Flourish Mindset, Marriage & Family Therapy

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EMDR Therapy Online: What to Expect 

Hanna Stensby

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is an evidenced-based method of treatment for trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health concerns. Evidence-based means that there has been research conducted to support its effectiveness. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) was founded by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1995. Since then, there have been countless research studies demonstrating its effectiveness. In particular, EMDR has been found to get results for folx who have experienced traumatic events much more quickly than talk therapy. It is an 8-phase treatment that guides the client towards healing and tapping into their intrinsic resources. This means that after completing EMDR therapy many clients also experience an improved ability to cope with traumatic situations and stressors, so they have a reduced negative impact on the client.  EMDR not only helps to heal trauma, depression, anxiety, and OCD symptoms but also builds resilience helping people cope better in the future.

How does EMDR therapy online work?

Online EMDR therapy works in a similar way to in-person EMDR therapy. It follows the 8-phase protocol and includes preparation, history taking and resourcing, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation phases.

History Taking and Treatment Planning: 

First, you will meet with your therapist to review your background and history, with a focus on any key traumatic experiences to reprocess. You will also explore the resources or coping tools you have available both internally and externally.

Preparation: 

During the preparation phase, you will get to know your therapist and learn more about the EMDR process. You will clarify expectations and your EMDR therapist will address any questions or concerns you have. You will also learn specific techniques to cope with emotional disturbances that may come up. This is a key part of the process which ensures you all have the tools you need to be able to work through painful past experiences.

Assessment Phase:

During the assessment phase, you will work with your EMDR therapist to identify the specific events to reprocess. This will include identifying any images, feelings, negative thoughts, and body sensations. 

Desensitization Phase: 

You will begin with eye movements, tapping, or another method of dual attention. You will hold in your awareness the painful past event while following the eye movements or taps. This dual attention, also called bilateral stimulation, allows you to stay focused on the present moment as well as the painful memory to safely reduce the disturbance you feel. This allows for new thoughts, feelings, and images to emerge as you shift your perspective of the event.

During online EMDR therapy, you will follow a dot on the screen which moves back and forth. This is controlled by your therapist and works as a virtual light bar. Light bars are used for in person EMDR to provide a moving light for the eyes to focus on and track. 

Installation Phase:

During this phase, the client will strengthen the positive belief that they want to associate with the event.

Body Scan Phase:

Clients will be asked to focus on their body sensations as well as the disturbing event to process any remaining disturbance in the body using dual attention.

Closure Phase:

During the closure phase, which occurs at the end of each session, the therapist will guide the client to return to a state of calm focus in the present moment. Closure happens whether or not reprocessing of the event is complete or not. The reprocessing is complete when the client no longer feels a disturbance emotionally, or in their body, and their positive belief feels as true as possible. This may take multiple sessions depending on each individual client.

Reevaluation Phase:

This occurs after every reprocessing session to determine how the client is feeling, assess any disturbance that may be present, and create a plan for future reprocessing or other focus of treatment.

What are the benefits of EMDR therapy online?


Online EMDR therapy allows you to get help in the comfort of your home environment. You can create a comfortable area and snuggle up on your couch. It allows you to have more time before and after the session to prepare and reflect on what you got out of the session. Many clients, feel tired and relaxed and enjoy napping after an EMDR session. Being at home means you can transition into rest seamlessly rather than having to fight traffic and drive home afterward. You get increased privacy with online EMDR therapy. You don't have to sit in a public waiting room or deal with being on an elevator with others when you are feeling inwardly focused and reflective after a session.

What to expect from your Online EMDR therapist

You won’t have to discuss every detail of the traumatic event you experienced. EMDR works to desensitize the disturbance you feel non-verbally, so you get the benefits of healing without having to relive your trauma. Your EMDR therapist is highly trained to guide you through the process so you don’t have to worry about “doing it right”, you can release and allow the process to work, knowing you are being supported by a highly trained trauma expert. 

Move at Your Own Pace

Your online EMDR therapist at Flourish Mindset will support you in moving at your own pace. EMDR is one of the most efficient therapies for treating PTSD and trauma. This means you can allow yourself to move at the pace you feel comfortable. You will not have to discuss anything you do not want to. You will always have the option to pause, or change topics. Your online EMDR therapist is there to guide you with the knowledge and training so you don’t have to worry about all the details. You can just experience the healing. Over time, your therapist will help you connect to and strengthen your internal resources for coping with emotional disturbance. Many clients experience a sense of lightness and confidence after EMDR therapy.

Heal from your past

Are you ready to feel free from the past, and heal from your trauma, depression, or anxiety? If you're ready to take the next step in your healing journey, reach out to an EMDR therapist for a free 20 min consultation at Flourish Mindset. To Get started on your journey to relief from trauma anxiety, or depression take the next steps in your treatment with online EMDR therapy follow the simple steps below!