Is Virtual EMDR Right for You?

How to Prepare for Remote Trauma Healing

You’ve heard about EMDR. Maybe you’ve even started to imagine what healing could feel like. But can you really do this kind of work... virtually?

The answer: yes—with the right support and preparation.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps reprocess painful memories so they lose their emotional charge. Whether you're dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or overwhelming life experiences, virtual EMDR can be just as effective as in-person sessions—sometimes even more so.

That said, not everyone is ready to dive into trauma work right away. And that’s okay.

Let’s talk about how to know if virtual EMDR is the right next step for you—and what to expect if it is.

When EMDR Might Not Be the Right Fit (Yet)

EMDR is transformative—but timing matters. Some situations call for a pause and a focus on building stability before beginning reprocessing work.

You may need more support first if:

• You’re in an unstable living situation. Safety is foundational. If you're navigating housing insecurity or in active crisis, we may need to focus on stabilization first.

• You're actively using substances to cope. Trauma work is deep work—and sobriety creates the foundation for it to stick.

• You're experiencing untreated or severe dissociation. If you’ve been diagnosed with a dissociative disorder (like DID), careful assessment and preparation are key.

• You’re in a current episode of psychosis or mania. EMDR works best once symptoms are stabilized with medical support.

• You’re lacking grounding tools. EMDR can bring up strong emotions—you’ll need strategies to manage them between sessions.

Note: Some of these conditions may also mean that virtual therapy in general isn't the best fit for your current needs. This doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from therapy—only that a different level of care, such as in-person support, more intensive services, or medical stabilization, may be more appropriate right now. The goal is always to meet you where you are and make sure you have the right environment for healing.

This doesn’t mean EMDR is off the table. It just means we take the time to build the safety and skills you need before we go deeper. Healing is a process—and we move at your pace.

Getting Ready: The First Two Phases of EMDR

EMDR isn’t just about diving into trauma. The first two stages are where we build the foundation—together.

Phase One: History Taking & Treatment Planning

This is where we begin. I’ll get to know your story—your past experiences, current challenges, and the patterns that might be holding you back. We’ll talk about:

• What you’ve been through

• Symptoms you’re noticing now

• Triggers and emotional patterns

• Your current coping skills

• How ready you feel for trauma reprocessing

Not every memory needs to be processed right away. Sometimes we start with one, only to uncover deeper themes. That’s okay. A strong plan helps guide the work with care and intention.

Phase Two: Preparation & Resourcing

Before we even think about touching trauma, we build tools. This phase is all about helping your nervous system feel safe, supported, and ready.

We focus on:

• Emotional regulation – learning how to ride the waves of big feelings

• Grounding techniques – like visualization, breathwork, or guided imagery

• Managing dissociation – noticing when you’re “checking out” and gently coming back

Some people spend a few sessions here. Others need more time. There’s no rush—we go at the speed of safety.

What Virtual EMDR Looks Like

Wondering how EMDR works online? With the right tools, it’s both simple and effective.

We’ll use a secure platform called Remote EMDR that mimics the bilateral stimulation (BLS) you’d get in person. You’ll follow a moving object on your screen while I guide you through the process.

Each session includes:

• Checking in on how you’re doing emotionally

• Using BLS to reprocess distressing memories

• Noticing shifts in body sensations, emotions, and beliefs

• Grounding before we close—so you leave feeling stable and supported

You’ll want a quiet, private space where you feel safe and can focus fully. I’ll help you set that up and create a grounding plan in case you feel unsettled between sessions.

Note: I may also offer or invite you to use other forms of bilateral stimulation—like the butterfly hug—to help tap into positive beliefs or calming experiences. These simple, self-directed tools can be powerful additions to your resourcing and help anchor in feelings of safety and strength.

So… Is Virtual EMDR Right for You?

If you have some emotional stability, a few coping tools, and a safe environment to work from, virtual EMDR can be a powerful next step in your healing.

If you’re not quite there yet? That’s okay, too.

We can focus on building the skills and support you need to make EMDR safe and effective down the road.

Your healing doesn’t have to wait—but it does deserve care.
If you’re curious about whether virtual EMDR is a good fit, I offer a free consultation where we can connect, assess your readiness, and map out next steps.

✨ Trust the process.
✨ You’re allowed to heal at your own pace.
✨ You don’t have to do it alone.