HOW DOES VIRTUAL EMDR WORK?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety, phobias, and trauma. While you may have heard the term EMDR in conjunction with mental health treatment options, you may be unsure if this type of therapy is effective for your situation, especially on a virtual platform.
During the pandemic, many healthcare providers began offering various telehealth and online modalities, including EMDR, to address the heightened demand for COVID-safe mental health services. Due to the pandemic, online therapy is becoming more accessible, and more clients are getting the therapy they need.
WHAT IS EMDR?
EMDR is a type of therapy in which a client processes memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation (BLS) using eye movements, auditory sounds, or tactile stimulation. EMDR mimics the mind’s natural ability to heal itself and process life events, particularly in the state of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
During EMDR therapy, you are awake and alert while the EMDR therapist prompts the client to make rapid eye movements using BLS. These rapid eye movements accelerate the brain’s ability to process emotions and events. EMDR therapists can use other tools and techniques, including a light bar, physical stimulation (tapping), sounds, and online software that alternates or moves left to right.
EMDR uses dual stimulation to prompt the brain to reprocess memories and facilitate the desensitization and adaptation of negative memories. Clinicians lead clients through a series of bilateral physical movements or other forms of stimulation while recalling traumatic or triggering events until these memories no longer cause emotional pain.
When the brain reprocesses painful memories in a healthy, safe environment, clients experience relief from negative symptoms associated with traumatic experiences.
Research shows that EMDR may help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), negative feelings after adverse life events, and even ease somatic symptoms such as pain or muscle tension. EMDR can improve depression, panic disorder, psychosis, anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, and substance use disorders.
IS ONLINE EMDR EFFECTIVE?
Online EMDR sessions can benefit clients who have limited time to engage in routine therapy or have difficulty with transportation. Virtual EMDR can be especially helpful for clients living with phobias, struggling with an immunocompromised state of health, or simply seeking privacy while engaging gin mental health treatment.
Online EMDR therapy works similarly to in-person therapy. However, with virtual EMDR, the therapist and client are in separate locations, connected via technology. There are many benefits to virtual EMDR, ranging from simple personal preference to greater accessibility for those struggling with mental health issues. Virtual EMDR can be especially helpful for someone struggling with a phobia or trauma that impacts their ability to feel safe in public spaces.
Online EMDR is effective and supported by major global associations, including the EMDR International Association and EMDR Europe.