Online & Telehealth
Can EMDR Be Done Online?
Research and clinical guidance indicate that EMDR can be adapted for remote delivery in appropriate cases. Learn what the evidence says, important clinical considerations, and when in-person care may be more appropriate.
BilateralSync · Updated · 7 min read
Overview
EMDR can be adapted for remote delivery when appropriate clinical safeguards, protocol fidelity, and clinical judgment are maintained. Research on remote EMDR is encouraging, but suitability depends on the individual client, clinical presentation, stability, therapeutic relationship, and the therapist’s assessment of whether remote treatment is appropriate. Online EMDR uses the same eight-phase protocol; only the delivery of bilateral stimulation is adapted for the video setting.
What the evidence says
Published case series, open trials and small RCTs have reported clinically meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms following online EMDR, with effects that in several studies appear broadly comparable to in-person delivery when protocol fidelity is maintained, although the evidence base is still smaller than for in-person EMDR. Reviews suggest online EMDR can be a viable option when access, geography or client preference favor telehealth.
In practice
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?
- Early evidence suggests comparable outcomes for some presentations when protocol fidelity is maintained, but it is not equivalent for every client. 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.
This article is general professional information for clinicians. It is not clinical advice and does not replace EMDR training, consultation or individual clinical judgment. BilateralSync is a tool for delivering bilateral stimulation; it is not a treatment or a medical device.