EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a therapy technique that was originally developed to treat the effects of trauma, and is recommended by organizations including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Psychiatric Association, and the World Health Organization.
During EMDR, the client recalls a disturbing memory or thought while the therapist employs bilateral stimulation — a rhythmic, side-to-side pattern. More information about what EMDR looks like and how it works can be found in the short video here.
Not everyone experiences Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but most people have gone through disturbing things in their lives. Something that may not affect one person very much can cause significant suffering for another. EMDR helps ease the lingering distress from these events, regardless of the label.
While EMDR was originally developed before the advent of virtual therapy, we know that this delivery method is just as effective compared to traditional, in-person therapy. Research into virtual EMDR skyrocketed after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has shown that that it yields comparable outcomes to EMDR conducted face-to-face. Studies have found no significant differences in treatment effectiveness, suggesting that clients can experience the same benefits, such as reduced symptoms of trauma and improved overall wellbeing, through virtual EMDR sessions. As a therapist who has used EMDR both in-person and through online platforms, the research matches my clinical experience: that the same transformation and healing can happen, regardless of the delivery system.
With the convenience and accessibility of telemental health, clients can engage in EMDR therapy from the comfort of their own homes while still receiving evidence-based treatment that meets their needs and supports their healing journey. I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment throughout the process, ensuring that your experience is both beneficial and empowering. There are a number of secure, HIPAA-compliant, and research-backed telehealth platforms specifically designed for EMDR, such as Bilateral Base, which I regularly use.
For more information about EMDR, you can visit the EMDR Institute, through which I received my training.
I’m always happy to discuss how EMDR might be useful for both current and future clients. Please reach out if you’d like to schedule some time to chat.
