Online & Telehealth
Can EMDR Be Done Online?
Yes — EMDR can be delivered effectively online. Learn what the evidence says, what setup you need and how remote EMDR compares to in-person work.
Reviewed by the BilateralSync clinical team · Updated · 7 min read
Introduction
Yes. EMDR can be delivered online, and it has been for years — first out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now as an established modality endorsed by EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and EMDR Europe guidance. Online EMDR uses the same eight-phase protocol; only the delivery of bilateral stimulation is adapted for the video setting.
Evidence summary
Published case series, open trials and small RCTs have reported clinically meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms following online EMDR, with effects broadly comparable to in-person delivery when protocol fidelity is maintained. Systematic reviews conclude online EMDR is a viable option when access, geography or client preference favor telehealth.
Clinical use
Successful online EMDR depends on three practical elements: a stable video connection, an appropriate delivery mechanism for bilateral stimulation, and careful preparation of the client's physical space. Purpose-built platforms such as BilateralSync provide synchronized visual and stereo auditory BLS that runs alongside Zoom, Teams, Doxy.me and other video tools, so the therapist controls speed and modality in real time while remaining fully present on video.
Frequently asked questions
- Is online EMDR as effective as in-person EMDR?
- Current evidence suggests comparable outcomes for many presentations when protocol fidelity is maintained. Complex trauma may still be better served in person, based on clinical judgement.
- What do I need to run EMDR online?
- A secure video platform, a BLS delivery tool such as BilateralSync, a private space, and a client who has been oriented to the online setup and has agreed a safety plan.
References
- Lenferink, L. I. M. et al. (2020). Online EMDR: a systematic review.
- EMDRIA (2020). Virtual EMDR therapy guidance.
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