Virtual EMDR Therapy via Zoom

Available Online Throughout Oregon

Why Virtual EMDR?

Virtual EMDR brings effective trauma treatment directly to you — wherever you're most comfortable. For many clients, removing the logistical barrier of travel makes it easier to attend consistently, which matters for the kind of deep work EMDR requires.

Virtual EMDR is a great fit for:

• Oregon residents throughout the state who want access to specialized trauma therapy without the travel
• Busy professionals who value scheduling flexibility and time savings
• Parents and caregivers who appreciate being able to attend from home
• Anyone who values privacy and prefers engaging in therapy from their own space
• Clients who want to maintain consistency in their healing regardless of weather, traffic, or life's unpredictability

The Flexibility to Attend In-Person or Virtually

One of the most practical advantages of working together is complete flexibility. You can attend in person when you want and switch to virtual sessions as needed — or work entirely online from the start. Many clients move between the two depending on what's happening in their lives, maintaining the continuity of their work without interruption.

How Virtual EMDR Works

Virtual EMDR follows the same comprehensive 8-phase treatment model used in traditional in-person sessions. The bilateral stimulation that makes EMDR so effective adapts seamlessly to a virtual format — typically through eye movements guided on screen, or through other forms of gentle rhythmic stimulation.

"Telehealth-delivered EMDR demonstrated equivalent effectiveness to face-to-face EMDR across all outcome measures, including reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression."
— Frontiers in Psychology, 2021

EMDR is a structured, relational process — not just a technique applied in isolation. Sessions naturally include talking: checking in on how you're doing, working through what's come up between sessions, and sometimes simply processing something that needs to be spoken before we move into trauma work. All of that happens online just as it does in person. What people often discover is that the quality of the work — and the depth of the connection — translates fully to the virtual setting. If you come in with things you need to talk about — experiences you want to share, feelings you want to work through in conversation — there's always room for that too.

A Typical Virtual EMDR Session

1. Secure Connection: We meet via Zoom in a HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video session. You'll be in a private, quiet space where you feel safe and comfortable.
2. Check-In and Preparation: Just as in an in-person session, we begin by checking in on how you're doing and preparing for the processing work ahead.
3. EMDR Processing: Using bilateral stimulation, we process the targeted memories or experiences. I guide you through the same careful, systematic approach used in office visits.
4. Grounding and Closure: Before we finish, we take time to make sure you're feeling settled and ready to return to your day.
5. Follow-Up: We review your progress and plan for the next session, just as we would in person.

Research Supports Virtual EMDR Effectiveness

The expansion of telehealth in recent years has generated substantial research into virtual delivery of trauma therapies, and the findings are compelling. Studies consistently show that EMDR delivered via secure video produces outcomes comparable to traditional in-person treatment.

Key research findings include:

• Equivalent symptom reduction — virtual EMDR produces the same level of improvement in PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms as in-person treatment
• Strong therapeutic alliance — the therapist-client relationship develops just as effectively through secure video as it does in person
• High client satisfaction — most clients report being very satisfied with virtual EMDR and appreciate the convenience and accessibility
• Reduced dropout rates — some studies show lower dropout rates with telehealth, likely due to reduced barriers to attendance

Getting Started

Virtual EMDR is available to clients throughout Oregon. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon, I'm authorized to provide telehealth services to any Oregon resident, regardless of where in the state you're located.

1. Free Consultation: Contact me to schedule a free consultation where we can discuss your situation, answer any questions about virtual EMDR, and determine whether this approach is right for you.
2. Initial Assessment: If we decide to work together, we'll begin with a thorough history and develop a treatment plan — this can be done virtually or in person, whichever you prefer.
3. Choose Your Format: Decide whether you want to attend sessions entirely virtually, entirely in-person, or use a flexible mix — knowing you can adjust this at any time.
4. Begin the Work: We'll use the full EMDR process, including everything that naturally surrounds and supports it, to address what you've come in to work on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is virtual EMDR as effective as in-person EMDR?

Yes. Research consistently demonstrates that virtual EMDR produces equivalent outcomes to in-person treatment. The key elements — the bilateral stimulation, the therapeutic relationship, and the systematic processing of trauma — all function effectively in a virtual format.

Can I switch between virtual and in-person sessions?

Absolutely. You can attend in person when it works for you and switch to virtual when needed — or vice versa. Many clients use this flexibility to maintain consistency when life gets busy.

Can I start virtual EMDR if I've never met you in person?

Yes. While some clients prefer to start with an in-person session to establish the relationship, many others begin entirely through virtual sessions. We can discuss what feels most comfortable during the free consultation.

How long are virtual sessions?

Virtual sessions are 50 minutes, the same length as in-person sessions.

What do I need for a virtual session?

A private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. Zoom is free to download and easy to use.

Can we talk during sessions or is it all EMDR processing?

Sessions naturally include talking — checking in, reflecting on what's come up, working through something that's present before moving into processing. EMDR is a relational process, not just a technique, and conversation is a natural part of how the work unfolds. You might also come in wanting to talk through something specific before we do any processing at all, and that's perfectly fine.

My Experience with Virtual EMDR

I've been providing EMDR therapy for over 20 years, and in recent years I've incorporated virtual sessions extensively into my practice. What I've witnessed is that the depth of healing, the emotional breakthroughs, and the therapeutic connection that develop in virtual sessions are every bit as profound as what happens in my office.

What I particularly value about virtual EMDR is how it removes barriers. I've worked with clients across Oregon — from coastal communities to rural areas — who otherwise would have struggled to access specialized trauma therapy. The flexibility genuinely changes what's possible for people.

"After more than 20 years of providing EMDR therapy, what continues to move me is this: the human capacity for healing doesn't require physical proximity. What matters is the safety of the therapeutic relationship, the integrity of the process, and the client's willingness to do the work. Virtual EMDR provides all of that — with the added gift of accessibility."

Issues Addressed Through Virtual EMDR

Virtual EMDR is effective for the same range of concerns addressed in person, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Complicated grief and traumatic loss
• Childhood trauma and abuse
• Attachment trauma and unmet developmental needs
• Phobias and specific fears
• Relationship difficulties rooted in past trauma
• Performance anxiety
• Disturbing memories and intrusive thoughts
• Low self-esteem and negative core beliefs

Ready to Begin?

I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. We'll discuss your situation, how virtual EMDR works, and whether this is the right fit for you.