Online EMDR Therapy: Does It Work as Well as In-Person?
- Edwige Theokas
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Online EMDR Therapy: Does It Work as Well as In-Person?
How Effective Is Online EMDR Therapy?
By Edwige Theokas, LPC, M.A., ACS
So... Can You Really Heal Trauma Through a Screen?
If you’ve been curious about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) but the idea of doing it online makes you skeptical, you’re not alone.
Maybe you’ve considered trauma-focused therapy like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and are having a hard time finding someone local who provides EMDR services.
Perhaps you’re juggling work, parenting, or simply don’t have time to go see an in-person provider.
Maybe you’ve heard about EMDR from a friend who “swears it changed her life,” or your therapist mentioned it as a next step. Then you Googled it, saw something about “eye movements” and thought, Wait—what?
You’re interested, but you’re wondering:
“How could that possibly work online?”
“Will it even feel the same?”
“What if my Wi-Fi freezes mid-breakthrough?”
Fair questions.
And surprisingly? The answer is that online EMDR therapy absolutely can work. And for many people, it works beautifully.
What Is EMDR, Though, Really?
Think of EMDR as your brain’s emotional recycling system. Normally, events happen and our brains have the capacity to make meaning out of something and puts it in a folder that makes sense. But sometimes things happen that don’t make sense, and the memories stay stuck.
EMDR helps you take old, stuck experiences, like that moment your boss made you feel powerless, or the breakup that still hits a nerve, and helps your mind finally file them away in the right emotional drawer.
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro and is now one of the most well-researched therapies for trauma, anxiety, and stress.
It works by combining talk therapy, body awareness, mindfulness, and bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or gentle tapping) to access your subconscious and help your brain resolve the unresolved events.
If traditional talk therapy is about understanding your past, EMDR is about retraining your brain to stop reliving it.
And the best part? That same process translates seamlessly online.
How Does Online EMDR Therapy Work?
Online EMDR follows the same eight phases as in-person sessions: from history-taking and preparation, to reprocessing and closure.
Instead of sitting across from your therapist in an office, you meet through a secure video platform.
Your therapist guides you through the same steps, using virtual tools for bilateral stimulation, like alternating lights on the screen, audio tones in your headphones, or self-tapping techniques.
Sessions also include teaching you the grounding exercises that help you calm your nervous system and learning to listen to your body, and to become curious about what your body and your bodily responses may be trying to tell you.
All you need is:
A quiet, private space (no distractions, no kids or dogs mid-session, please).
Decent Wi-Fi.
A comfortable seat and a sense of curiosity.
A grounding/containment plan and ritual for after the session, since you may be physically at home instead of in an office.
And if you’re worried about privacy (yes, we’ve all heard or seen the Zoom horror stories), therapists trained in telehealth EMDR use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms.
The Research: Does It Actually Work?
Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Also yes.
A growing body of studies shows that online EMDR is just as effective as in-person treatment for trauma, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.
Most studies demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR (as well as most therapies) from an in-person point of view.
However, a little pandemic in 2020 forced most of us to rethink how to provide services, and most providers had to learn how to pivot. As a result of COVID, EMDR had to be acclimated to support clients virtually. And the results were beyond significant.
Here’s what research has found:
Online EMDR significantly reduces PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
Clients report the same (or even higher) comfort levels compared to in-person sessions.
Therapists reported that the virtual format increased accessibility and consistency for clients who otherwise wouldn’t get care.
Clients identified a greater sense of agency in being able to find a therapist who was better aligned with their issues, since they could expand their search location.
In fact, the EMDR International Association officially recognized telehealth EMDR as a valid and evidence-based format.
So no, you’re not “missing out” by doing it online. You’re gaining access, flexibility, and maybe even a little extra peace of mind from being in your own space (with your favorite blanket and tea).
Why Online EMDR Might Be the Perfect Fit
Let’s be honest. Life is a lot right now. Between work deadlines, soccer practice, and that never-ending pile of laundry, driving to therapy can feel like one more logistical nightmare.
That’s where online EMDR therapy steps in.
1. Accessibility and Freedom
You’re no longer limited to whoever is within a 20-mile radius of your zip code. You can find a specialist who gets you. Whether that’s a trauma-informed mom therapist, a therapist who works with Veterans, or an EMDR expert who works with young adults struggling with anxiety and perfectionism, you have options.
2. Comfort = Safety
When your nervous system feels safe, therapy works better. Sometimes being in your own cozy space helps your body relax faster than a sterile office chair ever could.
3. Consistency You Can Actually Maintain
EMDR Therapy (let’s keep it real, most therapies) work when you can stick with it. Online EMDR makes that possible even when life gets chaotic - no traffic, no parking stress, no “I am thinking about looking at the clock and getting home before the school bus” moments.
4. Privacy and Control
No waiting rooms. No bumping into your neighbor from Pilates. Just you, your therapist, and your healing process.
5. Efficiency and Energy Savings
Less time commuting = more time to decompress after a powerful session. And honestly, your nervous system will thank you.
Common Concerns (and Real Answers) About Online EMDR Therapy
“But isn’t EMDR too intense to do online?”
Actually, the opposite. EMDR therapists trained in telehealth prioritize safety first. You’ll spend time learning grounding tools and pacing yourself. Think of it as emotional strength training - never rushed, always supported.
“What if the Wi-Fi cuts out mid-breakthrough?”
Good question! Most EMDR therapists have backup plans (like switching to phone audio or pausing safely). You won’t be left hanging in emotional limbo.
“Will it feel as personal as in person?”
That depends less on the screen and more on the connection. Most clients find that once the session starts, they forget it’s even virtual. You’re too busy doing the deep work.
“I’ve done talk therapy before - how is EMDR different?”
EMDR doesn’t require you to analyze or retell your trauma in detail. Instead, it helps your brain reprocess it so the memory no longer hijacks your emotions.
In short: less talking, more transformation.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Online EMDR
Set the mood. Light a candle, wear comfy clothes, and make your space feel like a sanctuary.
Do a tech check. Test your internet and sound before your sessions. It’s awkward to process trauma while saying, “Wait, can you hear me now?”
Have a post-session plan. Schedule downtime, walk, stretch, or journal afterward.
Stay hydrated. Your brain is literally processing. Treat it kindly (Alcohol and/or drugs after a session are not recommended).
Communicate openly. If something feels off, say so. You’re the co-pilot here.
The Bottom Line on Online EMDR Therapy
Online EMDR therapy isn’t a watered-down version of healing - it’s simply modern healing for modern lives.
Whether you’re a high-achieving professional, a busy parent, or someone who’s simply tired of carrying old emotional weight, EMDR offers a proven path toward calm and clarity.
And the fact that you can do it from your own home? That’s not a compromise. It’s an upgrade.
Ready to See if Online EMDR Therapy Is Right for You?
You don’t have to keep pushing through or waiting for the “perfect time.” Healing doesn’t require a commute—it just requires a commitment to yourself.
I offer online EMDR therapy and EMDR Intensives for women who are ready to regulate their nervous system, release the past, and finally feel at peace.
Sessions are designed to meet you where you are. In-person or online, you deserve to feel peace.
Book your free 20-minute consultation call here.
Let’s make healing both powerful and practical.
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR Intensives and EMDR therapy, click on the links.
My name is Edwige (Eddie) Theokas and I am a trauma-based therapist in Bordentown, NJ. I specialize in EMDR to address trauma, anxiety, and stress. I provide in-person and online counseling throughout the state of NJ and specifically in Mercer and Burlington County, NJ (Bordentown, Chesterfield, Robbinsville, Hamilton and Princeton). I also provide EMDR Intensives. Contact me to schedule a consultation.
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