Michiel Bosman MD PhD

EMDR- and IFS-trained Psychiatrist

Find online EMDR therapy

The fact you are here makes it likely you have been trying to find a therapist to heal from the impact of trauma. Online EMDR therapy sessions offer the convenience of therapy for trauma from your own home, without travel or other issues, especially in the vulnerable state you may find yourself in just after a session. Here is my list of 25 advantages of online EMDR sessions.

TL;DR: 

I am a trauma-informed psychiatrist offering online EMDR therapy. If the convenience and accessibility of online therapy resonate with your needs, contact me and let's talk about virtual EMDR sessions. My clients and I have found that EMDR therapy online is at least as effective as in-person therapy. Click here to receive a list of 25 advantages of virtual EMDR therapy.

EMDR online

It is hard not to be intrigued by online EMDR therapy. I use virtual EMDR to bring the powerful reprocessing capabilities of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) directly to you, wherever you are. As a trauma informed psychiatrist trained in both EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I really want to offer effective and accessible pathways to healing, and online EMDR is a significant part of that commitment.

What Exactly is Virtual EMDR or Online EMDR Therapy?

Virtual EMDR, or online EMDR therapy, is simply the delivery of traditional EMDR therapy sessions through a secure online therapy platform. I happen to use Zoom for our virtual appointments, but other platforms work just as well. Instead of sitting in the same physical room, you and your EMDR therapist connect remotely.

The core principles of online EMDR therapy for trauma

The core principles and the eight phases of EMDR therapy remain the same. This includes focusing on distressing memories, identifying associated negative cognitions, and engaging in bilateral stimulation (BLS) to help the brain to access its natural reprocessing of these experiences. The key difference lies in how the bilateral stimulation is administered in a virtual setting. There are many options, and I happen to prefer a technique called Butterfly Hug, which basically means you are tapping your own upper arms or shoulders with your hands. The goal of bilateral stimulation is to reprocess disturbing memories and reduce their emotional impact. This will help you to achieve adaptive resolution (a complex way of saying EMDR treatment helps overcome past trauma and distressing life events by reprocessing painful memories.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work to Reprocess Trauma in an Online Therapy Setting?

EMDR therapy is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. This model states that our brains have a natural capacity to process and integrate experiences in a healthy way. However, when a traumatic or significantly distressing event occurs, this natural processing system can become overwhelmed, causing memories to be stored in a "stuck" state, along with the original emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs. These unprocessed memories can continue to have a negative influence on our present lives.

EMDR therapy tries to reactivate this natural processing system

There are eight phases of any effective EMDR treatment:

• history taking,

• preparation,

• assessment, 

• desensitization,

• installation,

• body scan,

• closure,

• re-evaluation

The therapy helps to unlock these stuck memories. What makes it very different from e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy, is that EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (BLS). Traditionally, this involves the therapist guiding the client's eye movements from side to side with their fingers or with an EMDR light.

Virtual Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy

In virtual EMDR, I tend to use various methods of bilateral stimulation. Your online EMDR therapist might guide you to follow their finger movements on the screen, use visual BLS tools specifically designed for online therapy, or use auditory or tactile BLS methods that you can administer yourself with guidance. My preference is a form of self tapping called the butterfly hug. The tapping, like other forms of bilateral stimulation, facilitates communication between the left and right side of the brain. In turn this helps you to reprocess the traumatic memory, so you'll be able to see new, more adaptive information and perspectives.

What are the Key Benefits of Online Therapy for EMDR and Trauma Recovery?

Choosing online therapy for EMDR offers several significant advantages. Here is a short list, or click here to receive my list of 25 advantages of online EMDR sessions.

Accessibility: 

Online therapy to overcome trauma eliminates geographical barriers, allowing you to connect with a specialized EMDR therapist like myself, who can offer EMDR therapy regardless of your location. This is particularly beneficial if you live in an area where EMDR therapists are scarce.

Convenience: 

Virtual EMDR therapy sessions can be scheduled at times that are most convenient for you, eliminating the need for travel time and potentially fitting more easily into busy schedules than in-person EMDR therapy.

Comfort and Safety: 

You may feel more comfortable and safer engaging in the emotionally intensive work of trauma therapy from the familiar surroundings of your own home. This sense of security can be particularly important when processing difficult experiences, childhood trauma and other causes of post traumatic stress disorder.

Continuity of Care: 

If you travel frequently or plan to move, online therapy allows for consistent and uninterrupted therapeutic support.

Privacy:

For those who value discretion, online therapy can offer a greater sense of privacy.

Is Online EMDR Therapy Truly Effective as a Mental Health Treatment?

The effectiveness of EMDR therapy as a treatment for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions is well-established through numerous research studies. The research specifically focusing on the efficacy of online EMDR therapy is still growing. Initial studies and clinical experience suggest that the therapy can be as effective treatment as EMDR via in-person appointment. 

The core mechanisms of EMDR, including the AIP model and bilateral stimulation, are adaptable to the online format. Therapists trained in virtual EMDR are skilled in utilizing various online bilateral stimulation techniques. We make sure that the online EMDR therapy session takes place in a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. 

It's important to work with a qualified and experienced EMDR therapist who is proficient in delivering therapy online to ensure the best possible outcomes. The foundational traits of a good therapist, such as the ability to connect with the client, provide support, and guide the process, remain crucial in both in-person and online counseling.

How Do I Find an EMDR Therapist Offering Virtual EMDR Therapy?

Finding an EMDR therapist who offers virtual EMDR therapy involves similar steps to finding an in-person therapist, with an added focus on their online couseling practice:

Online Directories:

Check online directories specific to EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) or general mental health platforms that allow you to filter by specialization (EMDR) and service delivery method (online or telehealth).

Professional Websites:

Many EMDR therapists, including myself, have websites that clearly state what online therapy services we provide.

Word of Mouth:

Ask for recommendations from trusted friends, family, or other healthcare providers.

Initial Consultation:

Once you identify potential therapists, schedule an initial consultation to discuss your needs, their experience with virtual EMDR, the online therapy platform they use, and their approach to bilateral stimulation in a virtual setting. Don't forget to check where they have completed their EMDR basic training.

What Should I Expect in a Virtual EMDR Therapy Session?

A virtual EMDR therapy session will generally follow the same structure as an in-person session. You will connect with your EMDR therapist through a secure video conferencing platform. In the initial phases, your therapist will take a thorough history, explain the EMDR process, and help you identify target memories and develop coping mechanisms. When you move into the desensitization phase, your therapist will guide you to focus on the target memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation adapted for the online format. Throughout the reprocessing, your therapist will periodically check in with you, asking what you are noticing. The goal is to allow your brain to make new associations and reduce the emotional intensity of the memory. Just as in in-person EMDR, creating a safe and understanding therapeutic relationship is essential for successful online processing.

Can EMDR Intensives be Conducted Effectively Online?

EMDR intensives are longer, more concentrated therapy sessions that can be particularly beneficial for processing trauma more efficiently. While traditionally offered in person, EMDR intensives can also be adapted for the online format. The structure and duration of virtual EMDR intensives would be tailored to your specific needs and the therapist's clinical judgment. The benefits of online therapy, such as convenience and comfort, can be particularly appealing for intensive work, allowing you to engage deeply in the reprocessing process without the added stress of multiple trips to an office. Careful planning and preparation are essential to ensure safety and effectiveness in virtual EMDR intensives.

Is Virtual Eye Movement Desensitization the Same as Online Counseling or Psychotherapy?

Virtual eye movement desensitization is quite different from regular talk therapy. EMDR therapy is a specific and structured approach with its own protocols and phases. Online counseling and psychotherapy are broader terms that can contain various therapeutic approaches delivered online, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychodynamic therapy. Virtual EMDR is a specific type of online therapy focused on reprocessing trauma and other distressing experiences using bilateral stimulation. Some therapists limit themselves to online EMDR. Others like me combine different modalities. I help individuals process the effects of trauma using a combination of IFS and EMDR. 

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Delivered Through Telehealth Platforms?

Many individuals who would benefit from EMDR therapy in person can also benefit from EMDR delivered through telehealth platforms

. This includes individuals struggling with:

However, it's crucial for an EMDR therapist to conduct a thorough assessment to determine if online therapy, and specifically virtual EMDR, is appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances.

How Does Trauma Therapy Online Address the Unique Challenges of Distressing Memories?

Trauma therapy online, including virtual EMDR, addresses the unique challenges of distressing memories by providing a structured and supportive environment for reprocessing. The online setting can offer a sense of distance that some clients find helpful initially. The therapist will guide you through techniques to manage any intense emotions that may arise during reprocessing, ensuring you feel safe and in control. Virtual BLS helps to facilitate the brain's natural healing process, allowing the emotional charge of the memory to lessen and more adaptive beliefs to develop. The convenience of online sessions can also reduce barriers to consistent engagement in the therapeutic process, which is essential for effective trauma recovery.

Summary of Key Things to Remember:

Benefits of online therapy by an experienced EMDR therapist

If ...

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