Can EMDR Be Done in Virtual Therapy Sessions?

If you are considering EMDR therapy but are unsure whether it can work online, you are not alone. This is a very common question, especially when trauma therapy is already asking you to step into difficult memories and emotions.

The good news is that research on online EMDR is encouraging. Studies have found meaningful improvements in trauma-related symptoms when EMDR is delivered through videoconferencing, and current evidence suggests that virtual EMDR can be a viable option for many people. At the same time, the research is still developing, so it would be more accurate to say that online EMDR can be effective rather than promising that it will work exactly the same way for every person. (Kaptan et al., 2024; McGowan et al., 2021)

Let’s walk through how virtual EMDR works, what the research says, and who it may or may not be a good fit for.

So what does EMDR actually look like online, and how do you know whether it is right for you?

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured form of psychotherapy that was originally developed to help people who were struggling with the effects of traumatic experiences.

Traumatic memories can sometimes remain connected to intense emotions, physical sensations, beliefs about ourselves, or a sense that the original event is still happening in some way. EMDR uses a structured process that helps clients revisit aspects of distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating sounds or taps.

Exactly why EMDR works is still an area of scientific discussion. The treatment itself, however, has been studied extensively, particularly for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and recent reviews continue to find evidence that EMDR can reduce PTSD symptoms. (Rasines-Laudes & Serrano-Pintado, 2023; Lewis et al., 2023)

EMDR is most strongly supported as a treatment for trauma-related symptoms and PTSD. Clinicians may also use EMDR approaches when working with other difficulties connected to distressing or traumatic experiences, although the evidence is not equally strong for every condition.

How Does EMDR Work in Virtual Therapy?

One of the first things people wonder about is how bilateral stimulation can happen through a screen.

In a virtual session, your therapist can guide your eye movements by moving a visual target across your screen. Depending on the therapist's approach and your preferences, alternating sounds or self-administered tapping may also be used.

The important part is that you are not doing EMDR by yourself. Your therapist remains with you throughout the session, monitors how you are responding, and adjusts the pace and type of stimulation as needed.

Online EMDR does not simply mean putting a traditional therapy session in front of a webcam. The therapist needs to consider the technology, your physical environment, privacy, your ability to regulate emotions between sessions, and how you are responding to the treatment. Research examining therapists' and clients' experiences suggests that online EMDR is generally acceptable, while also identifying technology, clinical complexity, and the need for appropriate training as important considerations. (Bursnall et al., 2022; Mischler et al., 2021)

Is Online EMDR Effective?

The research so far is promising.

A 2024 systematic review examined 16 studies of remote EMDR involving more than 1,200 participants. Overall, the studies reported improvements in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression. The authors also pointed out an important limitation: many of the available studies had relatively small samples, lacked control groups, or relied heavily on self-report measures. In other words, the findings are encouraging, but more high-quality research is still needed. (Kaptan et al., 2024)

Other studies have also found positive results. A 2021 evaluation involving 93 clients found statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in symptoms following remotely delivered EMDR. A separate study comparing virtual and in-person EMDR in a primary care setting found no statistically significant difference between the two formats in changes in anxiety and depression symptoms. (McGowan et al., 2021; Liou et al., 2022)

More recent research continues to add to the picture. A 2026 study examined online EMDR with adults experiencing PTSD related to multiple traumas and adds to the growing evidence base for therapist-delivered EMDR online.

So, while we cannot honestly say that virtual EMDR is guaranteed to be equivalent to in-person EMDR for everyone, there is good reason to consider it a legitimate treatment option when it is clinically appropriate.

What Makes Online EMDR Work Well?

The quality of the therapy matters far more than simply whether the therapist is sitting across from you or appearing on a screen.

A good online EMDR experience begins with a therapist who understands trauma, knows how to pace EMDR appropriately, and is comfortable adapting the process to a virtual environment. Your therapist should also spend time getting to know your history and current circumstances before deciding whether you are ready for trauma processing.

Your environment matters, too. Having a private space where you will not be interrupted can make a significant difference. It is also helpful to have enough time after your appointment to transition back into your day rather than immediately rushing into work, parenting, or another demanding responsibility.

For some people, being in their own home actually makes therapy feel more comfortable. You may be sitting in a familiar chair, wrapped in your own blanket, with access to the things that help you feel grounded. That sense of familiarity can be valuable, although it is not necessarily better than being in a therapist's office. The right setting is the one in which you can feel sufficiently safe and supported to do the work.

What Are the Benefits of Doing EMDR Online?

One of the biggest advantages of virtual EMDR is accessibility. You do not have to spend time travelling to and from appointments, which can make it easier to maintain regular sessions. Online therapy can also be helpful for people who have mobility limitations, transportation difficulties, demanding schedules, childcare responsibilities, or limited access to therapists with specialized trauma training.

There is also something meaningful about being able to return to your own environment after a difficult session. Rather than driving home while still processing an emotional experience, you can take a few minutes to settle yourself, make a cup of tea, sit somewhere comfortable, or simply give yourself some quiet time.

Research on online EMDR has also found that many clients are comfortable with the format. In one international study, 88% of surveyed clients described themselves as extremely or very comfortable receiving EMDR online. At the same time, the researchers identified important concerns around digital access, internet reliability, clinical severity, and whether online treatment was appropriate for every client. (Bursnall et al., 2022)

Are There Times When Online EMDR May Not Be the Best Choice?

Yes.

EMDR is not something that should be started simply because someone has experienced trauma. Before beginning trauma processing, your therapist will want to understand what is happening in your life now and whether you have enough stability and coping resources to engage safely in the work.

If you are in an acute crisis, do not have a private or safe environment for therapy, are experiencing significant difficulties with dissociation or emotional regulation, or have circumstances that make online care difficult, your therapist may recommend a different approach or spend more time building stability before beginning EMDR.

That does not necessarily mean you cannot do EMDR. It may simply mean that the timing, format, or pace needs to be different.

Technology is another practical consideration. A poor internet connection, interruptions, or an environment where you cannot speak privately can interfere with the therapeutic process. These are not reasons to assume online EMDR will not work, but they are factors worth discussing with your therapist.

What Happens Before You Start EMDR Online?

You do not have to arrive at your first session ready to tell your therapist every detail of your trauma.

In fact, preparation is an important part of EMDR. Your therapist will first learn about what brings you to therapy, your history, your current circumstances, and the difficulties you are hoping to address. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and become familiar with how EMDR works.

You may also spend time learning grounding and emotional regulation strategies before trauma processing begins. The goal is not to rush toward the most painful memories. It is to make sure you have enough support and understanding of the process to move through the work at a pace that feels manageable.

This preparation can be particularly important with online therapy because your therapist also needs to consider what resources and support are available to you in your physical environment.

What If EMDR Brings Up Strong Emotions?

This is one of the reasons having a trained therapist guiding the process matters.

EMDR can involve difficult memories, emotions, and physical sensations. The goal is not to overwhelm you or force you to relive what happened. Your therapist monitors your response and works with you to maintain an appropriate pace.

Research into online EMDR has found that therapists and clients generally view the approach as feasible, but also highlights the importance of clinical judgement when deciding which clients are appropriate for remote treatment. (Bursnall et al., 2022; Kaptan et al., 2024)

If you begin EMDR and discover that virtual treatment is not feeling right for you, that is useful information. Your therapist can talk with you about adjusting the approach, slowing down, focusing on stabilization, or considering whether in-person therapy would be a better fit.

Is Online EMDR Right for You?

There is no single answer that applies to everyone.

For some people, virtual EMDR provides the accessibility and comfort they need to begin trauma therapy. For others, being physically present with a therapist feels more grounding. Neither preference is wrong.

What matters most is having a therapist who understands trauma treatment, knows how to assess readiness, and is willing to adapt the therapy to you rather than expecting you to fit a particular format.

You do not need to know whether online EMDR is right for you before reaching out. That is part of what an initial conversation with a trained therapist can help you explore.

EMDR Therapy at Authentic Living London

Jeanette Leroux at Authentic Living London offers virtual EMDR therapy for individuals who are looking for trauma-informed support in a safe and compassionate environment. She understands that beginning trauma therapy can feel vulnerable and takes the time to make sure clients feel grounded, prepared, and supported before moving into deeper processing.

If you are curious about EMDR but unsure whether virtual therapy would be a good fit, you are welcome to reach out and ask questions. You do not have to have everything figured out before taking the first step.

Healing does not require you to be in the same room as your therapist. What matters is having a therapeutic relationship in which you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to move at your own pace, and understood as a whole person.

References

Bursnall, M., Thomas, B. D., Berntsson, H., Strong, E., Brayne, M., & Hind, D. (2022). Clinician and patient experience of internet-mediated eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 40(1), 1–19. doi:10.1007/s40737-022-00260-0

Kaptan, S. K., Kaya, Z. M., & Akan, A. (2024). Addressing mental health need after COVID-19: A systematic review of remote EMDR therapy studies as an emerging option. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1336569. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1336569

Lewis, C., Roberts, N. P., Andrew, M., Starling, E., & Bisson, J. I. (2023). Psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: A network meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 53, 1–17.

Liou, H., Lane, C., Huang, C., Mookadam, M., Joseph, M., & Hecker DuVal, J. (2022). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in a primary care setting: Assessing utility and comparing efficacy of virtual versus in-person methods. Telemedicine and e-Health, 28(9), 1359–1366. doi:10.1089/tmj.2021.0454

McGowan, I. W., Fisher, N., Havens, J., & Proudlock, S. (2021). An evaluation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy delivered remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry, 21, 560. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03571-x

Mischler, C., Hofmann, A., Behnke, A., Matits, A., Lehnung, M., Varadarajan, S., Rojas, R., Kolassa, I.-T., & Tumani, V. (2021). Therapists' experiences with the effectiveness and feasibility of videoconference-based eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 748712. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.748712

Rasines-Laudes, P., & Serrano-Pintado, I. (2023). Efficacy of EMDR in post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Psicothema, 35(4), 385–396. doi:10.7334/psicothema2022.309

Kruisinga, S., Matthijssen, S. J. M. A., & Zuidersma, M. (2026). Online-delivered eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder due to multiple traumas: A non-concurrent multiple baseline design. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 17(1), 2702141. doi:10.1080/20008066.2026.2702141