‘We still found a way to connect’: Adapting EMDR for the digital space – insights from a qualitative study of therapists and clients
This study explores key considerations for effective online EMDR, helping to build the emerging evidence base for this modality.
Article Abstract
“Introduction: Online eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has grown rapidly since the pandemic, but its adaptation to digital format remains varied and lacks standard guidelines. This study explores key considerations for effective online EMDR, helping to build the emerging evidence base for this modality.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify key adaptations and strategies for effective online EMDR therapy from therapist and client perspectives.
Methods: Using a qualitative exploratory design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 EMDR therapists (experienced in both online and offline delivery) and 10 clients who received online EMDR. Data were collected through purposive sampling and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three key themes emerged. Practice essentials outlined clinical modifications, such as comprehensive assessment, client education, appropriate technical setup, a clear code of conduct, and specialised training, to support effective sessions. Therapeutic containment highlighted proactive risk management strategies, including extended stabilisation, slower-paced trauma processing, robust safety planning, appropriate referral pathways, and management of privacy and disruptions. Applying Core EMDR Principles for Online Delivery encompassed strategies for effective online delivery, such as maintaining a grounded therapist presence, fostering flexibility, integrating technological advances, and defining clear client contraindications.
Conclusions: The findings offer practical guidance for clinicians transitioning to online EMDR, outlining key modifications to ensure safe and effective virtual trauma treatment. By integrating therapist and client perspectives, this study provides valuable insights to inform clinical practice and the development of future guidelines.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: CTRI/2023/09/057999
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Open Access
Vaidyanathan, S., Kumar Praharaj, S., Rege, S., & Rai, S. (2026). ‘We still found a way to connect’: Adapting EMDR for the digital space – insights from a qualitative study of therapists and clients. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 26(2): e70140. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70140
About the Journal
“Counselling & Psychotherapy Research (CPR) is an innovative international peer-reviewed journal dedicated to linking research with practice. Pluralist in orientation, the journal recognises the value of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods strategies of inquiry and aims to promote high-quality, ethical research that informs and develops counselling and psychotherapy practice. CPR is a journal of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, promoting reflexive research strongly linked to practice, and aims to ensure that research remains relevant to practice, and for practice to continue to inform research development.”
—Description from publisher
Date
May 6, 2026
Creator(s)
Samyukta Vaidyanathan, Samir Kumar Praharaj, Sumita Rege
Contributor(s)
Shweta Rai
Practice & Methods
Telehealth, Virtual Reality/Technology, Your EMDR Practice
Publisher
John Wiley and Sons
Rights
© 2026 The Author(s). Counselling and Psychotherapy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
APA Citation
Vaidyanathan, S., Kumar Praharaj, S., Rege, S., & Rai, S. (2026). 'We still found a way to connect': Adapting EMDR for the digital space - insights from a qualitative study of therapists and clients. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 26(2): e70140. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70140
Audience
EMDR Therapists
Language
English
Content Type
Article, Peer-Reviewed
Access Type
External Resource, Open Access
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