“Can I do EMDR online?”
Yes.
I am Renée Shearing, an HPCSA-registered occupational therapist in Cape Town, trained in EMDR, and I offer EMDR online wherever you live.
Trauma therapy is the centre of my work, and EMDR is one of the approaches I use with the lasting effects of stress and trauma.
I work online with clients in the UK, Europe and the US, as well as South Africans living abroad.
I am trained in EMDR (Richman EMDR Training, approved by EMDRIA and EMDR Europe, 2017).
What EMDR is
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy, supported by scientific research, for symptoms of trauma and stress.
It uses detailed protocols and procedures that activate a natural healing process.
Although EMDR requires history-taking and preparation, the processing itself does not rely on repeatedly talking about or recounting the traumatic experience.
How EMDR works online
I work with my different therapeutic approaches both in-person and online, and that includes EMDR, with appropriate adjustments to how we work together.
There are aspects of the work that are easier in the same room, and I have developed ways of adapting it for online sessions.
EMDR has specific protocols, which I follow.
We meet by video, by Zoom or another platform you prefer, for 50 minutes, from a private space where you will not be interrupted.
Sessions are arranged Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 18:00, South African time.
Who EMDR online may suit
It may suit you if stress or trauma that has not been fully processed still shows itself in anxiety, panic, flashbacks, nightmares, sleeplessness, hypervigilance or overwhelm.
It may also suit you if you have tried to talk through what happened and talking about it has not helped.
It may also suit you if you live far from Cape Town, or are a South African abroad who would like to work with someone from home.
Preparation and safety
EMDR is one of the approaches I use, but it is not appropriate or necessary for every person or every session.
EMDR begins with history-taking and preparation, and some work may need more preparation online, so we talk this through before we begin.
Not every method suits every person or circumstance, and we may use different methods at different stages of the work.
EMDR does not replace medical care.
Fees
Fees depend on where you live, and the Rates page shows the fee that applies to you.
Questions about EMDR online
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes, I offer EMDR online, with the preparation and adjustments that online work needs.
Do I have to talk about everything that happened?
No, EMDR requires history-taking and preparation, but the processing itself does not rely on repeatedly talking about or recounting the traumatic experience.
Can I do EMDR online if I live in the UK, Europe or the US?
I work online with clients in the UK, Europe and the US, as well as South Africans living abroad.
Sessions are set in South African time, so we look for a time that suits where you are.
Is EMDR used in every session?
No, EMDR is one of the approaches I use, and we may use different methods at different stages of the work.