Online EMDR Therapy Effectiveness
The shift to online therapy has opened new possibilities for healing. As a certified EMDR therapist offering both in-person and virtual sessions in Seattle, I can confidently say that online EMDR is not just a compromise, it's a fully effective treatment option that some clients actually prefer. Let me share what research shows and what you can expect from virtual EMDR therapy.
What Research Says About Online EMDR
Multiple studies have demonstrated that online EMDR is as effective as in-person treatment:
Equal Outcomes: A 2021 study found no significant difference in treatment outcomes between online and in-person EMDR for PTSD.
Client Satisfaction: Research shows high satisfaction rates with online EMDR, with many clients appreciating the convenience and comfort.
Therapist Confidence: Trained EMDR therapists report being able to deliver the full protocol effectively online.
Symptom Reduction: Studies show comparable reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression with online EMDR.
How Online EMDR Works
The core elements of EMDR translate seamlessly to virtual platforms:
Bilateral Stimulation Options
Instead of following fingers in person, online EMDR uses:
Self-tapping: You tap alternately on your shoulders or knees
Butterfly hug: Crossing arms and alternating taps
Online light bars: Screen-based visual tracking
Audio tones: Through headphones
Hand buzzers: Mailed to clients or self-administered tapping
The Eight-Phase Protocol
Every phase of EMDR works online:
History taking via secure video
Preparation with virtual resource building
Assessment of target memories
Desensitization with bilateral stimulation
Installation of positive beliefs
Body scan for remaining activation
Closure with grounding exercises
Reevaluation in follow-up sessions
Advantages of Online EMDR
Comfort of Home
Many clients process more deeply when they're:
In their safe space
Surrounded by comforting items
Able to self-soothe immediately after
Not worried about driving after intense sessions
Accessibility
Online EMDR removes barriers:
No commute through Seattle traffic
Access from anywhere in Washington State
Sessions possible despite mobility issues
Continuity during illness or travel
Easier scheduling around work
Enhanced Privacy
Some clients prefer online for:
Complete anonymity (no waiting room encounters)
Processing from private spaces
Reduced anxiety about being seen at therapy
Comfort for those with social anxiety
Nervous System Regulation
Being in your own space can help with:
Faster post-session recovery
Immediate access to pets or support
Ability to ground in familiar environment
Option to lie down immediately after
My Approach to Online EMDR
With certifications in EMDR and multiple somatic approaches, I've adapted my practice for optimal online delivery:
Technical Preparation
Stable internet connection testing
Backup communication plans
Clear audio/video setup
Private, interruption-free space
Comfortable seating arrangement
Modified Techniques
Drawing from my training, I integrate:
Somatic awareness exercises adapted for screen
Grounding techniques using items in your space
Resource installation with personal objects
Body scanning with verbal guidance
Enhanced Safety Measures
Clear crisis protocols
Local emergency resources identified
Between-session support plans
Self-regulation tools practiced
Container exercises for your space
What Online EMDR Actually Looks Like
Session Setup
You'll need:
Private, quiet space
Computer or tablet (phones work but larger screens are better)
Stable internet connection
Headphones (optional but helpful)
Comfort items nearby
During Processing
A typical online session might look like:
We connect via secure, HIPAA-compliant platform
Check-in and target identification
I guide you through bilateral stimulation options
You process while I monitor your state through the screen
We use your home environment for grounding as needed
Closure includes ensuring you're stable before ending
Between Sessions
Online therapy can enhance between-session work:
You're already in your processing space
Easier to maintain practices
Can immediately self-care
Familiar environment for integration
When In-Person Might Be Preferred
While online EMDR is highly effective, some situations benefit from in-person work:
High Dissociation
If you frequently disconnect, in-person allows:
Closer monitoring of subtle cues
More grounding options
Physical presence for safety
Immediate intervention if needed
Complex Attachment Trauma
Some clients need:
Physical presence for co-regulation
Consistent therapy space
Separation from home triggers
Embodied relational repair
Technology Challenges
In-person is better if you have:
Unreliable internet
Discomfort with technology
No private space at home
Distracting home environment
Personal Preference
Some people simply prefer:
Leaving home for therapy
Clear boundary between home and healing
In-person connection
Traditional therapy setup
Making Online EMDR Work for You
Creating Your Therapy Space
Consistent location for sessions
Comfortable seating
Soft lighting
Minimal distractions
Comfort items accessible
Preparing for Sessions
Test technology beforehand
Have water nearby
Use the bathroom first
Turn off notifications
Inform household members
Optimizing Bilateral Stimulation
We'll find what works best:
Practice different methods
Adjust speed and intensity
Use combination approaches
Modify based on your needs
Special Considerations for Seattle/Washington
Insurance Coverage
Most Washington insurance plans now cover online therapy equally, including:
Premera
Regence
Kaiser Washington
Molina
Many others
Legal Considerations
I'm licensed to provide online EMDR throughout Washington State, whether you're in:
Seattle metro area
Eastern Washington
Rural communities
Traveling within state
Local Resources
Even online, I maintain connections with:
Seattle-area psychiatrists
Local emergency resources
Community support groups
Specialized treatment centers
Hybrid Approaches
Many clients benefit from flexibility:
Starting in-person for assessment
Moving online for processing
Returning in-person for integration
Switching based on needs
My Ballard office and online platform allow seamless transitions between modalities.
Success Stories with Online EMDR
Note: Details changed for privacy
Tech Worker with Social Anxiety Found online sessions less triggering, processed workplace trauma successfully over 8 virtual sessions.
New Parent with Birth Trauma Could attend sessions during baby's naps, healed from traumatic delivery without leaving home.
Rural Washington Client Accessed specialized EMDR unavailable locally, resolved complex PTSD through virtual treatment.
The Future of EMDR Therapy
Online EMDR isn't just a temporary solution—it's an evolution in trauma treatment that:
Increases accessibility
Maintains effectiveness
Offers unique advantages
Expands treatment options
Is Online EMDR Right for You?
Consider online EMDR if you:
Have reliable internet
Want to save commute time
Feel safer at home
Need scheduling flexibility
Live outside Seattle proper
Prefer virtual connections
During our free consultation, we can:
Test the technology
Discuss your preferences
Assess suitability
Plan the best approach
Whether you choose online, in-person, or a combination, what matters most is that you get the help you need. With my integrated training and commitment to accessible trauma treatment, I'm here to support your healing journey in whatever format works best for you.
