I am often asked by clients and other professionals if EMDR and dance/movement therapy is as effective in the virtual format. The short answer is yes, AND- with any approach to therapy, there is no one size fits all. It is important to think about your personal needs and preferences when considering the structure of therapy that works best for you.

Here are some things to consider when making a decision about virtual therapy.

SPACE

  • Attend from the comfort of your home or while traveling (as long as you are in the state in which your therapist is licensed).

  • Virtual therapy allows you to access a wider range of therapists across your entire state and beyond depending on the therapist’s license. I will always ask you where you are located when you are joining the session to ensure you are in a private space and located in the state where I am licensed (MA). This will also help me know where to send help if there is ever an emergency on a call.

  • Accessing a private space can be limited at times depending on your living situation- it is important to consider your location for sessions before starting virtual therapy to best ensure your privacy.

  • Movement space may feel more accessible or more limited. We will take time to identify the safest space for you to have sessions if we know we will be exploring movement together. I will ask that you position your camera so that I can see you at all times. If we are moving, I will need to see your whole body to best support you in the virtual format.

EMDR VIRTUALLY

  • If we are doing a reprocessing session in EMDR which requires bilateral stimulation using eye movements (see EMDR page for more information), I will share a link that brings you to a gray screen with a colored dot in the center. This link allows me to control the speed, sound and color of the moving dot (all of which we determine together ahead of time). You will make this your full screen and minimize Zoom so that my video pops up into the upper corner and out of your way.

  • Many therapists conduct EMDR sessions virtually. I have been seeing my EMDR clients exclusively online and have found it to be very effective. 

  • As I stated earlier, there is no one size fits all when it comes to therapy and there are certain cases where in person EMDR would be more supportive for the therapy participant’s needs. If that is the case, I will support you in finding a new therapist who can meet these needs.