Can Virtual EMDR Therapy Really Work? What the Research Is Actually Showing Us

What the Research Is Actually Showing Us (From a Trauma Therapist Who Integrates EMDR)

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, unique, and research-backed approach to trauma therapy. Originally utilized mainly for PTSD, EMDR is now used to treat a wide range of mental health challenges and concerns. EMDR therapy helps your brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel quite so life-altering, overwhelming, or "stuck". Unlike the talk therapy you normally think of, EMDR taps into your brain’s natural healing processes using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping!) to unlock, shift, and integrate past trauma. There is a lot less talking in these sessions and a lot more feeling. :)

Can EMDR Really Work Virtually?

Yep! And not just in theory. Virtual EMDR therapy has been proven to be clinically effective and fully legitimate when done using the right tools and a well-trained therapist. Studies have found no significant differences in treatment outcomes between virtual and in-person EMDR for trauma clients. Recent studies have actually been finding that:

• Online EMDR is just as effective as in-person EMDR for PTSD and trauma-related challenges.

  
  

• Clients often report equal or even higher levels of comfort doing trauma work from home (especially if they find leaving the house difficult).

  
  

• Bilateral stimulation can be delivered virtually through tapping, visual tracking, or audio tools, without losing therapeutic impact.

  
  
  
  

How Virtual EMDR Actually Works

During an online EMDR session, we meet over a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform (Simple Practice, to be exact!). I’ll guide you (step-by-step) through the process, just like I would in person. I only offer EMDR therapy to clients after a handful of other sessions full of history taking and rapport building, so you don't have to worry about being thrown in right away. Once we do get started, here’s what stays the same and what is adapted for these virtual therapy sessions:

What Stays the Same:

• I use the same EMDR protocol as I would in person

  
  

• You’ll still experience deep emotional processing

  
  

• You will be met with the same level of attunement and support (obviously!)

  
  

• The process still involves phase-based trauma treatment

  
  

What’s Adapted for Virtual EMDR (not much!):

• Bilateral stimulation will be offered using screen-based eye movement tools & light bars

  
  

• Grounding and resourcing techniques are slightly tweaked & expanded upon for your home environment

  
  

• Careful verbal check-ins will be an even more frequent part of treatment since I'm not physically with you

  
  
  
  

Why Some Clients Prefer EMDR Online

Many people find virtual EMDR less intimidating, especially when working through relational trauma or complex PTSD. Being in your own space, often near comfort items, pets, or grounding tools, can create a greater sense of comfort & safety. Other benefits include:

• No commute or driving home in an emotionally activated state

  
  

• Easier integration of the work into your daily life

  
  

• More consistency (if in-person sessions are difficult to attend), which supports long-term change

  
  

• I already mentioned pets...but the other benefit is (selfishly) I get to see your pets :)

  
  
  
  

Who Is Virtual EMDR Best For?

Online EMDR therapy is a great option for:

• Anyone who prefers therapy from the privacy of home

  
  

• People recovering from narcissistic abuse or emotionally immature caregivers

  
  

• Adults with attachment wounds and attachment trauma

  
  

• Clients with anxiety, phobias, PTSD/CPTSD

  
  
  
  

It won't be the best fit for:

• Clients in crisis who need in-person safety supports

  
  

• Clients with a history of very severe dissociation

  
  

• Clients without a private, distraction-free environment

  
  

• Individuals who find virtual therapy to feel impersonal

  
  
  
  

Virtual EMDR Therapy in Illinois

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I offer EMDR therapy online for residents across the state, including Chicago, Naperville, Oak Brook, Hinsdale etc.

I specialize in working with clients who have experienced:

• Narcissistic abuse and toxic relationship dynamics

  
  

• Insecure attachment challenges

  
  

• Developmental trauma and childhood emotional neglect

  
  

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder

  
  
  
  

The Bottom Line: Yes, Virtual EMDR Works!

Online EMDR isn’t a watered-down version of trauma therapy. It’s a powerful, research-supported tool that allows treatment to happen safely, accessibly, and effectively from anywhere. If you're wondering whether EMDR (or therapy in general) can actually help you, let’s talk through your concerns and see if it’s the right fit.

Want to learn more about virtual EMDR therapy? I specialize in helping clients recover from narcissistic abuse by integrating EMDR into therapy when appropriate. Learn more about the various services I offer at my practice, Two Lights Therapy Center:  https://www.twolightstherapy.com/

Virtual Sessions can be scheduled by emailing: hello@twolightstherapy.com or by visiting: https://www.twolightstherapy.com/contact 

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Two Lights Therapy Center PLLC | Chicago, Illinois

Narcissistic Abuse Therapy & EMDR for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery

Please Note: The information provided in these blog posts is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional therapy or therapeutic services. While these blogs are written by licensed psychotherapists, readers should not use this content as a replacement for individualized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a crisis or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or contact other emergency services in your area.