Online EMDR: Can It Work as Well as In-Person?

Ana Hinshaw
6 days ago
3 min read

More people than ever are turning to online therapy for convenience, comfort, and accessibility. Whether you’re managing a busy schedule or simply feel more at ease at home, you may be wondering: “Can EMDR therapy really work as well online as it does in person?”

The short answer is: Yes, it can.

But like any therapy, success depends on the individual, the therapeutic relationship, and the environment you create together. Let’s explore what the research says — and what I’ve personally found in practice.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It helps people process painful memories and experiences that continue to affect how they feel, think, and react today.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t rely on extended conversation about the trauma. Instead, it uses guided sets of bilateral stimulation (BLS) — such as eye movements, alternating sounds, or tapping — while recalling the memory in a safe and structured way. This helps the brain “reprocess” stuck experiences so they lose their emotional intensity.

Personal Reflection: I was initially drawn to EMDR because of how different it was from traditional talk therapy. I remember being amazed at how quickly I was able to process one trauma — a car accident — within a single EMDR session. It was incredible to experience firsthand how effective this approach could be after years of talking about it.

How Does EMDR Work Online?

The EMDR process itself remains the same online as it does in person. The difference lies in how bilateral stimulation is delivered. During virtual sessions, clients might:

Follow a moving light or dot on the screen
Listen to alternating tones through headphones
Use self-tapping (also called “butterfly taps”)

In my online EMDR sessions, I use a combination of bilateralstimulation.io for visual BLS and gentle guidance for clients to use back-and-forth tapping. These simple tools allow for a surprisingly natural and effective experience — even through a screen.

Secure, HIPAA-compliant video platforms (such as Simple Practice) make it possible to maintain both privacy and connection. With proper preparation and grounding skills, clients often find that online EMDR feels every bit as meaningful as in-office sessions.

What the Research Says About Online EMDR

The evidence continues to grow — and it’s reassuring. Multiple studies have found that online EMDR is just as effective as traditional, in-person treatment for reducing trauma symptoms. These findings support what many clinicians have witnessed firsthand: when facilitated with care and competence, online EMDR can be every bit as transformative as in-person sessions.

Who Might Benefit Most from Online EMDR

Virtual EMDR can be especially beneficial for people who:

Live in rural or underserved areas
Have mobility or transportation challenges
Feel safer processing trauma from home
Travel frequently or have unpredictable schedules
Experience social anxiety or sensory sensitivities

However, online EMDR isn’t ideal for everyone. Those with complex trauma, dissociation, or current safety concerns may benefit from in-person sessions or a hybrid approach for extra grounding and support.

Example: I once worked with a client who began EMDR sessions online to process trauma related to a medical emergency. Being in her own space allowed her to feel safe enough to engage deeply in the process — something she hadn’t been able to do in a traditional office setting.

Tips for Making the Most of Online EMDR

If you’re curious about trying EMDR virtually, here are a few simple ways to create a supportive environment:

Choose a calm, private space. Keep water, tissues, and grounding tools nearby.
Use headphones and stable internet. Clear sound and visuals help maintain connection.
Ground before and after. Your therapist will guide you through relaxation or visualization to help you feel steady.
Communicate openly. Share what’s working or not — EMDR is adaptable and can be adjusted in real time.

Final Thoughts

EMDR — whether online or in person — offers a powerful path toward healing. What matters most isn’t the format but the relationship, readiness, and safety you feel in the process.

I’ve witnessed profound healing happen across the screen — the same tears, laughter, and sense of relief that unfold in person. For many, virtual EMDR offers the accessibility and comfort they need to finally begin the work.

If you’re curious about whether online EMDR might be a good fit for you, I’d be happy to help you explore it further. You can learn more or schedule a consultation here.