Hi, I’m Caley. I’m a trauma-informed therapist who helps women, especially moms - heal from anxiety, past trauma, and relationship wounds. I offer both talk therapy and EMDR therapy for clients in Virginia, Florida, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Connecticut.

If you’ve been curious about EMDR but aren’t sure if it works over video, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions I hear is: Can EMDR be done virtually?

And the answer is yes. EMDR can absolutely be done through virtual therapy and it can be just as effective as in-person sessions when it’s done with care, intention, and strong therapeutic rapport.

Let’s explore how it works and what you can expect.

Woman sitting on a couch using a laptop in a calm, cozy living room setting. — A young woman sits comfortably on a warm-toned couch, working on her laptop in a softly lit, home-like space. The environment feels calm and grounded - exposed brick, neutral décor, and soft lighting create a warm atmosphere. This image represents the sense of comfort and accessibility clients can experience when participating in virtual EMDR therapy from home.

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a trauma therapy that helps your brain and body safely process memories that were overwhelming, confusing, or stuck in the past.

When something traumatic or distressing happens - especially in childhood - it doesn’t always get stored properly in your brain. EMDR helps unlock that memory, reduce its emotional charge, and file it away in a more adaptive, integrated way.

Rather than talking in circles about your trauma, EMDR taps into the brain’s natural healing process. Many clients describe it as deeply healing, especially when other forms of therapy haven’t fully helped.

How Does EMDR Work Online?

In traditional EMDR, your therapist might guide your eye movements by moving their hand back and forth in person. During virtual EMDR, we use bilateral stimulation in different ways that still create that left-right pattern your brain needs to reprocess trauma.

Here are a few common virtual EMDR tools:

Visual bilateral stimulation
You follow a moving dot on the screen with your eyes, similar to how you’d track a therapist’s hand in person.

Auditory bilateral stimulation
You wear headphones and hear tones that alternate between your left and right ear.

Tactile stimulation
Some clients hold small handheld tappers or cross their arms to lightly tap on each shoulder (known as the butterfly hug), creating a rhythmic, grounding sensation.

As your therapist, I guide you through the same 8-phase EMDR protocol we’d use in person - building safety, identifying targets, installing positive beliefs, and processing stuck material with compassion and care. Along with a workbook to support you on your EMDR journey.

Close-up of hands typing on a laptop at a wooden desk. — A close-up photo shows a woman’s hands typing on a laptop while seated at a wooden table. She wears a smartwatch and rings, suggesting a modern, everyday setting. This image reflects how virtual EMDR therapy sessions can be conducted from any comfortable space with a laptop and stable internet connection.

What Healing from Childhood Trauma Looks Like

Healing doesn’t mean forgetting the past.
It means you’re no longer ruled by it.

You begin to:

Recognize and interrupt survival patterns that no longer serve you
Reconnect with your body and learn how to regulate your nervous system
Set boundaries from a place of self-worth, not fear
Develop an inner voice that’s compassionate instead of critical
Build relationships rooted in safety and trust
Give yourself the care you once needed but didn’t receive

You don’t have to do this alone.

Therapies like EMDR, somatic approaches, and trauma-informed talk therapy can help your brain and body safely process what you've been holding for years.

Therapist Caley Gelsomino sitting on a white couch with a warm smile, holding a mug next to her laptop — Therapist Caley Gelsomino sits on a cozy white couch with a mug and her laptop, symbolizing the comfort and accessibility of virtual EMDR therapy. This warm, home-like setting helps clients feel safe, grounded, and supported during online sessions.

Is Virtual EMDR as Effective as In-Person EMDR?

Yes. Research supports the effectiveness of EMDR therapy when delivered virtually. A growing number of studies show that online EMDR is just as effective as in-person therapy in treating PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related symptoms.

In fact, many clients find virtual EMDR more comfortable because they can process from the safety of their own home. It can feel less intimidating to be in your own space, especially when working through difficult memories.

What matters most is not the setting - it’s the safety of the therapeutic relationship, the structure of the EMDR process, and your readiness to engage in the work.

Who is a Good Fit for Virtual EMDR?

Virtual EMDR can be a powerful tool for:

Women with childhood trauma, medical trauma, or relational trauma
Moms navigating anxiety, burnout, or identity shifts
High-achievers who feel stuck in patterns of perfectionism, people-pleasing, or emotional shutdown
Clients who live in areas without access to trauma-trained therapists
Anyone who prefers the convenience, privacy, or comfort of online therapy

EMDR isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why I always begin with a thorough assessment to make sure it’s the right fit for you, and that you have the nervous system tools needed to move through it safely.

What Virtual EMDR Feels Like

It’s hard to describe EMDR until you’ve experienced it. Many clients say they feel lighter after sessions like a weight has been lifted. Others say they remember things differently, or no longer feel hijacked by the same triggers.

EMDR doesn’t erase your past. But it helps you respond to it differently, with more calm, clarity, and self-compassion. You begin to understand yourself in new ways. You stop blaming yourself. You feel more in control. And that kind of healing doesn’t require a therapy office, it just requires a safe connection and a willingness to begin.

Ready to Explore EMDR Online?

If you’re curious about EMDR therapy and want to know if it’s right for you, I’d love to connect.

I offer virtual EMDR therapy to women across Virginia, Florida, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Connecticut. Whether you're working through trauma, anxiety, or stress stored in the body, you're welcome here.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how EMDR can support your healing.

You deserve relief. You deserve to feel like yourself again. And yes, it can happen over Zoom!

Can EMDR Therapy Be Done Virtually?