Does Online CBT and EMDR Therapy Really Work?
- Stephanie Bryant
- Nov 11
- 3 min read
I’m often asked if online therapy is as effective as face to face therapy. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, when I first moved to offering online therapy, I was sceptical too and thought “can this really work as well as face to face therapy?”
The short answer is yes. Both online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and online EMDR therapy have been shown to be just as effective as face-to-face sessions. I've found that it has been a helpful option for some of my clients. Whether you’re based in Norfolk, or anywhere else in the UK, online therapy can be a flexible and accessible way to get sessions that fit around your life.
What is Online Therapy?
Online therapy (also known as remote therapy) allows you to meet with your therapist via a secure video call. You’ll still talk, make sense of things, and learn new ways to cope, just as you would in person, but from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
It’s ideal if you:
Prefer not to or can’t travel to face to face sessions.
Have a busy work or family schedule.
Have health issues that make it difficult for you to travel.
Live in a rural area or have limited local therapy options.
Feel more comfortable opening up from home.
Online therapy removes many of the barriers that can make in-person sessions difficult, helping you focus fully on the therapy.
Does Online CBT Work?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you understand the link between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and teaches new skills and ways of thinking to create positive change.
Research shows that online CBT in the UK is as effective as in-person sessions for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and low self-esteem. Even though we are working online, we can still explore and make sense of the issues that have brought you to therapy and can still discuss and test out new strategies and tools that you can apply in and outside of our sessions.
Is Online EMDR Therapy Effective?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-established therapy for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other distressing past experiences. Studies show that online EMDR therapy in the UK is just as effective as in-person therapy, with many clients reporting they feel more relaxed and in control working from their own space.
In online EMDR therapy, I will guide you through the same structured process using visual cues that work safely through your screen. We can still use the traditional eye movements or “butterfly taps” that help to kick start the brain’s natural processing, despite not being in the same room as each other.
Benefits of Online CBT and EMDR Therapy
Convenience: No need to travel, attend sessions wherever you are.
Flexibility: Easy to fit around your lifestyle and commitments.
Comfort: Be in a space that feels safe and familiar.
Accessibility: Get specialist therapy or a therapist who is a good fit even if you live on the other side of the UK.
Privacy: Secure and confidential online sessions.
Is Online Therapy Right for You?
Online therapy works well for many people, but it’s important to find what feels right for you. If you want to know more about online therapy, book in for an intro call and we can talk through your questions about online therapy to decide whether remote CBT or remote EMDR therapy is a good option for you.
The Takeaway
Both online CBT and online EMDR therapy are effective, evidence-based ways to explore, grow, and manage life’s challenges, all from wherever you feel most comfortable. Whether you’re seeking help with trauma, anxiety, or low mood, virtual therapy in the UK can be a flexible and helpful path forward.
Ready to get started?
Whether you live nearby in Norfolk, or anywhere else in the UK, if you’d like to explore online CBT or online EMDR therapy, book a free intro call today.
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