The following blog was written by Allison Gaydos, LCSW, NBCCH, a trauma specialist who works with adults healing from sexual abuse, childhood emotional neglect, emotionally immature parents, and other painful life experiences.
As an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, I speak with many people who have a lot of questions about EMDR, and some are initially hesitant about doing virtual EMDR. This makes sense. EMDR is a specialized therapy, and many people assume it has to be done in person to work properly. They may wonder how the therapy works or whether bilateral stimulation can be done effectively online.
The good news is that virtual EMDR can be both safe and effective, and for many clients, it can be a very powerful way to do this work.
Why are people hesitant about virtual EMDR?
When people think about trauma therapy, they often picture sitting in the same room as the therapist. Others are specifically concerned about the bilateral stimulation component of EMDR. A common misconception I see is clients may assume that if a therapist is not physically in the room using hand movements or equipment, the process will somehow be less effective.
In my practice, I use a platform called Bilateral Base, which includes a virtual light bar and tones for bilateral stimulation. This allows me to offer EMDR virtually in a way that feels structured, intentional, and engaging. When virtual EMDR is done thoughtfully, it provides the structure, attunement, and bilateral stimulation needed for effective treatment.
My approach to virtual EMDR
I have been practicing EMDR virtually for over four years, and what I have learned is that effective EMDR therapy is not just about following a protocol mechanically. What makes EMDR truly effective is the therapist’s ability to stay attuned, pace the work carefully, and integrate other modalities when clinically appropriate. In my opinion, an excellent EMDR therapist utilizes other approaches in addition to EMDR therapy to assist when progress stalls and provide additional stabilization when necessary.
EMDR, whether delivered virtually or in person, falls short of its full potential when proper pacing and an understanding of what an individual client’s system may need are not taken into account.
For some clients, clinical hypnosis provides a gentler entry point into the work while also building stabilization and coping skills. These skills help clients stay within their window of tolerance: the range of emotional activation where a person can remain present, think clearly, and process effectively. EMDR tends to be most productive within this window, and when clients move outside of it, a skilled therapist can help guide them back to a regulated state.
For clients who have difficulty staying within their window of tolerance during EMDR, integrating parts work or brain-based approaches can offer an alternative pathway for processing. These methods help make sense of what’s emerging in a way that feels more manageable, allowing the work to unfold with greater clarity, safety, and depth.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor treatment to the person in front of me. That flexibility matters whether therapy is happening in person or virtually.
Safety matters most
One of the biggest misconceptions is that virtual EMDR is somehow inherently unsafe. In reality, safe EMDR has always depended less on the physical office itself and more on the therapist’s training, pacing, preparation, and ability to help the client stay within a workable window of tolerance.
Whether EMDR is done in person or virtually, a responsible therapist assesses readiness, utilizes appropriate grounding and coping tools, creates a plan for containment, and monitors the client closely throughout the process. In other words, virtual EMDR is no less thoughtful than in-person therapy. If anything, it often requires even more intentional setup.
Some clients actually do better virtually
For some clients, virtual EMDR is not just good enough; it is actually preferable. Being in their own home can help clients feel more grounded and more at ease. They may feel safer processing difficult material in a familiar environment.
Virtual therapy can also remove barriers that would otherwise prevent treatment entirely, such as commuting, childcare, illness, mobility limitations, or the exhaustion that often comes with trauma symptoms.
The therapy relationship still matters, and it still exists online
Meaningful therapeutic connection can absolutely happen virtually. EMDR therapy is not only about the bilateral stimulation. It is also about feeling understood, being properly paced, and being guided by someone who knows how to help you process what has felt stuck. That therapeutic relationship can be just as strong, attuned, and effective through telehealth.
Key Takeaways
- Virtual EMDR is not the right fit for every person or every clinical situation, and some clients simply prefer in-person work, which is completely valid.
- At the same time, online EMDR should not be viewed as a lesser form of therapy.
- When delivered thoughtfully and supported by the right tools, virtual EMDR is still EMDR.
- It can be safe, structured, and deeply effective.
- For many individuals, it also removes barriers, making trauma therapy more accessible than it might otherwise be.
If you have been unsure about trying EMDR virtually, it may help to know that you do not have to choose between convenience and quality; you can have both.
About the Author
Allison Gaydos LCSW, NBCCH
Psychotherapist
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
The Counseling Center Group
Allison Gaydos, LCSW, NBCCH
Allison Gaydos, LCSW, NBCCH is a trauma specialist who works with adults healing from sexual abuse, childhood emotional neglect, emotionally immature parents, and other painful life experiences. She supports clients ...
