What Is Telehealth Therapy?
Telehealth therapy is a way to get mental health support from the comfort of your own home. It has grown in popularity in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, making therapy more accessible for many people. Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions for many mental health concerns (Wind, Rijkeboer, Andersson, & Riper, 2020). One specialized form of therapy that works well through telehealth is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a treatment designed to help people heal from trauma.
What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?
EMDR is a type of therapy designed to help people process distressing memories and heal from trauma. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 and has since become a leading treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions.
In an EMDR session, a therapist guides you through recalling distressing memories while using bilateral stimulation, which could involve eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This helps rewire how your brain processes painful experiences, making them feel less distressing over time (Shapiro, 1989).
Does EMDR Work Through Telehealth?
Many people wonder if EMDR therapy can be effective when done online. The good news is that research shows telehealth EMDR is just as effective as in-person EMDR for treating PTSD and other trauma-related issues.
- A 2021 study published in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research found that patients who received virtual EMDR saw the same level of symptom reduction as those who did in-person therapy (Lenferink, Meyerbröker, & Boelen, 2021).
- Another study in Frontiers in Psychology confirmed that tele-EMDR is just as effective for anxiety and trauma-related conditions as in-person sessions (Bongaerts et al., 2021).
- A meta-analysis by Wilson et al. (2018) found that EMDR is as effective as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for PTSD, regardless of whether it’s done in person or online.
How Does Telehealth EMDR Work?
Although virtual EMDR is slightly different from in-person sessions, therapists use creative solutions to ensure it remains effective:
- Screen-based eye movement tools: Clients follow a moving dot or light bar on their screen.
- Tactile stimulation devices: Some therapists use small devices that send vibrations to clients’ hands.
- Self-tapping techniques: Clients tap their shoulders, knees, or hands in an alternating pattern while recalling distressing memories.
These methods allow EMDR to be fully adapted to telehealth, giving people access to trauma therapy no matter where they are.
Why Choose Telehealth EMDR?
1. It’s More Accessible
If you live in a rural area, have transportation issues, or struggle to find a local therapist, telehealth eliminates these barriers and connects you with an experienced EMDR therapist.
2. You Can Feel More Comfortable
Many people feel more relaxed working through trauma from the safety of their own home. Being in a familiar environment can make processing difficult memories easier.
3. You Won’t Have to Skip Sessions
Life can be busy, and finding time for therapy can be hard. Telehealth makes it easier to stay consistent, which is key for seeing results.
4. Research Shows It Works
Multiple studies, including Lenferink et al. (2021) and Bongaerts et al. (2021), prove that telehealth EMDR is as effective as in-person therapy for trauma recovery.
Are There Any Challenges?
Like any form of therapy, telehealth EMDR has some challenges, but they can be managed:
- Technology Issues: Internet problems can be frustrating, but using a stable Wi-Fi connection and having a backup plan can help.
- Distractions at Home: A quiet, private space and using headphones can improve focus.
- Learning New Techniques: If eye movement isn’t possible on screen, self-tapping or auditory cues can be used as effective alternatives.
Is Telehealth EMDR Right for You?
If you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, or PTSD, telehealth EMDR can be a powerful tool for healing. With strong research backing its effectiveness, it offers a flexible, accessible, and proven way to recover from past experiences.
Whether you prefer therapy at home or need access to trauma-focused care, telehealth EMDR is a great option.
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References
- Andersson, G., Titov, N., Dear, B. F., Rozental, A., & Carlbring, P. (2019). Internet-delivered psychological treatments: From efficacy to effectiveness. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 15(1), 97-121.
- Bongaerts, H., van Minnen, A., & de Jongh, A. (2021). Intensive EMDR therapy for PTSD: A comparison of massed and intensive formats in a routine clinical practice. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 708.
- Lenferink, L. I. M., Meyerbröker, K., & Boelen, P. A. (2021). Online EMDR therapy for PTSD symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(2), 83-97.
- Shapiro, F. (1989). Eye movement desensitization: A new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 20(3), 211-217.
- Wind, T. R., Rijkeboer, M., Andersson, G., & Riper, H. (2020). The COVID-19 pandemic: The ‘black swan’ for mental health care and a turning point for e-health. Internet Interventions, 20, 100317.
- Wilson, G., Becker, L. A., & Tinker, R. H. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Treating trauma-related anxiety. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 28(2), 164-175.
