Telehealth Resources).
✅ The World Health Organization (WHO) endorses EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD, reinforcing its global credibility as a trauma therapy—whether in-person or virtual (WHO Guidelines, 2013).
Why Clients Choose Online EMDR
Many people find online EMDR not only effective, but preferable. Benefits include:
Access from anywhere – no need to travel to an office
More privacy and flexibility – ideal for busy adults or those in rural areas
Greater comfort – engaging in therapy from your own space can feel safer, especially for trauma work
As a trauma-focused therapist, I’ve been providing online EMDR therapy since 2019 to adults seeking healing from trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. I’m licensed to work with clients across Arizona, Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts—and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this work can be, even through a screen.
Is Online EMDR Right for You?
While online EMDR is effective for many people, it’s not one-size-fits-all. In our initial consultation, we’ll assess your goals, needs, and comfort with the online format. If online EMDR is a good fit, we’ll tailor the approach to meet your specific concerns.
Final Thoughts
So—can you really do EMDR therapy online?
Yes. Safely, effectively, and with the same depth of healing as in-person sessions.
If you're ready to explore online EMDR therapy, or if you have questions about how it works, contact me for a free consultation. I’m here to help you take the next step toward healing—wherever you are.
