With the awakening of a virtual world, medicine must conform to suit the patients. This necessitates online treatment plans that are as effective as physical or on-site treatment options. One aspect of treatment that has transitioned is therapy, and in this case, EMDR therapy.
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a treatment option for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias. These days, more and more people are getting EMDR therapy from the comfort of their homes thanks to EMDR treatment online.
What is EMDR Treatment?
EMDR treatment is a type of psychotherapy. It involves a structured approach to processing traumatic or distressing memories. It is based on traumatic experiences getting stuck in the brain. This causes recurrent negative thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns. The therapy involves the use of bilateral stimulation to help the brain. Stimulations such as eye movement or hand tapping help reorganize the memories.
EMDR therapy effectively treats various mental health conditions. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, phobias, developmental trauma, and relationship difficulties. EMDR therapy is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include talk therapy, medication, and other therapies.
How does EMDR Therapy Work?
Unlike other therapy models, EMDR therapy is a structured approach. One in which the therapist guides the person through a sequence of eye movements, sounds, or taps while they recall traumatic events. The bilateral stimulation during eye movement therapy stimulates the brain to better process the trauma.
The therapy generally consists of eight phases: history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Through these phases, the therapist works with the client to identify traumatic memories, explore associated emotions and sensations, and develop new positive beliefs and behaviors.
Some studies have also shown that EMDR can be more effective than other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in treating certain conditions.
Note that EMDR isn’t appropriate for everyone. A licensed therapist will determine if this type of therapy is suitable before they prescribe it.
Finding EMDR Treatment Online
EMDR treatment has become more convenient for everyone in recent years. First, you must find a licensed therapist trained in EMDR who offers EMDR therapy online.
Once you have found a therapist, you should schedule an initial appointment to discuss your mental health concerns and determine if EMDR therapy is appropriate for you. During this appointment, the therapist will also explain how online therapy works, answer any questions, and address any concerns you may have.
If you and the therapist decide to proceed with EMDR therapy, you’ll schedule regular online sessions. During these sessions, the therapist will guide you through the EMDR therapy process, which typically involves identifying traumatic memories, processing them using bilateral stimulation, and building coping skills to manage residual symptoms.
The phases and stages of the therapy remain the same when it is online, however, one primary difference between the online and in person methods is the way the bilateral devices are utilized. When the therapy is delivered in person, the therapist utilizes their hands or an electronic device such as a light bar. When delivered online, the client will self-tap or participate in a HIPAA compliant, online application or software on their personal device. This EMDR software incorporates moving light or sounds through headphones.
Final Words
Receiving EMDR treatment online is a convenient and accessible way of getting this therapy no matter where you are located. If you want to try EMDR therapy online, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed therapist today to learn more about this innovative therapy.
