If you’ve been struggling with trauma, anxiety, or overwhelming stress, you may have come across EMDR therapy. And if you’re wondering whether it can really work online, the short answer is: yes, absolutely. Everyday in my practice, I see clients making powerful breakthroughs and finding deep healing in our online therapy sessions that they attend from the comfort of home.
Online EMDR therapy isn’t just a backup option. For many people, it’s the most effective and sustainable way to do the deep work that trauma recovery requires. In this post, I’ll walk you through how EMDR therapy works, how it translates to a virtual setting, and why it might be just right for you.
Begin EMDR TherapyWhat Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s an evidence-based therapy developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, originally used to treat PTSD. But over the years, it’s become widely used for many types of distress (like childhood trauma, anxiety, grief, phobias, medical trauma, and even the lingering effects of unhealthy relationships).
EMDR therapy helps your brain reprocess difficult or traumatic memories that are “stuck.” When we go through something overwhelming, our nervous system sometimes can’t process it properly, so the memory gets frozen in our system—along with all the emotions, beliefs, and body sensations that went with it. As a result, we get triggered easily and may feel constantly on edge. EMDR helps to unfreeze that memory and let your system finish the processing it didn’t get to do in the moment.
How EMDR Therapy Works
EMDR therapy uses a structured eight-phase model, beginning with a thorough intake and preparation phase. Once a solid foundation of safety is in place, we identify target memories to work on and begin desensitization using bilateral stimulation.
Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is a key part of EMDR. It typically involves alternating left-right eye movements, sounds, or taps. This mimics the natural processing that occurs during REM sleep, helping the brain “digest” unprocessed material. During reprocessing, you focus on a memory while receiving BLS, allowing your mind to make new connections and shift stuck patterns.
People often report that the emotional intensity of the memory decreases, their perspective shifts, and their body feels lighter or more at ease. A memory that once triggered a strong reaction can feel distant, neutral, or simply resolved.
How Does Online EMDR Therapy Work?
One of the most common questions I hear is: “Can EMDR therapy really be done over video?” The answer is yes, and it can be just as powerful as in-person work.
Instead of using the therapist’s hand movements for eye tracking, we use tools designed specifically for online EMDR. Some clients use programs like RemotEMDR or bilateral audio stimulation (I use a software called Active EMDR which has both). Others prefer using self-tapping or simply following my fingers across the screen. We tailor the approach to figure out what works best for you.
Feeling safe and connected to your therapist is always the top priority. I guide you step-by-step through the process, and we go at a pace that feels right for your nervous system. Just like in-person sessions, we begin with careful preparation—building trust, developing resourcing tools (like calming visualizations or grounding techniques), and making sure you feel supported every step of the way.
Get In TouchWhy Online EMDR Therapy Is So Effective
1. You’re in your own safe environment
Doing EMDR therapy from home allows you to settle into a space that already feels familiar and safe. That can be a huge support to your nervous system, especially if you tend to feel hypervigilant in new environments. Some clients bring a blanket, a favorite object, or even a pet to the session—comforts that aren’t always available in a traditional therapy office.
2. It reduces barriers to access
Virtual EMDR therapy makes it possible to work with a specialized trauma therapist even if you live in a rural area, have a busy schedule, or struggle with transportation. I work with clients all over the state of Colorado and Florida who otherwise wouldn’t have access to high-quality trauma therapy.
3. It promotes consistency and follow-through
Healing trauma takes time and consistency. Online therapy often makes it easier to stick with regular sessions, which means more momentum and better outcomes. Many of my clients have found that having therapy in their weekly rhythm—without the stress of commuting—helps them stay engaged in the work.
4. It’s deeply attuned and personalized
EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I tailor each session to your unique nervous system and life history. We pay attention to what your body is telling us, what parts of you are showing up, and how we can move at a pace that feels grounded and manageable.
What EMDR Therapy Can Help With
People often start EMDR therapy because they feel stuck. Maybe you’ve talked about your trauma before, but it still feels just as painful. Maybe you’re tired of repeating patterns in relationships or being hijacked by anxiety that doesn’t seem to have a clear cause.
EMDR therapy can help with:
- Childhood emotional neglect or abuse
- Sexual trauma
- Medical trauma or surgeries
- PTSD and complex PTSD
- Relationship wounds
- Perfectionism and inner criticism
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Grief and ambiguous loss
In online sessions, we work with the same material we would in person. I hold space for the messy, complicated feelings that come with trauma, and we work together to create more clarity, self-compassion, and relief.
What Makes EMDR Different from Talk Therapy?
Traditional talk therapy often focuses on insight and reflection—both valuable tools. But when it comes to healing trauma, insight isn’t always enough. You may know logically that something wasn’t your fault, but still feel deep shame or panic in your body.
EMDR goes beyond talking. It helps you get to the root of the issue, on a level that includes the body and nervous system. We don’t just “think through” your experiences—we help your brain complete the healing process it couldn’t finish at the time.
That’s part of why EMDR can be so transformative, especially for trauma that’s been stuck for years.
Is Online EMDR Therapy Right For You?
If you’re considering EMDR therapy but unsure if online sessions will work for you, I get it. Many of my clients were skeptical at first—and then amazed at how powerful the process turned out to be.
Online EMDR therapy combines the depth and structure of this powerful modality with the convenience, flexibility, and comfort of doing it from your own space. If you’re ready to begin healing old wounds and shifting how you experience yourself and the world, EMDR therapy might be the path forward.
Reach out for a free consultation to see if online EMDR therapy is a good fit for you.
Begin Online EMDR Therapy
Emma Kobil is a trauma therapist practicing online with feminist women and thoughtful couples in Colorado and Florida. Her philosophically informed therapeutic approach focuses on helping creative and perfectionist women and couples heal. Learn more about Emma, or schedule an appointment, at mindfulcounselingdenver.com.
