Research Shows that Online EMDR Therapy is as Effective as In-Person Sessions

When it comes to eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, people often ask me if it's as effective online as it is in person. The reassuring news is that research has shown that online EMDR can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a therapy designed to help people process traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation (most of the time that means guided eye movements, but can also include sounds or tapping your hands). EMDR helps reduce the emotional intensity tied to distressing memories and also helps to break down the unhelpful believes that often develop after traumatic events. Traditionally, this therapy has been delivered in person, but the shift to online platforms has shown that it works just as well virtually.

The Science Behind Online EMDR

Recent studies support the effectiveness of videoconferencing for psychotherapy, including EMDR. During the pandemic, one study* in particular explored the use of EMDR delivered online to frontline mental health workers. The results were impressive—participants experienced significant reductions in symptoms of PTSD, with lasting effects. (You can find the full reference at the bottom of this page.)

In this study, many participants used a protocol known as "Blind to Therapist" EMDR, meaning they could process their trauma without having to disclose specific details to the therapist. This was particularly effective for those who had trauma they found difficult to discuss. It’s actually something we regularly use in cases where memories may still feel too traumatic or embarrassing to be talked about openly. 

The study found that most participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD after just one session, proving that online EMDR is both safe and effective. 

You can read more about this study here. 

Why I Prefer Doing EMDR Online

In my own practice I have also found online EMDR to be just as powerful—if not sometimes more so, than face to face sessions. This is mostly because the online platform that I use for my EMDR sessions gives me so much more flexibility to change things up and respond proactively to your progress. 

It can also help in creating a sense of safety and comfort for clients. Being in a familiar environment, like your own home, can make it easier to fully engage with the process. There’s no added anxiety of travelling to a therapy office or sitting in an unfamiliar space.

It also offers flexibility. We can meet wherever is most convenient, and it removes a lot of the barriers that might prevent someone from accessing therapy in the first place, like distance or mobility issues.

Whilst of course, it’s important to find what works best for each person, online therapy and in particular online MEDR sessions offers so much flexibility and comfort while maintaining the effectiveness of EMDR.

Online EMDR is Effective and Safe

So if you're considering EMDR therapy and wondering whether it’s effective to do sessions online, rest assured—it is. Whether it’s for convenience, safety, or personal comfort, virtual EMDR therapy provides a strong alternative to in-person sessions, with equally strong results.

In today’s world, online therapy isn’t just a stopgap—it’s a valuable, effective option that’s here to stay. I’ll have to tell you about how I came to train in online EMDR in another blog post one of these days, at it’s quite an interesting story in itself. 

For now, feel free to reach out with any questions or thoughts about online EMDR - I’d love to hear about your experience and your perspective!

*Farrell, D., Fadeeva, A., Zat, Z., Knibbs, L., Miller, P., Barron, I., Matthess, H., Matthess, C., Gazit, N., & Kiernan, M. D. (2022). A stage 1 pilot cohort exploring the use of EMDR therapy as a videoconference psychotherapy during COVID-19 with frontline mental health workers: A proof of concept study utilising a virtual Blind 2 Therapist protocol. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 901855. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.901855