Many people assume EMDR has to happen in an office. It doesn't. I offer EMDR therapy online to clients across Michigan, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Detroit, Royal Oak, and Southfield, and many of them are surprised by how natural it feels from their own couch.
Here's how online EMDR works, what you need, and how to know if it's a good fit for you.
Does EMDR work online?
Yes. Online EMDR follows the same eight-phase process as in-person EMDR, and research so far suggests it can be effective when it's delivered by a trained therapist. What matters most is the preparation, the relationship, and the skill of your therapist, not whether you're in the same room.
For many people, online sessions even make deep work easier. You're in a space you already know, you skip the commute, and you can rest right after a session instead of driving home.
How does EMDR work over video?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, gentle back-and-forth input to both sides of the body, while you briefly hold a memory in mind. Online, that can look like:
Eye movements: following a moving dot or light across your screen
Self-tapping: tapping your own knees or shoulders, or the "butterfly hug," with arms crossed over your chest
Audio tones: sounds that alternate between your left and right ears through headphones
We'll find the method that feels most comfortable for you. Before any memory work, we spend time building grounding tools, so you feel steady and supported throughout.
What do I need for online EMDR?
A private space where you won't be interrupted or overheard
A laptop or tablet, since a larger screen works better than a phone for eye movements
A reliable internet connection
Headphones, especially if we use audio tones
To be physically in Michigan during each session, because of state licensing rules
It also helps to keep water, a blanket, or anything grounding nearby, and to leave a little quiet time after your session.
Is online EMDR right for me?
Online EMDR can be a great fit if you:
Have a busy schedule and can't easily get to an office
Live outside a big city, or far from an EMDR-certified therapist
Feel more at ease opening up from home
Want to work with a specific therapist, like a Black woman EMDR therapist, who isn't close by
It may not be the best fit if you don't have a private space, or if your therapist and you decide you need more in-person support right now. We'll talk through this in your consultation.
If you'd prefer to meet in person, EMDR intensives are also available in person in Southfield, an easy drive from Detroit, Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, and Ypsilanti. What Is an EMDR Intensive?
Does insurance cover online EMDR in Michigan?
Often, yes. Online weekly EMDR is usually billed like in-person therapy. I'm in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Aetna, TRICARE, and Medicaid, and I also accept private pay. EMDR intensives are private pay, and I can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Frequently asked questions
Is online EMDR as effective as in-person EMDR?
Research so far is encouraging, and many clients do just as well online. Your comfort, safety, and connection with your therapist matter more than the setting.
What if I get emotional during an online session?
That's okay and expected at times. We'll have grounding tools ready, and I'll guide you back to a settled state before we end. We'll also plan ahead for what to do if your connection drops.
Can I do online EMDR from my car or office?
You need a private, safe, stationary space. A parked car can work in a pinch for some sessions, but never while driving. A quiet room at home is usually best.
Do you see clients outside Michigan?
No. I'm licensed in Michigan, so you need to be physically in Michigan during sessions.
Start online EMDR from anywhere in Michigan
Whether you're in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Detroit, Royal Oak, Southfield, or anywhere else in the state, you can start healing without the commute. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation, and we'll talk about what you're carrying and whether online EMDR is the right fit.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
This post is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for therapy or medical care. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
