In March 2020, a group of therapists and software developers developed an online alternative to face-to-face EMDR. The result is EMDR Platform, the secure and simple solution for integrated video calling and online EMDR.
EMDR Platform is the first platform in which video calling and EMDR tools are fully integrated in one web page. You and your client can use the platform immediately, without installing any software. For clients with only a smartphone or tablet, there is a free EMDR Platform-app. This is the only app in which the video calling and EMDR tools are fully integrated. In addition, EMDR Platform recently became the first CE-marked EMDR software in Europe and thus complies with the new European law (MDR, Medical Device Regulation). With this CE mark you are assured that you comply with the MDR law.
With EMDR Platform you can easily control your client's screen without having to use multiple programs. So you have one platform for all your therapy sessions without technical challenges. In addition, you always have a full view of your client during the sessions, so that you can optimally adjust the working memory load.
Secure connection
CE mark according to MDR and GDPR-proof servers in Europe
Fully integrated
HD video calling and EMDR, via browser or free app
Evidence-based
Based on and used for scientific research
User-friendly
Your client simply has to click on a link
Effective treatment
EMDR and Exposure combined in one platform
Corona measures
Can be used in your practice to keep 1,5 meters distance
How EMDR Platform works
You start a session by sending your client a link. As soon as your client clicks on this, the session starts directly in the browser or in the free app. You will then immediately see your client in the conversation mode and if desired you can convert the screen of your client to the EMDR mode. In accordance with the latest EMDR techniques this mode is equipped with various tasks that put a heavy load on the working memory, such as various unpredictable shapes, colors and patterns of the EMDR ball, clicks, and the ability to upload background photos yourself. Clinical experience shows that showing neutral pictures that are trauma-related to the client, combined with distracting stimuli, is very effective.
Clinical Neuropsychologist at De Koning Neuropsychology
The platform already worked very well for online EMDR and video calling, but is even more user-friendly due to the expansion to almost all web browsers.!
Laurien Aben
GZ-Psychologist in training to become a specialist KNP at AMC, Amsterdam
Fine platform that works well and offers a solution in the online provision of trauma treatment. Because of the simultaneous video call connection, it is possible to monitor the processing in the stimulus phase and there is sufficient room for interaction.
Hanane El Hachioui
GZ-Psychologist and EMDR therapist VEN at Psychology Practice Psy in Balance
The development of the EMDR Platform app is fantastic. I can now finally treat clients who don't have a computer. Thanks to the integrated image field function, I can use the app for EMDR therapy as well as for regular sessions.
Mecheline van der Linden
Clinical psychologist (Ph.D.) / trainer at Amsterdam UMC
Since a few weeks, I give my patients EMDR therapy through this platform. A top invention in corona time and also in the future it is to be expected that this EMDR platform offers a solution for EMDR therapists and their patients. Saves time and energy. Toolkit no longer necessary. Great ease of use for the therapist and patient-friendly instructions. I didn't know that I was looking for this!
Scientific research
EMDR Platform is under the guidance of Dr. Suzy Matthijssen used by students for a study from Utrecht University in healthy subjects with a bad memory. They are currently investigating whether you can make bad memories less loaded with web-based EMDR. Online sessions are performed with the web-based version of EMDR Platform and compared with another intervention. Later, the results will be compared with an EMDR condition that was previously done face to face.
You may be wondering whether online EMDR is effective. Based on our users' clinical experience, the answer is a resounding YES! However, from a scientific point of view, the answer to this is that this has not yet been extensively researched, but Suzy is now working hard on it, among others. Studies that have already been completed indicate light evidence. There is sufficient evidence for online psychological sessions. Below is a brief overview of these studies.
Safety and effectiveness of intensive online trauma therapy (Bongaerts et al., 2021)
Recently, the results of a study into the safety and effectiveness of intensive trauma treatment, including EMDR, in 6 patients with severe or complex PTSD were published. These intensive trauma sessions were offered via video calls, resulting in a significant decrease in the CAPS-5 and PCL-5 scores compared with before the sessions. Based on this study, it can be concluded that online intensive trauma session is a safe and effective alternative to face-to-face intensive trauma sessions. You can read the full article here.
Effectiveness of psychological treatment via video calling and telephone (Varker et al., 2019)
This meta-analysis included 24 RCT’s that examined the effectiveness of telepsychology of these, 11 RCT’s investigated the effectiveness of psychological interventions via video calling and 10 RCT’s via telephone. The other RCT’s looked at the effectiveness of multiple telepsychology channels and the effectiveness of interventions offered online via text. Psychological therapy via video calling and telephone have both been shown to be effective for treating various mental disorders, including PTSD, anxiety disorders and depression. So you can feel free to use EMDR Platform's video calling for your other sessions as well and not just for EMDR.
Effectiveness of online psychological interventions for PTSD (Simblett et al., 2017)
This meta-analysis of 33 RCTs showed that online psychological interventions for the treatment of PTSD are effective. The study did not specifically look at online EMDR, but at all online PTSD interventions. Read more.
Effectiveness of online EMDR (Spence et al., 2013)
Unfortunately, no randomized control trial (RCT) has yet been performed on the effectiveness of online versus face-to-face EMDR. However, from this uncontrolled study into the effect of 6 online sessions of EMDR and CBT combined, it appears that there are large effect sizes when comparing the severity of the complaints before and 3 months after the online sessions. The study was conducted on only 15 participants and no groups were compared, so further research is needed, but the results are promising. You can read the full article here.
For only €12.95 per month, you can already have unlimited sessions!
*) You can request a free account and try the plus package without obligation. After two weeks you can extend the plus package per month or year, or change it to a basic package. If you do nothing, the trial period will expire automatically, because you are not committed to anything. Prices are based on an annual subscription and exclude VAT.
FAQ
What are the system requirements for EMDR Platform?
EMDR Platform uses an encrypted video calling connection. For this, a good computer/laptop or tablet/smartphone with fast internet connection is a plus. We recommend the following minimum system requirements (for you and your client:
PC/laptop/MacBook with a webcam and the latest version of preferably Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Chromium. You don't need to download any software.
Apple iPad/iPhone or Android tablet/phone with the EMDR Platform app (free download in stores).
Ideally, headphones with microphone (e.g. use the earbuds of your mobile phone). The sound is then more pleasant for both the therapist and the client. Also, your client hears the clicks in stereo sound. However, always use wired headphones. Wireless headphones do not work because of limitations in Bluetooth technology (Calling and playing stereo sounds cannot be done at the same time with bluetooth).
preferably a wired internet connection (instead of wifi).
What browser do my clients and I need?
EMDR platform has been tested on the browsers Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Chromium, Firefox and Opera. However, EMDR Platform was developed by us on Google Chrome and therefore Chrome-based browsers are preferred (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Chromium). If you or your client experience problems, please always try the latest version of Google Chrome. On iOS (MacBook) we also recommend Google Chrome. You and your client do not have to use the same browser. On a tablet or smartphone, your client uses the EMDR Platform app and no browser is needed.
Can I use EMDR Platform for other therapies as well?
Yes. In addition to an EMDR mode, EMDR Platform also has a GDPR-proof video calling function which can be used for all types of therapy
Does EMDR Platform also work on a tablet or smartphone?
Yes. A free EMDR Platform app has been developed for your client, which is very easy to use. Your cliënt only needs to download the EMDR Platform app, click on the link you sent and the session will start automatically in the app.
How do I prevent and remedy technical problems during sessions?
At the first online session with your client via EMDR Platform, we advise you to schedule the session more widely, so that you have time and peace of mind to go through the operation of the EMDR Platform with your client. Your client must allow access to the camera and microphone prior to sessions. If you have an account with EMDR Platform, by clicking the button “technical help”” you can view the most common problems and find corresponding solutions. Sometimes things go wrong because your client or you have not rightly set the camera and audio settings. An installed firewall can also block the connection. For your client, the EMDR Platform app is always easier to use because the camera and sound settings are always automatically correct.
On how many devices can I use EMDR Platform?
EMDR platform is a web-based platform. This means that the platform works on any computer or laptop with an internet connection. In addition, a special EMDR Platform app has been developed for tablets and smartphones, which can be downloaded for free from the Apple and Google Play stores.
How many people can participate in a session?
In connection with security and guaranteeing privacy, EMDR Platform is set up in such a way that only 2 devices (laptop, tablet, etc.) can connect at the same time to participate in a session: your device and that of your client. Of course, several people can be involved in the session, both on the side of the therapist and on the side of the client, eg in couples therapy or supervision.
When is the best time to send my client the session link for EMDR Platform?
For safety reasons, we advise you to send the link to your client a few minutes before the start of the session. In this way, you and your client do not have to save the link well in advance, which also means there is a risk that the wrong link is used and therefore the connection is not established.
Can multiple therapists work on 1 account?
No, this is not possible. For security and privacy reasons, your client will see your name on the screen when he/she connects to EMDR Platform. This allows them to check directly whether they are in the waiting room with the correct therapist.
Does my client also need to apply for an account?
No, your client only needs to click on the session link he/she has received from you. The link then opens in the internet browser or in the EMDR Platform app without your client having to log in. We do not store client data at all.
What is the difference in functionality between a physical EMDR kit and the EMDR tools on EMDR Platform?
The EMDR Platform includes exactly the same functions as the EMDR kit, so the ball that moves horizontally at adjustable speeds and colors and the clicks that your client hears on the headphones alternately left and right. However, on EMDR Platform the speed of sound can be set separately from the speed of the ball. Furthermore, at EMDR Platform the sessions take place in front of the webcam, so that you as a therapist look straight into the face of your client, without your client being distracted by this. Another additional advantage of EMDR Platform over the EMDR kit is that we are much more flexible in creating new tasks for the working memory load. For example, in the plus package, different patterns of the EMDR ball and the sound are available, but you can also change the background that your client sees in the EMDR mode. For example, you can show alternating trauma-related or neutral photos as background, while your client has to follow the moving ball.
Can I also share my screen in EMDR Platform?
Yes, in the plus package you can share your entire screen, a separate window or a tab of your browser. In this way you can for example, show a whiteboard, images or a video to your client. You can also offer your client the opportunity to share his or her desktop with you, for example to discuss homework assignments.
Can I also use EMDR Platform for supervision?
Yes, and it doesn't matter if you are a supervisor or supervisee. In either case, you can send a link to your supervisor/supervisee, just as you would with your clients. In the plus package, for example, video recordings can be shown using the "sharing screen"function.
How can I use EMDR Platform for face-to-face sessions?
You can of course also use the EMDR Platform for face-to-face therapy in your practice or institution, for example to keep a distance of 1.5 meters or to have more EMDR tools available. By using a second device (a laptop, tablet, etc.), online sessions in youroffice work the same as online sessions at a distance. Your client could bring their own device (laptop, tablet, smartphone) to the therapy session or you may have a second device available. You can also provide your own PC or laptop with a second screen for your client.
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