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Although virtual therapy has been an option for many years, the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the use of virtual therapy almost overnight. Accordingly, the interventions being used in in-person therapy, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, had to be quickly adapted in order to continue client care without too much interruption.
EMDR treatment was developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it is now recognized as an effective treatment for trauma as well as other mental health conditions. Prior to the pandemic, EMDR therapy was most often conducted in-person, and although the public health emergency has expired, EMDR therapy in a virtual format continues to be a preference for many.
What is it about virtual therapy, and virtual EMDR therapy specifically, that clients continue to want to meet online? Let’s explore the benefits of virtual EMDR therapy to better understand why.
Benefits of Virtual EMDR Therapy
Virtual EMDR therapy is effective. Research suggests, in general, virtual therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy. Moreover, virtual EMDR is just as effective as in-person EMDR. Anecdotally, I have found this to be the case as well.
Online therapy can save you time. Virtual therapy saves people time as there is no commute to and from therapy. You can jump off of one work call and jump onto your therapy session, particularly for those who work from home or who have a private office at their work location.
Telehealth sessions from the comfort and safety of your home might help you feel more at ease. Processing trauma is hard work, to say the least. For many people, their home is their safe place, so engaging in EMDR treatment from the comfort of their home feels just right.
Online therapy offers greater accessibility to excellent mental health services. Virtual therapy has removed local geographical constraints by providing access to a bigger pool of therapists, thus making it easier to find the best-fitting therapist who offers the interventions you need.
Virtual therapy offers greater anonymity. Therapy is private and confidential, no matter if you meet from your home, your therapist’s office, or a private office at work. And, for those who have anxiety, such as social anxiety, the anonymity of virtual therapy feels pretty good too. There is no waiting in a waiting room with people you do not know. There is no going up an elevator next to strangers. There is no receptionist to check in with. For some, the sense of not enough anonymity can be a barrier to receiving the help they need, and virtual therapy can be a great workaround.
Considerations & Challenges of Virtual EMDR Therapy
While there are so many benefits to virtual therapy, it’s important to mention some of the potential risks too.
Develop and practice emotion regulation skills. Because processing trauma can be distressing, it is just as important to develop strong emotion regulation skills for virtual EMDR treatment.
Issues of safety are just as important in the context of virtual therapy. Make sure you have a safety plan, especially if you have a history of self-harm or suicidality.
Create margins around your online therapy session. Even though it is possible to hop off a work call, hold your therapy appointment, and hop back on another work call, try to create space between the end of your EMDR session and your next activity of the day. Rest, take a walk, stretch your body, drink some water. Virtual EMDR therapy is a strenuous emotional workout. Replenish and refuel accordingly.
Share your preferences for virtual or in-person therapy with your therapist. If at some point, you decide you want to return to in-person therapy, let your therapist know. Preferences could change as emotional healing takes place or your situation changes.
Make sure you have a strong and secure internet connection. Make sure the internet connection is strong so that you and your therapist can see and hear each other clearly. This will help in feeling more connected and safe during EMDR processing.
A private location for virtual EMDR therapy is a must. Access to a private location for virtual EMDR therapy is required. If your home or place of work does not offer this, I have worked with many clients who meet from their car in their garage or a nearby park. Many college campuses, libraries, and coffee shops have private rooms that can be reserved.
Virtual EMDR therapy is a viable treatment option for someone who needs the flexibility, felt sense of safety, and anonymity that it can provide.
Although challenges exist, you and your therapist can thoughtfully work through the concerns you might have to meet your needs and offer the support you are seeking.
If you believe EMDR is the next step for your healing journey, be sure to find a therapist who has received EMDRIA-approved training. EMDRIA is a professional association for EMDR practitioners and researchers to seek the highest standards for clinical use of EMDR.
Seeking Professional Help: If you would like to heal from trauma and have not tried EMDR yet, working with an EMDR therapist may be a viable option to experience the emotional freedom you have been longing for. To find out more about EMDR therapy, please call or text 317-747-0574 or visit our contact page.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional psychological care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.