Angela would get anxious hours before she had her EMDR therapy. She would often walk into her therapists’ rooms with sweaty hands. The anticipation of the EMDR treatment made her adrenaline go up. She felt safe with her therapist, but the unpredictability of the memories that surfaced was intimidating. She appreciated how EMDR made her more aware of her physiology and consciousness and how she felt calmer than she did before she began treatment. Despite this, the sessions could be draining, so she would want to go home and rest.
Trent often dissociated during the EMDR treatments. Reliving some of the abuse he had undergone as a child left him overwhelmed and spaced out. Sometimes he felt like he wasn’t real or that he wasn’t in his own body. This dissociation helped him to process and desensitize his trauma. At the end of the EMDR session, the therapist would ground him to make sure that he would get home safely. He often wished that he was already at home comfortable and didn’t have to worry about traffic going home.
About EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR may provide a quicker route to desensitize trauma than other talk therapies. However, processing trauma can sometimes be tiring or can increase adrenaline. The benefit of EMDR is those symptoms of PTSD and anxiety decrease, improving quality of life. Online EMDR is just as effective as in-person. Sometimes EMDR online can be more effective if the person feels safer at home than in an office.
Here are some of the benefits of doing EMDR online:
1. Creating a safe space
You can get comfortable and create a safe space. In-person, the therapist’s office becomes a safe space to process trauma. When it is online, the client can choose and create a safe space. Perhaps outdoors, in the backyard, or cuddled up in a blanket feels safe and relaxing to do EMDR.
2. You don’t have to travel
Sometimes, traffic or public transportation can add to the stress of seeing your therapist. When you do it online, you can save time. If you dissociate, you will already be home after the session. Some people like to go to sleep after a session.
3. Choose your own comfort
You can have your pet or soft object with you. Some people are comforted by their pet, blanket or a stuffed animal when doing EMDR. Online therapy makes this easier.
4. Freedom after a session
You can comfort yourself directly after the session. Some people feel comforted by speaking to friends, eating a piece of chocolate or meditating after a session. If you are online, you can do these things after the session instead of travelling home.
If you feel like you need to talk to someone, please contact me to set up an online session via email info@doctormonicaborschel.com. Online EMDR and therapy are only offered for those living in Hong Kong.
Although I am a registered clinical psychologist with the Hong Kong Society of Counseling and Psychology, I am not a licensed psychologist or any other type of licensed therapist in the United States. The information I am providing here is educational and informational. This social media page does not provide professional advice, nor does it create a professional-client relationship or any other type of relationship between us. You should always consult your own licensed mental health professional before making any changes regarding your mental health. My goal is to educate, guide, consult, and empower you regarding your mental health journey. Always consult your licensed mental healthcare provider(s) and never disregard or delay medical advice based on information posted on this page or post.