For trauma processing, EMDR is among one of the most reliable treatments. Although EMDR is still the subject of research and science is not yet convinced how it taxes the brain, it is already established that EMDR works. The basis of EMDR is distraction, and this is at the moment the client thinks about the traumatic event. Normally, an EMDR session takes place in the treatment room. Increasingly, an online EMDR tool is now also being used, so this is no longer always necessary. But such an online EMDR tool, you can also use as a practitioner in the treatment room.

What is online EMDR?

Simply put, online EMDR is an EMDR session, but not in the therapist's treatment room. The treatment takes place online. Various applications are available for this. Online EMDR is beneficial for both the therapist and the client. Because the therapist mainly uses the arms and hands during the distraction, it is a much less demanding experience. The client does not have to come to the practice for treatment and this too is less stressful. Especially for clients with certain anxiety disorders and who are afraid to go out, online EMDR is a godsend. Here, the therapist and client do not have to sit opposite each other, but you can still see each other through the screen. Yet the EMDR tool is increasingly used in the treatment room itself. This in fact has several advantages and changes the way an EMDR session is given.

How does online EMDR work in practice with face-to-face treatment?

There can be several reasons for using the online EMDR tool in the treatment room (face-to-face). The main reason is the method of distraction. This way, the therapist is not unnecessarily burdened during distraction. Also, using a digital distraction task distracts a client much more intensely and this is better for reducing tension and helps in faster processing of the trauma. Clients with a anxiety disorder who have difficulty with face-to-face contact may benefit from treatment with an EMDR tool. They have direct contact with the therapist, but do not have to face him/her physically.

What are the benefits of using an EMDR tool in the treatment room?

Both therapists and clients see online EMDR by using an EMDR tool as lasting and with many benefits. Some of the benefits:
- Less burden on the therapist by having access to digital distractions.
- By using digital distraction tasks, treatment has a much better effect.
- The client can be treated more frequently with online EMDR and, as a result, recovery is faster.
- Various forms of an EMDR tool are available, such as an online platform or the use of virtual reality.

How does the therapist use the EMDR tool in the treatment room?

By using an EMDR tool, sitting face to face between the therapist and the client is not necessary. It is best to put an extra monitor in the treatment room. Behind this screen, the client takes a seat. By connecting the monitor to your laptop/pc, you control the screen. This contains the EMDR tool. The tool is the basis for the treatment. As therapist, you sit down in such a way that you keep an eye on the client and especially on the eye movements, so you can see whether the distraction task on the screen is actually being followed.

Psylaris' online EMDR tools

Psylaris deals with various online EMDR tools for mental health care. By using these EMDR tools, better, more targeted and frequent treatment can be provided. It relieves both the client and the therapist. All Psylaris EMDR tools can take place both in the treatment room and outside the treatment room.

As EMDR tools, Psylaris has released the online platform EMDR-remote and several virtual reality modules. EMDR-remote is the platform where the therapist logs in. Through this platform, EMDR treatment can be given via video call, with the client sitting at home, but the platform can also be used in the treatment room. This also applies to the VR modules. The therapist can operate the VR goggles when the client is sitting in the treatment room, but also when they are using the VR goggles at home. By starting a VR distraction task, the client experiences a very intense distraction.