What Is EMDR Therapy Really Like (Especially Online)?
If you’ve been considering trauma therapy and find yourself wondering what EMDR is—and whether it even works virtually—you’re not alone. EMDR can sound clinical or confusing at first. Eye movements? Trauma processing? Is it hypnosis? (No, it’s not.) The truth is, EMDR is a structured, effective, and often gentle method for helping the brain and body heal from painful or overwhelming experiences.
And yes—it absolutely works online. In fact, many of my clients have found virtual EMDR to be more comfortable and accessible than they expected.
Let’s break it down.
What EMDR Is—and Isn’t
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a form of trauma therapy that helps people process distressing memories or experiences that feel stuck. These might be big “T” traumas (like assault, loss, accidents) or small “t” traumas (like years of criticism, emotional neglect, or microaggressions).
The goal isn’t to erase memories. It’s to reduce the emotional intensity and allow your brain to reprocess the experience in a way that feels safer and more integrated.
While EMDR was originally developed using side-to-side eye movements, virtual EMDR often uses other forms of bilateral stimulation—like gentle tapping or alternating sounds through headphones. These methods are equally effective and can be adapted to fit your comfort level.
How Virtual EMDR Works
In virtual sessions, we meet on a secure video platform. Instead of tracking my fingers with your eyes, we use either:
Tapping – You can tap gently on your own shoulders, thighs, or knees in a left-right rhythm. I’ll guide you as we go.
Sound – If you prefer, we can use headphones with alternating tones or subtle sounds that move from one ear to the other.
These back-and-forth rhythms help activate the brain’s natural processing system—similar to what happens during REM sleep. Your brain begins to make new connections, shift stuck beliefs, and let go of old distress patterns.
You don’t have to talk in detail about your trauma. In fact, many clients are surprised by how internal the process feels—it’s not about rehashing your story, but about what happens inside as we follow where your nervous system wants to go.
What EMDR Feels Like
Every session is different. Some clients notice body sensations shifting. Others experience emotion moving through in waves. You might have insights, memories, images, or even surprising moments of peace.
I’ll be tracking with you the entire time, checking in regularly to help you stay grounded. We go at your pace. If something feels too intense, we pause. EMDR doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can actually feel empowering and relieving.
Common Questions About EMDR
Do I have to remember everything that happened?
No. EMDR works even if memories are blurry or fragmented. We focus on what your body and emotions are carrying—not just the mental narrative.
What if I dissociate or shut down?
We’ll spend time preparing with grounding tools and resourcing strategies before jumping into any memory work. Stabilization is part of the process.
Does EMDR work online?
Yes. I’ve supported many clients through powerful healing using tapping or sound-based bilateral stimulation in virtual sessions. For some, being in their own space even helps them feel safer.
EMDR Is for Everyday People with Real Lives
You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from EMDR. Many of my clients are high-functioning, insightful, and carrying trauma or pain that still shows up in anxiety, relationship patterns, or chronic self-doubt. EMDR helps bring relief that talk therapy alone sometimes can’t reach.
You might still get triggered. You might still feel afraid. But with time, those old experiences stop running the show.
If You’re Curious, You’re Ready Enough
You don’t need to be sure. You don’t need to know how it all works. If something in you is curious about EMDR—especially virtual EMDR—that’s enough of a start.
I’m here to help you feel supported, informed, and not alone in this process.
