Can EMDR be done remotely? Is remote EMDR as effective as in-person EMDR?
You will likely have these questions in mind if you are contemplating the best online EMDR therapy.
The good news is that there is some scientific evidence to indicate that remote EMDR may be as effective as in-person EMDR therapy. In one such efficacy trial carried out by Jennifer Hecker et al. (EMDR in a Primary Care Setting), data collected from around 288 patients undergoing remote EMDR showed that in-person EMDR and remote EMDR results have no substantial difference.
Such studies extend much-needed confidence and peace of mind to patients who desire remote EMDR for its benefits like convenience and easy access. Patients can take heart that remote EMDR is right up there with in-person EMDR when it comes to effective treatment.
Online EMDR Advantages
Online EMDR extends several advantages due to which certain people may prefer online sessions over in-person treatment. In fact, the best online EMDR therapy may be much more feasible for patients dealing with a trauma/phobia that adversely affects how safe they feel outside the home.
Hence, remote EMDR is backed by key international organizations such as EMDR Europe and the EMDR International Association.
So can EMDR be done remotely? Not only can it be done remotely, but in many cases, the best online EMDR therapy may be more feasible than traditional face-to-face sessions.
Here are some of the many reasons why remote EMDR can make for a great choice.
Greater Freedom
As long as you have a reliable internet connection, a qualified practitioner can administer therapy to you anywhere in the world. Also, you are free to select the EMDR practitioner of your choice from a long list of experts. Plus, you can enjoy greater privacy on a secure platform when receiving your EMDR therapy via remote means.
More Convenience
With remote EMDR, it is easier to book a session that will better align with your busy schedule. Thanks to this increased flexibility, it is easier for clients to receive EMDR therapy without missing work or rushing to provide childcare.
Thanks to remote EMDR, clients can cut down on travel time and transportation expenses. Remote sessions are truly lifesaving for situations like COVID-19 lockdowns where in-person contact poses severe risks.
More Personal Space
When remote EMDR treatment is available, clients can seek therapy from a distance that feels more comfortable and safer for them. Although it might not seem too significant, this matters for people seeking to eradicate painful traumas and negative memories. Persons afflicted with such conditions often become much more sensitive to this factor. Hence, the best online EMDR therapy is the way to go in these cases.
Many, if not all clients would rather receive therapy sessions in the comfort of their homes from time to time. They will thus feel a greater sense of comfort, safety, and privacy.
Clients who feel more relaxed during therapy sessions are more likely to persist with their treatment and thus enjoy better health outcomes. Hence, this could be a key advantage of remote therapy.
Same Results – Minus the Hard Work!
Provided the client has dependable access to the internet, they won’t have to fret over the hassles of appointment setting, travel time and effort, traveling expenses, and so on.
Be it the initial session, the final therapy, or anything else in between, clients have near-effortless access to mental health treatment with the best online EMDR therapy.
This matters because clients who experience less stress during treatment are more likely to go with it right to the very end.
The last thing that trauma patients need is more stress. Hence, remote EMDR is an answer to reducing the stress that patients have to put up with when taking therapy (like travel). Hence, remote access might actually boost the efficacy of such therapy sessions.
Experts too can save a lot of time with remote EMDR. This means that they can administer treatment to more patients using the same resources.
Availability
Depending on your location, accessing EMDR may not be straightforward. Experts of your choice could be located far away from your residence thereby adding a new challenge to your existing set of problems. But fear not, remote EMDR is here to answer your needs.
You are no longer limited to selecting only those experts who are in your town, county, or state. You can go beyond state lines to access experts who you prefer. This is a great boon not just to you but to therapists as well.
Minimum Requirements for Remote EMDR
Thankfully, you don’t need exceptionally sophisticated equipment to make online therapy work. You will likely have these already. Here are the easily available items you need to get going with online therapy.
Dependable Internet Connection
It goes without saying that a reliable connection is a must-have for telehealth sessions. An unreliable connection can be counterproductive. Lag or interruptions in your online session can be more than just annoying. The worst-case scenario is a dropped connection. In this case, you are left high and dry when you need the most expert support while reliving your most traumatic memories.
Hence, reliable internet is a critical prerequisite.
Reliable telehealth services check internet connectivity before you embark on telehealth therapy.
Laptop
In theory, a phone could work. But a larger laptop screen or computer monitor will no doubt be a much better choice. A large screen gives the therapist the room and space they need to execute visual BLS methods.
Headphones
A quality headset can keep out distracting noises, help you to hear easily, and keep it private.
Webcam
A high-resolution webcam helps you to easily see the therapist and gain full benefit from their visual methods. This matters since much of the communication is nonverbal.
Private Space
You need a distraction-free space that excludes annoying background noise that could interfere with therapy. The space should also extend full privacy since you will be revisiting traumatic experiences.
Bottom Line
So as you can see, remote EMDR is a win-win for all concerned. All stakeholders stand to gain something from this game-changer therapy mode.
So not only is remote EMDR taking off, but it is here to stay. In fact, it is becoming the go-to option for many clients and practitioners.
We would absolutely love to help you conquer your fears and problems with the best online EMDR therapy.
So what you are waiting for? Feel free to reach out and talk with our friendly experts today.