Find Online EMDR Therapist and Who It’s Best Suited for

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Mental health issues can be taxing and debilitating, which is why finding the right therapy is crucial. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been gaining popularity over the years, especially for those with trauma and PTSD.

EMDR therapy can help alleviate symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and post-traumatic stress.

The Online Mental Health Reviews team is dedicated to helping people find the right online therapist or program for their needs.

Our team is made up of experienced content writers, healthcare professionals, and therapists who understand the importance of thoroughly researching any provider before you make an appointment.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons for choosing online EMDR therapy and who is best suited for it.

Overall, EMDR is excellent for those who want to concentrate on healing their trauma (the best scientific research explicitly supports EMDR for trauma) and those who find it difficult to talk about trauma (EMDR requires less talking).

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Table of Contents

1. Convenience and Flexibility:

Online EMDR therapy offers the convenience and flexibility that in-person therapy cannot. Traditional therapy can be difficult for those with busy schedules or mobility issues. With online EMDR therapy, you can receive treatment from the comfort of your own home, without the need to travel, and at a time that best suits you.

2. Discrete and Secure:

One of the biggest benefits of online EMDR therapy is the privacy and security it provides. Many people may be hesitant to attend therapy in person due to concerns about their privacy. With online therapy, you can feel secure knowing that your sessions are encrypted and confidential. Online platforms are compliant with all relevant data privacy regulations, which means that your personal and medical information is highly protected.

3. Effective for PTSD and Trauma:

EMDR therapy is effective in treating OCD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. It is a highly structured treatment that involves the therapist guiding the patient through a series of eye movements while recalling traumatic events to ultimately alleviate them.

Online EMDR therapy is almost as effective as in-person therapy for trauma and PTSD-related issues. An article in the Journal of BMC Psychiatry supports the idea that online EMDR therapy can be a feasible and effective alternative to in-person therapy if certain requirements are met¹.

4. Those who are Best Suited for Online EMDR:

Online EMDR therapy is best suited for people who have busy schedules, mobility issues, or live in remote areas. It’s also an option for people who are hesitant to attend therapy in person due to privacy concerns, social anxiety, or other issues.

However, it’s important to note that online therapy is not suitable for everyone. It may not be the best option for patients who have severe mental health disorders or cannot use technology comfortably.

5. Choosing the Right Online EMDR Therapist:

When looking for an online EMDR therapist, it’s essential to choose someone who’s licensed and trained to practice EMDR therapy. Make sure to research their credentials, experience, and online reviews before booking a session. Similarly, it’s important to choose a platform that’s reputed and compliant with data privacy regulations.

Who is EMDR Not Suitable For?

EMDR therapy is not suitable for everyone.

People who are currently experiencing hallucinations or delusions should not use EMDR therapy.
Additionally, people with medical conditions related to anxiety, stress, panic, trauma, depression, phobias, grief, loss, or behavior issues may not benefit from EMDR therapy.
Those who have buried their emotions too deeply or who don’t want to feel the feelings associated with their mental health issue may also not be ready for EMDR treatment.
Finally, if you have a mental health goal that includes moving past a difficult experience and you are unsure if EMDR is right for you it is best to consult with a mental healthcare provider.

What Disorder is EMDR Most Commonly Used to Treat?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of psychotherapy that is most commonly used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but can also be used to treat anxiety, panic, depression, and other mental health issues.

EMDR therapy has been recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as an effective treatment for both acute and chronic PTSD.

The process of EMDR therapy involves focusing on the trauma while engaging in eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This helps the patient reprocess the traumatic memories and reduce their intensity, allowing them to move forward with their lives.

If you are struggling with mental health issues related to a traumatic experience, it may be worth considering EMDR therapy as an option. Talk to your doctor or therapist about whether this type of treatment could be right for you.

What You Need for Online EMDR Therapy

When doing EMDR online, you will need to have access to an internet connection and video conferencing software such as Zoom or Skype.
You will also need a quiet space where you can focus on the session without interruption. It’s important to be comfortable during the session so you may want to consider having a blanket or pillow nearby.
It’s important to remember that EMDR therapy requires trust between you and your therapist so make sure you find someone who makes you feel comfortable and safe. If at any point during the session, you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable, let your therapist know right away so they can adjust the process accordingly.

Where to Find An Online EMDR Therapist

If you are looking for an online EMDR therapist, there are a few options available. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) provides a “Find an EMDR Therapist Directory” which is regularly updated to help you find a qualified therapist in your area.

There are also services such as Virtual EMDR, Remote EMDR, and Online EMDR Therapy that offer online sessions with trained professionals. Additionally, many therapists provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) online.

It’s important to remember that EMDR therapy is most effective when it is done in person, however, due to the current pandemic and general societal trends, many therapists have moved their practice online. This means that you can still receive quality care from the comfort of your own home.

No matter what option you choose, make sure that the therapist is properly trained and certified in EMDR therapy and has experience working with people who have experienced trauma or distressing life events.

List of 6 EMDR Directories

There are multiple sources you may use to find a list of contact details for different EMDR therapists, clinicians and healthcare providers.

You can discover a therapist nearby by using the EMDRIA directory, which has more than 14,000 members who have had EMDR Therapy training (https://www.emdria.org/directory/).
You can look for clinicians on the EMDR Institute website by providing as much information as you can. (https://www.emdr.com/search) is one of the greatest resources for finding EMDR providers and therapists.
All of the therapists included in the Parnell directory of members (https://parnellemdr.com/members/) have successfully completed the three-part EMDR Basic Training. Find EMDR practitioners in Canada, Japan, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, Singapore, the UK, and many more countries by searching online.
On their website for EMDR Training & materials (https://emdrtherapy.com/), the Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy provides training and other materials relevant to this therapeutic method.
The EMDR Therapist Directory is a list of EMDR Therapists who have either A) finished an EMDR Training/Remote EMDR Training program through the Maiberger Institute or B) finished a normal EMDR basic training and at least one Maiberger Institute EMDR Advanced Workshop (https://maibergerinstitute.com/emdr-therapist-directory/#!directory/map)
Although not especially for EMDR, Psychology Today offers one of the most thorough Therapist search engines here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists. You can easily filter the results for EMDR, location, insurance, gender, etc.

What is VirtualEMDR.com?

VirtualEMDR.com is an online mental health program that offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

EMDR, of course, is a type of psychotherapy that uses audio stimulation and visual tracking technology to help people process traumatic memories and reduce the symptoms of depression, trauma, and PTSD.

VirtualEMDR.com provides self-administered EMDR therapy in the comfort of your own home without the need for a therapist. The program includes guided exercises, tools, and resources to help you break free from emotional pain and live free from trauma, anxiety, and addiction effectively and affordably.

Try 3 Day Free Trial of Virtual EDMR

How Does EMDR Work Online?

EMDR can be done in person or online with a therapist.

Online EMDR works similarly to in-person services. The therapist and client are in separate locations, but the therapist will guide the client through the 8 phases of EMDR treatment. These phases include taking a client’s history, creating a treatment plan, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation.

During each phase of treatment, the therapist will ask the client to focus on certain aspects of their trauma while also engaging in eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation such as tapping or audio tones. This helps the brain process traumatic memories more effectively by stimulating both sides of the brain simultaneously.

Research has shown that online EMDR can be just as effective as doing it in person if you meet certain requirements such as having access to a reliable internet connection and being able to engage in bilateral stimulation activities with your therapist.

Overall, online EMDR can be an effective way for people struggling with mental health issues to receive help from a qualified professional without having to leave their homes.

Is EMDR Considered Controversial?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy used to treat trauma and PTSD. While it is an effective approach to treating these conditions, there is still some controversy surrounding the practice.

Much of the controversy comes from a lack of understanding about what happens during EMDR treatment. Some critics have referred to it as “pseudoscience” because researchers are still unclear about how exactly it works.
Additionally, since EMDR has only been around for a few decades, there is still much research to be done on its long-term effects.
Scientific American² contends that while EDMR is an improvement over nothing, it still falls short of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which has a longer track record and produces superior overall results.

Overall, while there is some controversy surrounding EMDR therapy, research has shown that it can be an effective way to treat trauma and PTSD when administered by a qualified professional. It’s important for anyone considering using EMDR therapy to do their research and speak with a mental health professional to make an informed decision

Why Does Bilateral Stimulation Work?

Bilateral Stimulation is a type of therapy used to help people with mental health issues.

It works by using alternating right and left stimulation, such as tapping on the knees, legs, or shoulders, tapping toes or feet on the floor, or moving the eyes back and forth. This type of stimulation helps to create electrical activity in different parts of the brain and encourages better communication between the two hemispheres.

The use of Bilateral Stimulation has been found to have several benefits including a relaxation effect that decreases physiological arousal, increased attentional flexibility which makes it easier to move away from negative thoughts, and improved access to positive memories. It can also help with focusing on traumatic memories without feeling overwhelmed.

In many ways, Bilateral Stimulation in how it helps you move away from negative thoughts is similar to mindfulness. If EMDR or bilateral stimulation seems strange to you, you may want to learn mindfulness meditation with a free 7 or 14 day Headspace trial.

Overall, Bilateral Stimulation is an effective way for people struggling with mental health issues to find relief and improve their overall well-being.

Key Questions to Ask a Therapist When Considering Online EMDR Therapist

If you’re considering online EMDR therapy, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure you find the right therapist for your needs. Here are some key questions to ask a potential EMDR therapist:

What is your training and experience with EMDR? Are you a certified EMDR Therapist?
Do you keep up with the EMDR research and best practices?
What do they use for bilateral stimulation (BLS)?
How long have they been practicing EMDR therapy?
What specialty licenses and certifications do they hold?
Why do they believe in this type of therapy?
What type of trauma-specific tools and approaches do they use, such as Somatic Experiencing or EMDR?
How do they conceptualize helping you with your concerns?
What ethical guidelines are they familiar with?
What is their approach to bilateral stimulation (BLS)?

By asking these questions, you can get a better understanding of the therapist’s qualifications and experience, as well as their approach to treating mental health issues using EMDR therapy. This will help you make an informed decision about who is best suited to provide the care that you need.

Can EMDR be Done Remotely?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy that can be used to treat trauma and other mental health issues. It is effective in helping people process difficult emotions and memories.

The good news is that EMDR can also be done remotely, through online therapy. This means that you don’t have to go into an office to receive treatment; instead, you can do it from the comfort of your own home.

Online EMDR therapy works in much the same way as face-to-face EMDR therapy. However, some minor adjustments may need to be made for it to work effectively over a distance. For example, the therapist may use visual cues or audio recordings instead of physical movements or hand gestures.

Additionally, the therapist will likely provide more guidance on how to do self-tapping exercises at home if they are part of your treatment plan.

Overall, research has shown that virtual EMDR can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions when it comes to treating mental health issues such as PTSD and depression. If you’re considering starting virtual EMDR therapy, make sure you find an experienced therapist who is trained in this type of treatment.

In conclusion, yes – EMDR can be done remotely through online therapy sessions with a qualified professional. This means that even if you’re unable to attend face-to-face appointments due to travel restrictions or other reasons, you can still get the help you need from the comfort of your own home.

How to Use Zocdoc to Find an EMDR Therapist or Doctor

Zocdoc is an online service that lets you find and book appointments with doctors, dentists, therapists, and other medical workers in your area. You don’t have to pay to use the service, and it can save you time by keeping you from having to call around different companies to find the right one for you.

Most importantly, you can enter your insurance information and Zocdoc will check if nearby healthcare providers are in-network based on the location criteria you set. This will help you look through the results to find health insurance that covers your needs and is part of a network.

Here are some steps you can take on Zocdoc to find an EMDR therapist or doctor:

Go to Zocdoc’s website or app and type ‘EMDR’ into the search bar.
You’ll be shown a list of nearby doctors and hospitals that give EMDR services. From here, you can sort your results by things like region, insurance company, language spoken, gender, etc.
Once you’ve picked a few possible candidates, look at their profiles to learn more about their experience, qualifications, and fees.
Read reviews from former patients to find out how they felt about their care from a certain healthcare provider. This will help you make a choice that is best for you.
When you’ve found your chosen EMDR therapist or doctor, click the “Book Now” button on their profile page and fill out the required information before submitting it. This will give them all the information they need to set up an appointment with you.

Find EMDR Doctor or Therapist Near You

What are the 8 Stages of EMDR?

According to EMDRIA³, EMDR involves eight distinct phases, which are:

History Taking and Treatment Planning – This phase involves gathering information about the client’s history, current situation, and goals for therapy.
Preparation – During this phase, the therapist will provide education about EMDR and help the client develop skills to manage distress during treatment.
Assessment – The therapist assesses the target memory or trauma to be addressed in treatment.
Desensitization – During this phase, the client focuses on the target memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or tapping.
Installation – This phase involves strengthening positive beliefs related to the target memory or trauma.
Body Scan – The client scans their body for any remaining physical sensations associated with the target memory or trauma.
Closure – This phase helps ensure that the client is not overwhelmed by intense emotions before ending the session.
Reevaluation – The therapist evaluates progress made during treatment and identifies any further work that needs to be done in future sessions.
These eight phases are designed to help people process traumatic memories and reduce their distress related to those memories over time with EMDR therapy sessions.

6 Tips to Prepare for Your First Online EMDR Appointment

Before your first online EMDR appointment, make sure you have a HIPAA-compliant telehealth system in place.
You should also be aware of any potential distractions or interruptions that could occur during the session, such as noises or an internet connection loss.
It would also be helpful to have an idea of your therapy goals before the session so that you can discuss them with your therapist.
In addition, it is important to practice self-awareness and use coping skills before the appointment. This will help you stay focused during the session and better understand how EMDR works.
You should also take some time each day to do some kind of stress-reducing body movement, like yoga or meditation, which can help reduce anxiety before the appointment.
Finally, make sure you have a good support system in place after the appointment. Having someone who understands what you are going through can provide emotional support and comfort if needed after a difficult session.

In other pieces on Online Mental Health Reviews, you can learn more about the pros and cons of EMDR, whether or not online EMDR works, the benefits of virtual EMDR therapy, the training behind a certified EMDR clinician, if your insurance covers EMDR and our comprehensive EMDR therapy review, including costs.

Find Online EMDR Therapist Conclusion:

Choosing the right therapy for your mental health concerns can be challenging. However, the benefits of online EMDR therapy, such as flexibility, privacy, and security, make it a viable option for many people.

Online EMDR therapy is particularly helpful for those with PTSD and trauma-related issues and for those who have difficulty attending therapy sessions in person. Remember, choosing the right therapist is important, so take your time and do your research to find the best one for you.

We would love to hear your thoughts! If you have any questions about finding an online EMDR therapist, or if you have any suggestions for mental health services, apps, or courses that the Online Mental Health Reviews team should purchase and review next, please leave a comment below.