If you’ve ever wondered about virtual therapy, you’re not alone! Even though it’s been around for over 30 years, many people still have questions about how it works and if it’s right for them. As a virtual therapist, I get these questions all the time, so in this post I’m answering the most common ones, from whether virtual therapy is effective to how virtual therapy works. Keep reading to learn more!

Is virtual therapy effective

Let’s start with the biggest question first: does virtual therapy work? Even though it’s been around for over three decades, research on its effectiveness didn’t really gain traction until recently. While my own experience as a therapist has shown me just how powerful virtual therapy can be, I also believe in the importance of research. The good news is that research backs this up, with a recent study finding that virtual therapy resulted in comparable symptom reduction to in person therapy, and these benefits also remained consistent at follow up visits (Lin et al., 2022).

What does virtual therapy mean

I love this question because there’s both a simple answer and a more personalized one. Therapy can look different depending on the therapist and their approach, some may focus on teaching ways to reframe thoughts, while others incorporate music or movement. That’s where the variety comes in. The simple answer: virtual therapy happens through a secure, HIPAA compliant platform, either in real time (synchronous) or through structured support outside of sessions (asynchronous).

Sessions with me take an integrative approach, blending talk therapy, brain-based techniques, and even movement sometimes. This is done to best support your needs. Together, we’ll create a plan that works for you, and sessions with me take place in real time through a secure, HIPAA compliant video platform.

How does virtual therapy work

Virtual therapy works much like in person therapy, you schedule an appointment with a therapist and meet at your scheduled time. The main difference is that with virtual therapy, you don’t have to drive to an office, sit in a waiting room, or wait to be called. Instead, you can have your session from the comfort of your own space, and many people prefer this. All you need is a private, enclosed space and a reliable internet connection.

On my end, I ensure your privacy by using a secure, HIPAA compliant video platform and meeting with you from my own private, enclosed office. Once we schedule your first session, I’ll send you a personal link to access our sessions. This link will stay the same for all of our meetings, and you’ll also receive a reminder with the link the day before each session. At your appointment time, simply click the link, and I’ll welcome you into our secure virtual meeting space.

What types of therapy can be done online:

In my virtual work, I integrate many of these approaches to create a tailored therapy experience that meets your individual needs. I use these techniques in online sessions all the time, ensuring that therapy remains effective, engaging, and supportive.

Can EMDR be done virtually

I love this question, not just because I’m passionate about EMDR, but also because people are often surprised by the answer: yes, EMDR can be done virtually! Many people assume EMDR has to be done in person, but there are lots of ways to do EMDR online. While tapping is one option, there are also online programs that offer eye movement, auditory methods, and even handheld buzzers, and no matter what your preference is, all of these methods are available in a virtual session with me.

It may also be helpful to talk with your provider about whether virtual EMDR is the right fit for you. You may also want to ask about their experience conducting EMDR online. As an EMDR certified therapist and EMDRIA approved EMDR consultant, I have extensive experience providing both in person and virtual EMDR therapy. If you’re interested in learning more about how to find the right EMDR therapist for you, I recently wrote a blog post on that topic, and you can check it out here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online therapy right for me?

Virtual therapy can be a great option for many people, offering flexibility, comfort, and accessibility. Research shows that virtual therapy isn’t just helpful right after treatment but continues to provide lasting benefits at follow up visits as well (Lin et al., 2022). That being said, the best way to know if it’s right for you is to meet with a therapist who can help determine the best approach for your needs. I offer a free 15 minute phone or video consultation, so if you’d like to explore whether virtual therapy is a good fit, you can schedule a time to meet with me!

Does virtual EMDR work?

Good news! Early research is showing that EMDR therapy is an effective alternative to in person therapy, and it has also been shown to produce significant improvements in mental health! Virtual EMDR can be done in several ways, including eye movements, guided tapping, auditory tones, and even handheld buzzers designed for virtual use. I offer all of these options in my virtual EMDR sessions, so we can tailor the approach to whatever feels most comfortable and effective for you. If you're interested in exploring virtual EMDR therapy, I offer a free 15 minute phone or video consultation, and you can schedule a time below to see if it's the right fit for you!

Is there virtual emotional regulation therapy?

This is actually a very common question, and I love it because the answer is yes and…. Emotional dysregulation is actually quite complex, and the best approach often combines different techniques tailored to your unique needs. The good news is that therapy for emotional regulation can typically be done online, and this is something that I work with frequently. Since I’m trained in both DBT and EMDR, and passionate about these approaches, I recently wrote a post all about this topic, and you can read it here.

If you are interested meeting Lisa, you can schedule a free 15 minute phone or video consult or feel free to reach out with any questions:
(213) 320-1009 / lisa@thriveandfeelpsychology.com.

Meet the Author

EMDR in Los Angeles — Lisa Saviñon, M.Ed

**Lisa is both EMDR certified and an** **EMDRIA approved EMDR consultant** **that is trained in CBT, DBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and attachment work. Lisa is certified in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy** and completing training in **Acceptance and Commitment Therapy** (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (**ERP**), and **sex therapy** (AAASECT Approved).
Lisa offers virtual counseling in California to **couples, teens, and adults**, and enjoys working with Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), trauma, emotional regulation, teens, and couples. Lisa is a neurodivergent clinician that provides **neurodiversity- affirming** psychotherapy. She is a Registered Psychological Associate #94028845 here at Thrive and Feel Psychology, supervised by Dr. Mary Kate Roohan, Licensed Clinical Psychologist #34538.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you are interested meeting Lisa, you can schedule a free 15 minute phone or video consult or feel free to reach out with any questions:
(213) 204-4477 / lisa@thriveandfeelpsychology.com.

References

Lin, T., Heckman, T. G., & Anderson, T. (2022). The efficacy of synchronous teletherapy versus in-person therapy: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 29(2), 167. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/cps0000056

Is Virtual Therapy Effective? Everything you need to know