Virtual EMDR: Is This Really a Safe Option?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-known psychotherapy treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and depression.
Like most therapies, it has been traditionally performed in person. But virtual EMDR is now a thing, where therapists provide EMDR online, and clients are not required to be physically present in the therapist's office.
Naturally, you may have questions about virtual EMDR. Is it the same as in-person EMDR therapy? Is it safe? Can it even be done, given certain elements of the therapy like bilateral stimulation? That’s exactly what we’ll address in this article.
What Is Virtual
EMDR?
Virtual EMDR is the online delivery of EMDR, a therapy protocol pioneered by esteemed psychologist Francine Shapiro. In EMDR, you work with your therapist to reprocess traumatic memories or negative emotions with the help of ‘bilateral stimulation,’ which helps lower the emotional charge of revisiting such memories and feelings. It also helps replace negative beliefs with positive ones.
Virtual EMDR is based on the same principles: processing past events, targeting current distress, and assisting with adaptive functioning for future events. Like in-person EMDR, it has eight distinct phases. The only difference is the delivery method, as you communicate remotely with the therapist using a device (although you’re still face-to-face if you use video communication).
How Does It
Work?
Virtual EMDR follows the same protocol as standard EMDR therapy and goes through eight stages (History Taking, Preparation, Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, Body Scan, Closure, and Reevaluation).
Your therapist may adjust the protocol according to the condition and symptoms being treated with EMDR. And like in-person EMDR, virtual therapy may last for 6-12 sessions.
The key element of EMDR is bilateral stimulation, which typically involves guided eye movements, auditory tones (such as sounds alternating between the ears), or tactile stimulation (such as tapping). In a virtual setting, a therapist may use specialized software or tools that can deliver these stimuli through the client's computer, tablet, or phone.
For example, a therapist might use a moving light bar on the client's screen to track eye movements or guide them in self-administered tapping techniques, such as the "butterfly hug." So that’s a notable difference between in-person and virtual EMDR.
So, Is Virtual
EMDR Safe?
Virtual EMDR is generally considered safe and effective when delivered by an accredited, experienced therapist, preferably one who holds certification in EMDR therapy. As the protocol and delivery are largely the same, there’s no significant difference is the outcome or the safety of the client.
One study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology tested the safety and effectiveness of online EMDR compared to in-person delivery for the treatment of PTSD. 33 individuals received the therapy in person, while 45 received it online. Of these participants, 24 people completed the in-person therapy and 32 completed the online therapy.
The researchers found a significant difference between the two EMDR delivery methods, including completion, drop-out, and any adverse events. Both therapists and clients in the study considered virtual EMDR as safe and effective. The participating clients appreciated the flexibility of the online delivery.
Although more research will certainly be welcome, this particular study does make the case for virtual EMDR strong.
That said, in some cases, in-person therapy may be a better and safer option. For individuals who have a strong reaction to triggering memories or heightened emotions, it’s better to have the therapist present to control the situation and adapt the course of the session accordingly.
Benefits and
Drawbacks of Virtual EMDR
Virtual EMDR is gaining popularity for a reason. Teletherapy, in general, has gained momentum since the 2020 pandemic, and because of the increased availability of therapy platforms. But therapies like EMDR have also gone online to cater to the needs of the clients.
Here’s why people are going for virtual EMDR:
- Saves time: In the study above, participants said they appreciated that they didn’t have to travel for therapy. That’s a big plus for many, especially those who work full time or live in remote locations.
- Less costly: Virtual therapy, including EMDR, is relatively cheaper than in-person sessions. Therapists typically charge less for online sessions. Similarly, therapy platforms may also be more affordable with fixed subscription rates.
- Flexibility and comfort: Clients have the opportunity to schedule sessions according to their and their therapist’s availability. Some people may also feel more comfortable doing the sessions in their home, a safe space for them.
Besides the benefits, there are some challenges as well that both therapists and clients might have to address:
- Internet connection disruptions: Since online EMDR relies on the Internet, any disruptions in connectivity could interrupt the therapy sessions and affect the flow and results of the therapy.
- Low-quality video feed: If the video feed isn’t high-quality, the therapist may not be able to pick up clues from facial expressions or body language.
Another
Alternative: Self EMDR
Virtual EMDR with a therapist has its pros, but it also has its limitations, which have more to do with technology than either the therapist or the client. There’s another form of virtual EMDR, which is called Self EMDR
In self EMDR, the client conducts the EMDR sessions themselves following written and verbal instructions from a tool. The tool essentially acts like a therapist, guiding the client through the various steps of EMDR, tailored to the specific condition being treated. The bilateral stimulation is also built into the tool, with virtual cues displayed right on the screen.
It’s an innovative, easy, and flexible solution to both in-person and online EMDR with a therapist. It can also address the challenges of virtual EMDR, like disruptions or low-quality feed, as you can take the sessions at home whenever you feel ready.
Self EMDR’s safety hasn’t been tested yet in studies, but it’s very similar to virtual EMDR. It may be a viable option for patients with some EMDR experience or those new to it, but without any complex or severe symptoms.
Wrap Up
Virtual EMDR, and to some extent, self EMDR, are safe and effective methods of EMDR. With these options, more people can complete EMDR for treating psychological conditions, especially those linked to trauma.
A lack of therapists nearby, difficulty reaching them, or the affordability of in-person sessions shouldn’t prevent anyone from getting the help they need and working on their issues. That’s why options like virtual EMDR are highly appreciated and welcomed.
