Many therapists now spend as much time on video as in the office. For trauma work, that shift can raise real questions. EMDR therapy grew up in the therapy room, with careful in person sessions.
So, can EMDR therapy be done online in a safe and effective way? Early data and day to day EMDR practice suggest that virtual EMDR can work very well when structure, safety, and preparation stay tight.
Online CE Credits now supports this shift with targeted EMDR courses and online skills training for licensed clinicians.
What Is EMDR Therapy and Why It’s Effective
EMDR theravpy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured trauma focused treatment. It helps the client process traumatic memories that are stuck in a highly charged, unprocessed state.
In a typical EMDR session, the EMDR therapist asks the client to bring up a target memory, along with images, thoughts, body sensations, and emotions. At the same time, the therapist uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, taps, or tones. This dual focus seems to help the brain file traumatic experiences into a more adaptive form.
Across many randomized controlled trials, EMDR has reduced symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, as well as related anxiety and depressive symptoms, often in fewer sessions than some forms of traditional behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Can EMDR Be Done Online?
Yes. Online EMDR therapy can be delivered safely and effectively when it follows standard EMDR protocols and good telehealth practice.
- Service evaluations from BMC Psychiatry and other groups found that EMDR delivered by secure video led to significant drops in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression, with outcomes similar to in person EMDR therapy.
- A service evaluation on behalf of the EMDR Association UK reported significant symptom reduction in clients (PTSD, anxiety, depression) after online EMDR, concluding that “online EMDR is here to stay.”
With stable technology, clear preparation, and careful screening, a virtual EMDR therapy session can keep all 8 phases of the usual model.
EMDR In Person vs. Online
| Aspect | In Person EMDR Therapy | Online EMDR Therapy |
| Setting | Shared office space; therapist controls room layout and privacy. | Client chooses a private space at home or work; therapist guides setup. |
| Bilateral stimulation | Eye movements, hand taps, or buzzers used in the room. | On screen eye movements, self tapping, or audio/tactile apps. |
| Safety planning | Safety plans for leaving the office and traveling home. | Extra focus on grounding, crisis plan, and what to do if the call drops. |
| Technology needs | Minimal; standard office tools. | Secure platform, backup plan, and basic tech checks before sessions. |
| Access and reach | Limited by geography and mobility. | Easier to treat clients remotely, including rural or homebound clients. |
How Online EMDR Therapy Works
Online EMDR keeps the standard 8 phase structure of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. The difference is that each step is translated to a video based setting.
- History taking and case conceptualization
The therapist gathers a full history of traumatic experiences, current triggers, mental health conditions, and resources. They also confirm that online therapy is safe and appropriate. - Preparation and resourcing
The therapist explains EMDR, online therapy limits, and what to expect during reprocessing therapy. Together, they build coping strategies such as calm place imagery, breathing tools, and movement breaks that work in the home setting. - Assessment of a target memory
The client and therapist pick a specific target, such as a crash, assault, or medical event. They identify the worst image, the negative belief, the desired outcome belief, and body sensations, just as in in person sessions. - Desensitization with bilateral stimulation
The therapist starts sets of bilateral stimulation. Online EMDR can use on screen eye movements, therapist hand movements on camera, self tapping, or audio tones through secure software. The client reports shifts in images, thoughts, and feelings after each short set. - Installation of a positive belief
When distress has dropped to a low level, the therapist strengthens the positive belief linked to the memory. Bilateral stimulation continues as the client holds that new belief and checks how true it feels. - Body scan
The client scans the body while thinking of the event and the new belief. Any remaining tension is processed with short sets of bilateral stimulation until the body feels more settled. - Closure
The therapist makes sure the client is stable before ending the online EMDR therapy session. They review grounding, give simple coping strategies, and confirm that the client knows how to reach support between sessions if needed. - Reevaluation
At the start of the next meeting, therapist and client review progress, current triggers, and any new material. The EMDR practice then moves to the next target or continues work on the same one.
Is Virtual EMDR Therapy Effective?
Early research on online EMDR is encouraging. A 2021 BMC Psychiatry service evaluation of EMDR delivered over the internet found large and clinically meaningful drops in PTSD symptoms across a broad real world sample.
A more recent systematic review in Frontiers in Psychiatry reported that online EMDR showed promising results for post traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression, though some studies had small samples or limited controls.
New randomized trials, including work with online EMDR group protocols and EMDR 2.0 approaches, also suggest that remote EMDR can reduce traumatic stress and related symptoms in a structured way.
Overall, the current message is cautious but hopeful. For many clients, online EMDR can be a valid alternative to in person sessions when safety, preparation, and protocol fidelity stay strong.
What You Need for a Successful Online EMDR Session
From a clinical angle, a strong online EMDR setup covers three areas: technology, space, and plan.
- Stable and secure platform
A private, HIPAA compliant video system, reliable internet, and a backup plan if the call drops. - Private, safe environment
Clients need a quiet room with a door that can close, headphones if privacy is limited, and a way to pause the session if someone enters. - Grounding and crisis plan
Before formal reprocessing, therapist and client agree on clear stop signals, grounding tools, local emergency contacts, and what to do if distress spikes while they are apart. - Appropriate tools for bilateral stimulation
This may include tracking a target on the screen, guided tapping, or approved bilateral stimulation apps. Many clinicians use Vybez, a simple browser-based platform that helps keep bilateral stimulation steady during remote EMDR work.
Many clinicians build these skills through focused training. Our must-have EMDR skills for online therapy course offers clear, practical guidance for real virtual sessions, even if you aren’t trained in EMDR!
Benefits of Doing EMDR Online
When it fits the client and case, online EMDR can offer:
- Greater access for clients in rural areas, those with mobility limits, or those who feel safer at home.
- Better continuity during illness, travel, or childcare strain, which can be critical for intensive treatment of traumatic experiences.
- Reduced no shows and easier scheduling, which helps the full course of reprocessing stay on track.
Challenges and Limitations to Be Aware Of
Online EMDR is not a fit for every person or every mental health issue. Therapists must think carefully about:
- Risk level and stability
Clients with high suicide risk, active psychosis, or severe dissociation may need closer in person care. - Environmental control
Home settings can be noisy, chaotic, or unsafe, which may limit deep reprocessing. - Technology gaps
Poor connection, lack of privacy, or low digital literacy can interrupt the therapeutic process.
How Therapists Can Learn with Online CE Credits to Deliver EMDR Online
For licensed clinicians, the key questions are not only “can EMDR therapy be done online” but “how can it be done well, and within scope.”
Online CE Credits offers several ways to build that competence:
- A broad library of EMDR courses that review core protocols, case examples, and updates in the research.
- A stepwise EMDR therapy skills certificate that helps therapists move from basic training to practical, day to day use in different settings.
- A focused course on online EMDR skills that covers virtual safety, technology choices, and specific adaptations for treating clients remotely.
- An Advanced EMDR therapy skills certificate for clinicians who want deeper work with complex trauma, dissociation, and intensive formats.
FAQs
Does virtual EMDR really work?
Yes, virtual EMDR can work well. A 2021 BMC Psychiatry trial found that online EMDR reduces PTSD symptoms in a way that matches in person sessions when the therapist follows the full protocol.
Is EMDR therapy safe to do online?
It can be safe when the therapist prepares well. This means a clear safety plan, a backup plan for tech issues, and steady grounding skills before any reprocessing work.
Do I need special software for virtual EMDR?
Not always. Many therapists use a secure video platform with on screen targets, hand tapping, or bilateral tones.
How long does an online EMDR session last?
Most sessions last 50 to 90 minutes. Some therapists also offer EMDR intensives, which use longer sessions over a few days.
What qualifications should my therapist have?
A therapist should hold a mental health license and complete an approved EMDR basic training. For online EMDR, it helps when they also have telehealth training and supervision so they can handle safety, pacing, and technical needs.
How much does virtual EMDR cost?
Fees vary. Many therapists charge the same as in person EMDR. Rates change based on location, training, and whether the therapist offers standard or intensive EMDR.
