Online EMDR Therapy
in New Zealand:
Does It Actually Work?
If you live outside Auckland, are unable to travel regularly, or simply prefer the privacy and convenience of online therapy, the question of whether EMDR therapy can be delivered effectively via video is a reasonable and important one. The short answer is yes — and the evidence supports this.
Book an Online SessionA reasonable scepticism,
and a well-researched answer
When most people think of EMDR therapy, they picture a therapist sitting across from a client, moving their fingers slowly from side to side. It is a reasonable picture. And it raises an equally reasonable question: if bilateral stimulation — the side-to-side eye movements at the heart of EMDR therapy — requires physical proximity, how can the therapy work remotely?
The answer is that it does not require physical proximity, and several well-developed methods exist for delivering effective bilateral stimulation online. Furthermore, the research that has accumulated since the widespread adoption of online therapy — particularly in the years following 2020 — consistently shows that online EMDR therapy produces outcomes equivalent to in-person delivery for most presentations.
The therapeutic mechanism of EMDR therapy — bilateral stimulation facilitating memory reprocessing — does not depend on the client and therapist being in the same room. What it depends on is a stable connection, appropriate preparation, and a skilled therapist.
How bilateral stimulation works
in an online session
Online EMDR therapy sessions at the EMDR Therapy Clinic use a platform that provides several options for bilateral stimulation, tailored to what works best for each client.
Eye movements via screen
The most commonly used method involves a moving stimulus on the client’s screen — typically a bar or dot that travels from side to side — while the client tracks it with their eyes. This replicates the effect of the therapist’s hand movements in an in-person session and is well-tolerated by the large majority of clients.
Tactile bilateral stimulation
Some clients find tactile methods more comfortable or effective than eye movements. Alternating tapping — on the knees, shoulders, or hands — can be guided by the therapist at a distance and is a well-established alternative within the EMDR therapy protocol. No special equipment is required.
Auditory bilateral stimulation
Alternating auditory tones through headphones — a sound that moves from the left ear to the right and back — are another effective option, particularly for clients who find eye movements uncomfortable or who have visual difficulties. These can be delivered via the online platform or through a separate app.
What the research shows
The evidence base for online EMDR therapy has grown substantially. Studies comparing online and in-person delivery have consistently found comparable reductions in PTSD symptoms, equivalent therapeutic alliance ratings, and similar rates of treatment completion. A systematic review published in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research found that telehealth delivery of EMDR therapy was feasible, acceptable to clients, and clinically effective across a range of presentations.
This is consistent with the broader telehealth literature, which has found that most evidence-based psychological treatments can be delivered effectively via video with equivalent outcomes to in-person delivery, provided appropriate adaptations are made and safety protocols are in place.
The research is clear: online EMDR therapy is not a compromise. For most clients, it is as effective as in-person treatment and offers meaningful practical advantages for those who cannot easily access specialist care in person.
Accessing specialist EMDR therapy
from anywhere in New Zealand
New Zealand’s geography means that specialist psychological services are not evenly distributed. Access to a clinical psychologist with specialist EMDR training has historically depended heavily on where you live. Online therapy changes this significantly.
The EMDR Therapy Clinic accepts online clients from throughout New Zealand, including:
- Wellington and the wider Wellington region
- Christchurch and Canterbury
- Dunedin and Otago
- Hamilton and Waikato
- Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty
- Napier, Hastings, and Hawke’s Bay
- Nelson, Marlborough, and the top of the South Island
- Rural and regional areas throughout the North and South Islands
If you are based outside Auckland and have been unable to find a specialist EMDR therapist locally, an online session may be the most practical route to accessing the level of specialist care you are looking for.
What you need for an online
EMDR therapy session
Online EMDR therapy sessions require only a few practical things on your end:
- A device with a camera, microphone, and stable internet connection (laptop or desktop preferred)
- A private space where you will not be interrupted for the duration of the session
- Headphones or earphones (recommended for auditory bilateral stimulation and privacy)
- A comfortable chair where you can sit upright and see the screen clearly
- Tissues nearby — processing can sometimes bring up emotion unexpectedly
- A few minutes after the session before returning to other demands if possible
Your therapist will walk you through the technical setup and the platform in your first session, and will ensure you are comfortable with the method of bilateral stimulation before any processing begins.
Is online therapy suitable for
everyone?
Online EMDR therapy is appropriate for most clients, but it is not the right fit for everyone. Your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment in the first session and will discuss honestly whether online delivery is appropriate for your particular presentation and circumstances.
In-person sessions may be preferable for clients with more complex or severe presentations, those who are currently in crisis, those who find the online medium itself activating, or those who lack access to a reliably private space. If in-person sessions in Auckland are an option for you, it is worth considering both modalities when making your decision.
For many New Zealanders, online EMDR therapy represents the first realistic opportunity to access specialist trauma treatment. That matters, and the evidence supports it as a genuine clinical option rather than a fallback.
Booking an online session
anywhere in New Zealand
Online EMDR therapy sessions at the EMDR Therapy Clinic are available to clients throughout New Zealand. Sessions are $230 per 50 to 60 minute appointment and can be booked directly through the online portal — no referral is required.
If you have questions before booking, including whether online delivery is appropriate for what you are dealing with, you are welcome to contact the clinic before your first appointment.
Book an online session
from anywhere in NZ
Dr JC Coetzee · PhD · Clinical Psychologist · Advanced EMDR Therapy Specialist
No referral required. Book directly online.