What is EMDR Therapy? Online EMDR Treatment for Trauma and PTSD

Online EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, anxiety disorders, and unresolved traumatic experiences.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories that were not fully integrated at the time of the event. When memories remain “unprocessed,” they can continue to trigger distress as if the danger is still present. EMDR facilitates adaptive reprocessing, allowing the memory to become part of the past rather than something that intrudes into the present.

EMDR therapy was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and is now recommended as a first-line treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

At Barends Psychology Practice, EMDR is provided online in a structured format. The therapist remains actively present throughout the session to ensure safety, pacing, and therapeutic containment.

How does EMDR therapy work?

EMDR therapy works by activating the brain’s natural information-processing system. During EMDR sessions the client briefly recalls distressing memories while simultaneously following bilateral stimulation such as moving visual stimuli, tones, or tapping.

This dual attention process helps the brain reprocess the traumatic memory so that it becomes less emotionally distressing. Over time the memory is stored as a normal autobiographical memory rather than something that continues to trigger anxiety or fear responses. As a result, EMDR therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and PTSD without requiring clients to repeatedly describe the traumatic event in detail.

Why Online EMDR therapy?

Research suggests that EMDR therapy can also be delivered effectively through secure online video sessions when proper preparation and clinical structure are in place. Several studies have shown that trauma-focused therapies, including EMDR, can maintain treatment effectiveness when delivered remotely.

The effectiveness of online EMDR depends on careful assessment, clear preparation, and proper session structure. Not every client or trauma profile is suitable for online treatment, which is why an initial evaluation session is essential.

• Effective: in our practice, online EMDR treatment is as effective as traditional face-to-face EMDR treatment.
• Easy access – Online EMDR therapy can be accessed from anywhere with a secure internet connection.
• Many clients seeking online therapy choose EMDR because of its structured and evidence-based approach to trauma processing.
• Affordable – Online EMDR therapy is very affordable, because we charge the local fee. Read more about here: Fees and availability.
• Comfortable – Sessions take place in your living room, on your couch, or perhaps even when you are abroad.
• Safe – No need to drive home after an intensive therapy session. Therapists around the world do not recommend you to use a car or bike after a PTSD therapy session.
• Flexible – You can schedule sessions in the weekends or after working hours.
• Good after care – If you have questions in between sessions or after we successfully finished online PTSD treatment, you can contact us at any time. This service is free of charge.

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What is PTSD?

PTSD is not simply a reaction to stress. It is a disorder of memory processing and nervous system regulation. In therapy, PTSD commonly presents with persistent re-experiencing, avoidance behaviors, mood alterations, and heightened physiological arousal. Without treatment, these patterns can become increasingly rigid over time.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a huge and underestimated problem worldwide. Approximately 89% of people experience a traumatic event at one point in their lives [2], [4]. In the United States, between 3.6 and 5.7% of men and 9.7 – 12.8% of women develop PTSD at one point in their lives [1]. For those who served in the military the numbers are even worse: approximately 1 in every 5 soldiers who served in Iraq or Afghanistan comes home with PTSD [3]. For more information about PTSD statistics, please check: interesting PTSD statistics.

Traumatic experiences and early attachment disruptions can also contribute to emotional regulation difficulties seen in some personality disorders, including
borderline personality disorder.

If left untreated, PTSD symptoms become worse over time. Someone with PTSD can have persistent nightmares, experience flashbacks, and sleeping problems. To ease the PTSD symptoms, people often abuse alcohol or hard drugs for many years. Also, in families where someone has PTSD domestic violence is more common. In some cases, someone with PTSD may even lose their friends, job, and family due to untreated PTSD.

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Ready to process the trauma instead of coping with it?

We offer online EMDR for PTSD, phobias, anxiety, and traumatic experiences. The first session is free to assess fit and next steps.

Contact Barends Psychology Practice

Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR Therapy

Is online EMDR therapy safe?

When conducted by a therapist with proper preparation and stabilization, online EMDR can be a safe and effective treatment. During the initial assessment session, the therapist evaluates whether this form of therapy is appropriate for the client.

How many EMDR sessions are needed?

The number of sessions depends on the complexity of the trauma or presenting problem. Single-incident trauma may require fewer sessions, while complex or repeated trauma typically requires a longer treatment trajectory.

Can EMDR temporarily worsen symptoms?

During the processing of distressing memories, temporary increases in emotional activation can occur. Proper pacing, preparation, and stabilization techniques help reduce the risk of clients becoming overwhelmed.

Is EMDR only used for PTSD?

No. EMDR is also used for a range of psychological difficulties, including phobias, panic disorder, adult separation anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions.

What if I dissociate during sessions?

Dissociation is assessed before trauma processing begins. If dissociative symptoms are significant, stabilization and grounding work are conducted first before EMDR processing starts.

Can EMDR also be used for misophonia?

EMDR is sometimes used in the treatment of misophonia, particularly when certain sounds are associated with emotionally distressing or overwhelming experiences. Although research on EMDR for misophonia is still limited, preliminary studies suggest it may help reduce misophonia symptoms in some individuals.

How effective is EMDR therapy?

Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that EMDR therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Several international treatment guidelines recommend EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD.

About the author

This article was written and reviewed by psychologist Niels Barends, MSc.

Niels Barends, MSc is a psychologist and founder of the
20-80 Method.
He has been working with international clients and expats for more than a decade and has extensive experience treating trauma-related conditions using online EMDR therapy.

His clinical work focuses on trauma, anxiety disorders, and stress-related problems.
At Barends Psychology Practice he regularly uses EMDR therapy to help clients process traumatic memories, reduce PTSD symptoms, and regain emotional stability.

Literatuur:

• [1] Kessler RC, Sonnega A, Bromet E, Hughes M, Nelson CB (1995). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the National Co-morbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52, 1048–1060.
• [2] Kessler, R.C., Berglund, P., Delmer, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K.R., & Walters, E.E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602.
• [3] Gradus, J. L., 2013. Epidemiology of PTSD from the national center for post-traumatic stress disorder. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• [4] Kilpatrick, D. G., Resnick, H. S., Milanak, M. E., Miller, M. W., Keyes, K. M., & Friedman, M. J. (2013). National estimates of exposure to traumatic events and PTSD prevalence using DSM‐IV and DSM‐5 criteria. Journal of traumatic stress, 26, 537-547.