Online EMDR Therapy: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re a client familiar with the EMDR process and has had to adapt to online services due to the Covid-19 pandemic, or you’re a new client interested in what EMDR or online treatment, in general, has to offer, we’re all finding out together. EMDR Therapy is a relatively new (1980s) therapy that has become more and more popular while being proven to be effective in treating anxiety, stress, trauma and other mental health issues.
Can EMDR therapy be performed online?
Let’s get straight to it; online therapy with EMDR is possible. While EMDR is not a new treatment, online EMDR is a relatively new way of doing EMDR in Memphis, and it is essential to note that research is ongoing. However, research on online treatment has generally been studied and found to be very effective.
Many people in Memphis have found a lack of good EMDR providers in-town. Tennessee occupational therapy licensing laws state that if you’re licensed to provide therapy services in Memphis, you are also licensed in the entire state of Tennessee. Thus, with the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s closing of offices and clinics, Memphis residents now have easy & affordable access to top-notch EMDR therapy through Tennessee-based online providers. These are traditionally grass roots therapists who made the switch to working remote during the pandemic in order to safely remain accessible to their patients.
The situation is similar in other states as well. Let’s say you are having success working on your issues with one of the best psychiatrists in Orlando. For cases involving trauma or PTSD, they may refer you to a licensed EMDR provider that can operate in Florida on an online basis.
The same thing is occurring in Canada and in other countries. EMDR therapy continues to become a popular, respected choice for those seeking help with trauma. Crystal Arber is another EMDR therapist that also cross-specializes in helping other therapists achieve their EMDR certifications in Canada.
Why might this be an important time to pursue or start EMDR therapy online?
First, people who seek treatment often experience stress.
Some clients suffer from severe chronic stress due to prolonged childhood traumas that have affected negative feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and difficulty trusting others. It can be essential to address these stressors and use EMDR to manage triggers and daily life.
Imagine having these long-term challenges with chronic stress, abandonment, confidence, and loneliness and finding yourself in a pandemic where your chronic problems are constantly being stirred up.
These issues can stem from mistrusting people or worrying about whether others are washing their hands properly or keeping an appropriate distance. In addition, we can feel the long-term impact of the social distancing shock, which may arise from a long-standing problem of abandonment, loneliness, or feelings of insecurity.
It can put people who don’t see a current therapist in the position of needing to address the everyday stress and the more profound, pre-existing trauma that is surfacing, all while adjusting to the idea of doing EMDR online.
The challenge is that while working through online trauma can be awkward or challenging, the reality of not healing your trauma can mean stress, anxiety, loneliness, triggering painful memories, and possibly even more separation at home, all while doing it on your own.
The transition can be difficult, but your therapist is there for you.
How is online EMDR therapy different from in-person EMDR therapy?
The feedback received from clients who have switched from in-office EMDR to an online EMDR therapist in Memphis has been mainly positive. Most clients felt there is a transition period but generally felt comfortable with the online processing, and it wasn’t as challenging to adjust as they expected.
If you’re already doing EMDR therapy or are transitioning to EMDR online, there are a few things you might want to consider.
Do you have a support system you can access if you can’t be in the office with your therapist?
Do you need to reconsider or restore your employment contract together? Do you need to reassess your trauma treatment goals
Clients who transition to online EMDR therapy may need one or two sessions to reassess goals and to build their comfort in the online meeting.
Once they are familiar with online therapy, the EMDR process, safety procedures in place, a new contract, and new goals, nothing is standing in the way of returning to work.
The standard 8-phase EMDR protocol can be used in a fairly traditional way.
For new clients, just as if you were in the office, you will have the assessment, history taking, and resource building phase before moving on to the reprocessing or desensitization phase of EMDR. In addition, you should establish and practice using security steps and support systems before switching to EMDR. In the end, you feel that there is an organized and routine approach to your online sessions.
How can I find a therapist who offers this service in Memphis?
When looking for a best therapist, it is essential to find one who is experienced in treating anxiety disorders and offers EMDR therapy. You should also make sure that your therapist is licensed and insured. You can also ask your friends or family if they know of any good therapists in the area.