The Pros and Cons of EMDR Therapy Online: The Benefits of Free EMDR Online Tools

By Jared Levenson - Updated, Reviewed, and Fact-checked on April 15, 2023

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What is Virtual EMDR and Who For?

EMDR therapy is a highly effective treatment for PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

It is a safe, non-invasive way to process trauma and negative emotions, and its benefits have been well documented. However, not everyone has access to a qualified EMDR therapist or can afford it.

That is where EMDR therapy online comes in.

In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of EMDR therapy, in general, and specifically online, and how free EMDR online tools can be a great resource for those in need.

Our team consists of experts from various backgrounds such as psychologists, psychotherapists, and mental health professionals. We have many years of experience in helping people find the best therapy tools, including free EMDR, tools that are tailored to their individual needs and can help them achieve their therapy goals.

Overall, EMDR is best for people who want to focus on healing their trauma (best scientific research supports EMDR for trauma specifically), and those who have difficulty talking about trauma (in EMDR you don’t need to do as much talking)

Pros:

  • One of the biggest advantages of EMDR therapy online is that it offers accessibility to all. With online therapy, you can receive the help you need from the comfort of your own home, and you can connect with a qualified EMDR therapist from anywhere in the world.
  • EMDR online tools can be great resources for people who cannot afford traditional therapy. With free EMDR online tools, individuals can experience the benefits of EMDR therapy without paying a dime.
  • EMDR online tools can also be especially helpful for people who struggle with social anxiety or who have difficulty opening up to others. Online sessions can provide a degree of anonymity and a sense of distance that can make it easier for clients to share their experiences.
  • Furthermore, EMDR therapy online can be more flexible in terms of scheduling. Traditional therapy usually requires appointments to fit into a counselor’s schedule, but with online therapy, clients can often work with their counselor to schedule appointments at the times most convenient for them.

If you are new to EDMR and want to try out some online tools on a professional EDMR therapy platform, please look into this free 3-day trial with Virtual EDMR.

Cons:

  • One of the biggest challenges of EMDR therapy online is that it relies on technology that can be unpredictable. While online therapy has become more reliable in recent years, internet connectivity and other technical glitches can be major hindrances to receiving effective therapy
  • Additionally, one of the major benefits of traditional therapy is the ability to read body language and pick up on nonverbal cues. EMDR therapy relies heavily on these nonverbal signals, and they may not come across as effective online.

In-Person EMDR Versus Online EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy used to help people who are dealing with trauma. It can be done in person or online, but both methods are equally effective.

  • In-person EMDR typically takes place during an in-person session with a therapist. The therapist will guide the patient through the process, which involves recalling traumatic memories while engaging in eye movements or other forms of stimulation. This helps the patient reprocess and desensitize their memories so they can move forward with their life.
  • Online EMDR works similarly to in-person services, but the therapist and client are located in separate locations. The therapist will guide the patient through the same process as in-person EMDR, but it is done virtually using video conferencing technology.

The cost of Online EMDR is largely equivalent to in-person EMDR treatment, so it is up to the individual which method they prefer. Initial studies suggest that both methods are effective for treating mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

If you’re considering trying EMDR therapy, it’s important to find a qualified therapist who can provide guidance and support throughout your journey. Whether you choose online or in-person therapy, make sure you feel comfortable with your provider before beginning treatment.

Pros and Cons of Online EMDR Versus In-Person EMDR

Online EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that is effective in helping people manage mental health issues. It can be done either in-person or online, but there are some pros and cons to each option.

  • Pros – In-person EMDR sessions offer the benefit of being able to connect with your therapist on a more personal level. This can help build trust and rapport, which can make it easier for you to open up and discuss difficult topics.
    • Additionally, in-person sessions allow for more flexibility when it comes to scheduling appointments and making changes if needed.
    • Cons – there are additional costs with in-person such as driving and childcare.
  • Pros – online EMDR sessions may be more convenient for those who have busy schedules or who live far away from their therapist’s office. Online sessions also provide an added layer of privacy since they take place in the comfort of your own home.
    • Additionally, online EMDR allows for greater access to therapists who may not be available in person due to geographic distance or other factors.
    • Cons – People who are easily distracted, whether a teen, a diagnosis of ADHD, or any other reason may find online therapy to be ineffective.

Overall, both online and in-person EMDR can be effective forms of therapy depending on the individual’s needs, circumstances, and preferences. It’s important to discuss the pros and cons with your therapist so that you can decide which option is best for you.

3 Big Reasons Online EMDR Is Better Than Face To Face

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps people process traumatic memories.

It can be done in person or online, and many people find that online EMDR is more convenient and cost-effective than face-to-face sessions. Here are three big reasons why:

  1. Cost savings: Online EMDR sessions can save you money by eliminating the need to travel to a therapist’s office. You also don’t have to pay for parking or other transportation costs.
  2. Convenience: With online EMDR, you can have your session from anywhere with an internet connection, including your own home. This makes it easier to fit therapy into your schedule and eliminates the stress of having to leave the house for an appointment.
  3. Technology: With online EMDR, you don’t have to worry about technology issues such as poor audio or video quality interfering with your session. The therapist will use specialized software designed specifically for remote sessions so that both you and the therapist can focus on therapy instead of worrying about technical issues.

Online EMDR has many advantages over face-to-face sessions, making it a great option for those who want the convenience and cost savings of remote therapy without sacrificing quality care.

How to Find an EMDR Therapist or Doctor on Zocdoc

Zocdoc is an online platform that enables you to search for and book appointments with healthcare professionals, such as doctors, dentists, therapists, and other specialists in your area. The service is free to use and can save you time from having to call around to multiple providers in order to find the right one for yourself.

Most importantly, you can enter your insurance and Zocdoc will check if local healthcare providers are in-network, based on your location criteria you set. This will help you sort through the results to find in-network insurance cover for your healthcare needs.

If you’re looking for an EMDR therapist or doctor on Zocdoc, here are some steps you can follow:

  1. Go to Zocdoc’s website or app and enter ‘EMDR’ in the search bar.
  2. You’ll be presented with a list of nearby healthcare providers offering EMDR services. From here you can filter your results according to factors such as location, insurance provider, language is spoken, gender, etc.
  3. Once you’ve chosen a few potential candidates browse through their profiles where they will explain more about their experience and qualifications as well as fees associated with their services.
  4. Read reviews from former patients which will give you an idea of what kind of response they got from their treatment with the particular healthcare provider so that you can make an informed decision.
  5. When you’ve found your preferred EMDR therapist or doctor simply click the ‘Book Now’ button on their profile page and fill out the required information before submitting it – this will give them all the necessary details needed for scheduling an appointment with them!

Why EMDR Remote Works Even If You’re Not Tech Savy

EMDR Remote is a platform designed to make it easier for therapists and their clients to focus on therapy without worrying about technology. It’s user-friendly, even for those who may not be tech-savvy. This means that anyone can access EMDR therapy remotely, making it more accessible.

The software uses virtual reality to mimic the environment of an EMDR session, allowing therapists to provide treatment from anywhere. In addition, EMDR Remote offers features such as scheduling and other communication tools, making it easy for therapists and clients to connect online.

EMDR is a great alternative to Virtual EDMR, and you can learn more here.

Overall, EMDR Remote works even if you’re not tech-savvy because it was designed with accessibility in mind. With its user-friendly interface, full control, and virtual reality capabilities, anyone can access this specialized therapy from the comfort of their own home.

Simple Online Tools for EMDR Therapists

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps people process traumatic memories. EMDR therapists use bilateral stimulation (BLS) to help their clients process these memories.

  • Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) involves the use of visual, auditory, or tactile stimuli to help the client focus on the memory and reprocess it more healthily. BilateralStimulation.io is one such tool, which has been used by over 10,000 EMDR therapists worldwide, but there are many online tools available for EMDR therapists to use when providing BLS to their clients.
  • Bilateral Base provides apps and equipment specifically designed for online EMDR therapy, while ActiveEMDR (https://activeemdr.com/) offers an easy-to-use web-based application for therapists to provide BLS remotely.
  • Easy EMDR is a complete solution for trauma specialists with integrated video and analytics capabilities, while remote EMDR enables synchronized bilateral stimulation during remote sessions.
  • EMDR Online Tools provides a range of options for visual and auditory cues, while EMDR remote was designed by an EMDR therapist specifically for remote sessions.
  • Finally, Cloud EMDR is a free tool that can be used during video calls to provide or receive virtual EMDR therapy.

Overall, there are many simple online tools available to help EMDR therapists provide effective treatment remotely or in person.

What is Bilateral Stimulation?

Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) is a treatment element of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. It was discovered by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. in the late 1980s as she was walking in a park. BLS is used to activate or ‘awaken’ the whole brain, similar to the function of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep patterns.

Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) is a technique used in mental health therapy to help people process and manage their emotions. It involves stimulating both sides of the brain with visual, auditory, or tactile inputs.

This can be done through sounds, tapping, eye movement, or other sensory stimuli. The goal of BLS is to activate both sides of the brain in a rhythmic pattern and help the patient reprocess traumatic memories and reduce stress.

Studies1 have shown that BLS can be effective in helping people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues. It is often used as part of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy which is a type of psychotherapy that helps people process traumatic memories and reduce symptoms related to trauma or OCD.

Overall, Bilateral Stimulation is a technique used in mental health therapy to help people process their emotions and manage stress levels. It is effective for many different types of mental health issues when used as part of EMDR therapy.

Is There a Free App for EMDR?

Are you looking for an EMDR app that is free? The answer is yes! There are several apps available for both Android devices and iOS devices that offer EMDR therapy at no cost.

In summary, there are several free apps available that offer EMDR therapy services. Whether you’re looking for something simple or something more comprehensive, there’s sure to be an option out there that fits your needs!

What Tools Are Used In EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people process traumatic memories and other difficult emotions. EMDR therapy uses a variety of tools to help the patient work through their issues, including lightbars, tappers, virtual tools, bilateral stimulation devices, and more.

  • Lightbars are a type of device used in EMDR therapy that produces alternating left-right visual stimulation. Tappers are handheld devices that produce alternating tactile head stimulation.
  • Virtual tools provide auditory or visual stimulation through headphones or computer screens.
  • Bilateral stimulation devices use both audio and visual stimuli to help the patient focus on the issue at hand.
    • The Neurotek company has created several different types of EMDR equipment over time, such as lightbars, tappers, and bilateral stimulation devices.
    • The TheraTapper is another popular device used in EMDR therapy that produces alternating tactile stimulation.
    • Other items like neck stretchers and breathing Buddhas can also be used to help with relaxation during an EMDR session.

In addition to these physical tools, psychological assessments are often used in conjunction with EMDR therapy to help identify areas of concern for the patient. These assessments can examine broad psychological issues such as depression or anxiety.

Overall, there are many different types of tools available for use in EMDR therapy sessions depending on the individual needs of the patient.

Is Remote EMDR HIPAA Compliant?

Remote EMDR technology is a type of therapy that is becoming increasingly popular, especially during the pandemic. It is important to know if the service you are using is HIPAA compliant. Fortunately, many providers of remote EMDR services have taken steps to ensure their services are compliant with HIPAA regulations.

For example, remotEMDR offers a HIPAA-compliant video chat with therapist-controlled auditory bilateral stimulus stimuli for online EMDR therapy. Similarly, EMDR Remote provides a secure connection that helps protect clients’ data and complies with HIPAA security regulations.

Why Does EMDR Not Work For Some People?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that can help people process traumatic experiences. However, it doesn’t always work for everyone. There are several possible reasons why EMDR may not be effective for some people.

  1. One reason is if the person does not feel safe or ready to process the detail of their traumatic experience during the EMDR session. It is important to feel safe and comfortable to get the most out of the therapy session.
  2. Another reason could be if the person has a complicated mental health issue that affects their ability to focus and process information. This can make it difficult for them to benefit from the practice or EMDR as they may not be able to concentrate on the task at hand.
  3. Finally, certain types of trauma may not respond well to EMDR such as childhood trauma or complex PTSD. In these cases, other forms of treatment may be more appropriate such as sensorimotor psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

It is important to find a therapist who understands your needs and can help you find the best treatment plan for you. If you have tried EMDR and it hasn’t worked, don’t give up hope – there are other options available that could help you manage your mental health issues.

EMDR Free Online Tool Conclusion:

Overall, EMDR therapy can be an incredibly powerful tool for overcoming trauma and negative emotions. While EMDR therapy online does have its challenges, it also offers a wealth of benefits, including increased accessibility and affordability.

By taking advantage of free EMDR online tools, individuals in need can access the benefits of EMDR therapy from the comfort of their own homes. If you’re considering therapy and want to know more about free EMDR online tool tools, be sure to talk to your therapist or healthcare provider to find out if online therapy is right for you.

For further reading, check these articles about how EMDR therapy works, where to find, EMDR insurance, benefits, pros and cons, login info, EMDR workshops, EMDR training, and EMDR for OCD. For online, virtual self-EMDR, see our Virtual EMDR review.

Our team invites you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let us know which mental health software products, apps, or courses that Online Mental Health Reviews should explore and review next.

Sources

  1. Amano, T., & Toichi, M. (2016, October 12). The Role of Alternating Bilateral Stimulation in Establishing Positive Cognition in EMDR Therapy: A Multi-Channel Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study. PLOS ONE, 11(10), e0162735. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0162735

If You’re In An Emergency

If you are in crisis and require immediate help, call 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988. For other mental health support and information, you can also dial 800-662-HELP for the free, confidential National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Help is available 24/7.

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