The use of online Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy as a way of addressing problems related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders is becoming more widespread as it presents an easy way to access quality, evidence-based treatment from wherever you are, using modern technology.
I refer to this methodology as “ABS/EMDR” because it turns out that “eye movement” is not the only way to provide the “alternating bilateral stimulation” of the brain that has been shown to provide rapid relief for many survivors of trauma.
Online ABS/EMDR is delivered “face-to-face,” using a secure video connection. That means that we will take every possible precaution to protect your privacy. Under no circumstances will we use Skype, FaceTime or any other non-secure medium. Your confidentiality and security are paramount.
As the session will be conducted remotely, the environment that you choose for our online therapy is up to you. However, here are a few suggestions.
Try to choose a place where you won’t be interrupted. This is your time and to get the most benefit from treatment you deserve to be able to give it your full attention. Whilst a quiet room at home might be suitable for some people, for some it might not. You may wish to use a room at a friend’s or family member’s house. Some people even choose to do sessions in their parked cars!- As is the case with many therapeutic processes, there will often be high levels of emotion involved in treatment. Try to choose an environment in which you can have the privacy and safety to express these emotions. If we feel tearful or anxious during treatment, then it’s helpful that we have the space and privacy to process this.
- ABS/EMDR involves bilateral stimulation. There are many different approaches that we can take to doing this, some of which go beyond the initial side to side eye movements. Instead, we may use more tactile approaches such as “the butterfly technique” or leg tapping. It is important that you are in a place where you are able to move about freely. Privacy is important, someone using the butterfly technique (below) while sitting in their car might draw some attention!
- When BLS/EMDR is conducted via video, we need to ensure that we maintain contact throughout. Of course, this may not always be possible, due to technical problems beyond our control. We really want to aim for a steady online signal during each session. A good internet connection is important. Remember that public WIFI, such as that found in or around many hotels or restaurants, may not be sufficient.
- As mentioned above, security is an important consideration. Public WIFI can be hacked, which means other people might be able to “tap into” your signal. It is also important to remember that nearby people might be able to hear.
A key feature of ABS/EMDR therapy is Alternating Bilateral Stimulation. This can be provided in a number of ways:
- Eye movement – client follows therapist-controlled movement from side-to-side with their eyes, using a finger, light-bar, etc.
- Auditory – using stereo headphones or earbuds
- Tapping — tapping on various parts of the body, such as the knees (Not to be mistaken for the discredited “Emotional Freedom Techniques” popularized by Gary Craig, which are considered pseudoscience)
- Butterfly technique – one form of hand-tapping in which the patient crosses their hands over their heart and taps their shoulders in an alternating way