An EMDR Therapist In Seattle Answers: Does EMDR Therapy Work Over Telehealth?
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If you're considering EMDR therapy but aren't sure how it could possibly work over a computer screen, you're not alone. It's a question I hear often.
Many people understand how EMDR might work in an office, sitting across from their therapist. But doing trauma therapy from your living room? It can be harder to picture.
The good news is that, for many people, EMDR works very well over telehealth.
Hi, I’m Diane Dempcy, a trauma therapist in Seattle and a certified EMDR therapist. Along with trauma, I also specialize in anxiety and provide therapy in Bellevue.
Online EMDR allows you to work with a therapist without adding a commute to your week. For some people, being in their own home makes it easier to relax and feel comfortable during therapy.
Of course, telehealth isn't the right choice for everyone. Your history, current symptoms, privacy, and ability to stay grounded during sessions all play a role.
If you're considering EMDR therapy and wondering whether virtual sessions might work for you, here's what you should know.
→ Read my full post: An EMDR Therapist in Seattle Explains: What Is EMDR?
How Does Online EMDR Therapy In Seattle Actually Work?
Online EMDR takes place over a secure video platform. We can see and talk with each other throughout the session, much like we would if you were sitting in my office.
Telehealth makes it possible to work with an EMDR therapist from the comfort of your own home anywhere in Washington.
The main difference is how we do bilateral stimulation—the back-and-forth stimulation used during EMDR.
Depending on what works best for you, we might use guided eye movements on the screen, alternating tapping, or another form of left-right stimulation that works well over video.
You won't be left on your own to process difficult memories. I'm there with you throughout the session, checking in and guiding the process.
And just like with in-person EMDR, we don't jump straight into your most difficult experiences. We spend time preparing for the work and making sure you have ways to stay grounded and manage difficult emotions when they come up.
The process may look a little different online, but the goal is the same: helping you process experiences that are still affecting your life today.
What Does the Research Say?
The research on telehealth and trauma therapy is promising. Studies show that trauma-focused therapy can be just as effective online as in person, and research on online EMDR suggests that it can work well for many clients too.
Image courtesy of Dan Dimmock @ Unsplash.com
In my clinical experience, many people can do meaningful EMDR work through video sessions.
That doesn't mean the experience is exactly the same as being in the office. Some people strongly prefer meeting in person, while others find that telehealth is just as comfortable—or even more comfortable.
The important question isn't necessarily whether online EMDR is better or worse. It's whether it is a good fit for you.
Some clients are surprised by how connected they feel during virtual sessions. Others appreciate being able to finish a session and remain in the comfort of their own home rather than immediately getting in the car and driving somewhere.
Who Is a Good Fit for Virtual EMDR?
Telehealth can be a great option for busy professionals, parents, or anyone who doesn't want to add commuting time to their week.
It also makes EMDR more accessible if you live outside the Seattle area. You can work with an EMDR therapist in Seattle without having to travel to the office every week.
Some people simply feel more comfortable at home. Being in a familiar space, sitting in a comfortable chair, or having your own surroundings nearby can help you feel more settled during therapy.
Of course, privacy matters. If you're worried about someone walking in or overhearing you, it may be harder to fully focus on the session.
When Might In-Person EMDR Be Better?
Telehealth works well for many people, but there are situations where I may recommend meeting in person.
If you experience significant dissociation or tend to feel disconnected from yourself or your surroundings when difficult emotions come up, being in the same physical space may provide additional support.
Some people feel more comfortable doing therapy at home. Others prefer coming into the office and having a private space away from everyday life. There isn't one right answer.
Privacy can also be a deciding factor. Ideally, you need a place where you can talk openly without being interrupted.
Technology matters, too. You don't need anything fancy, but you do need a reasonably reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.
These are things we can talk about before starting EMDR therapy in Seattle. You don't have to figure out whether telehealth is right for you on your own.
Common Questions About Online EMDR
Is telehealth EMDR safe?
For the right person, yes. Before beginning trauma processing, we'll spend time getting to know your history and making sure you have the tools and resources you need to manage difficult emotions.
EMDR isn't about pushing through until you're overwhelmed. If something feels too intense, we slow down and adjust.
Is virtual EMDR as effective as in-person EMDR?
For many people, yes. Research and clinical experience suggest that telehealth can be an effective way to provide EMDR.
The best format depends on you. Your history, current symptoms, comfort with technology, and access to privacy all matter.
What equipment do I need?
Nothing complicated. You'll need a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone.
You'll also want a private, comfortable place where you can participate without being interrupted. You don't need to buy any special EMDR equipment.
Can I switch between telehealth and in-person sessions?
Often, yes. Some clients prefer mostly telehealth sessions but occasionally come into the office. Others start with one format and later decide another feels like a better fit.
The format should make therapy easier—not create another obstacle.
→ Read the full post: A Trauma Therapist In Seattle Explains an EMDR Therapy Session
Wrapping It Up
Image courtesy of Elijah Hiett at Unsplash.com
Choosing between telehealth and in-person EMDR doesn't have to be complicated.
Both can provide a supportive space to work through experiences that are still affecting your life. The question is simply which setting will help you feel comfortable, supported, and able to engage in the work.
If you're considering EMDR therapy in Seattle, you can meet with me in person on Mercer Island or through secure telehealth anywhere in Washington State.
We can talk about what you're hoping to work on and decide together whether virtual sessions, in-person therapy, or a combination of both makes the most sense for you.
Whether we're meeting in my office or through a computer screen, the goal is the same: helping you process difficult experiences so they have less power over your life today.
Diane specializes in working with adults who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, and the weight of daily life. Her therapy focuses on helping clients find a sense of genuine calm, build confidence, and reconnect with themselves in a meaningful way.
Her work includes support for anxiety, trauma, and EMDR therapy. You can learn more about her approach on her About page.
