OpenEMDR is a self-EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) platform, designed to help individuals conduct EMDR therapy on their own. It’s an innovative do-it-yourself approach to EMDR, which is a structured therapy with a specific protocol. 

Typically, EMDR is conducted by a licensed therapist, in person or online, preferably someone with training and certification in EMDR. However, self-EMDR eliminates the presence of a therapist during sessions. Instead, the client follows the instructions of the tool and completes the session. 

We tried the platform to see how it works, how it’s different from traditional EMDR delivered by therapists, and whether it’s a viable option for those seeking treatment for trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Overview of OpenEMDR

OpenEMDR is the brainchild of a web developer and a seasoned therapist. It’s a mixture of technology and psychology to deliver an easy and affordable treatment option for those suffering from PTSD or another disorder linked to trauma. 

It’s based on the principles and protocol of EMDR therapy, developed by Francine Shapiro, which has been studied extensively for treating trauma. It takes a similar approach and features a bilateral stimulation tool as well to cater to the most critical component of EMDR therapy. 

The platform is available worldwide for anyone to use and follows a subscription model. 

How does it work?

As a self-administered EMDR platform, OpenEMDR is designed to be used by the client on their own without the presence of a therapist, unlike virtual therapy. The platform is available as a web application that can be accessed through any browser. However, they recommend using a personal computer or tablet and not a mobile device, especially for the bilateral stimulation part. 

Of course, a stable Internet connection is necessary, as the platform is cloud-based. Secondly, it’s recommended that you use the tool in an isolated place for the duration of the therapy session. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Sign up: The first step is to sign up, create an account, and subscribe. You’ll provide your name, email address, and set up a password to access your account.
• Guided introduction: When using it for the first time, there’s a guided introduction that introduces the tool and how you can use it. 
• Sessions: On the dashboard (My Space), you can track your sessions, including the number of sessions completed and the date of your last session. 

To begin the session, you can go to the “EMDR Session” tab and start a new session or resume an ongoing one. The self-administered EMDR sessions have five different parts (startup, target setting, desensitisation, installing positive beliefs, and closing). 

In the startup step, you describe how you’re feeling and select the duration for the session, which ranges from 15 to 50 minutes. 

In the next step, you select the target feeling, emotions, and/or conditions. You can select more than one as applicable. Then, you select the EMDR protocol you want to follow. You can select the standard EMDR protocol if you’re not diagnosed with a specific condition. However, if you have a specific condition and your targets are related to that, you can select a specific protocol. The options include PTSD, anxiety, addiction, depression, phobias, and grief. 

The next few steps involve questions related to the target feelings/emotions, whether they’re tied to an event or experience. These questions are set to add details to the target memory or feeling.

We appreciated the examples provided for the questions, as they helped people understand what they needed to express and specify. 

After that, the desensitization process begins with the bilateral stimulation tool. The bilateral stimulation tool focuses on eye movement. And the tool is fully customizable. It features the control panel on the left and the screen with a moving object on the right. You can adjust colours and size according to your needs and comfort. 

After the desensitisation process, the second last step is focused on the installation of positive beliefs, where you can again answer guided questions. Finally, the last step of the session is closing it with key takeaways and recommendations to follow. 

Ease of use

The platform is very well-designed and user-friendly. The sign-up process is quick, requiring only your email and a password. You’re then taken to the main dashboard, where you can explore and get acquainted before making a payment and subscribing. 

All the information related to your sessions and emotional state (based on those sessions) is right upfront. It’s also easy to resume sessions from where you’ve left them, although we’d suggest completing them in one go like you would with a therapist. 

The built-in bilateral stimulation tool is also quite easy to use. The adjustability of the stimuli is helpful, especially for individuals with accessibility limitations. 

Pros and cons

OpenEMDR, as a self-administered EMDR therapy tool, offers several benefits. However, it also has limitations. 

Support

OpenEMDR offers email-based support for both prospective and current clients. You can fill out a form and send your query with your email address. The response time is typically under 24 hours, except for holidays. 

Verdict

OpenEMDR is helping bridge the gaps in therapy availability and accessibility in many parts of the world. It’s a well-designed platform that’s as close to an actual EMDR session with a therapist. And as research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person, it’s reasonable to expect that such a tool might also be effective, if done right. However, there’s no research yet to confirm this. 

OpenEMDR can be a good option for people with singular trauma, mild PTSD, or generalized anxiety or a specific phobia related to a specific event or experience. Such cases are more straightforward and easy to target. However, where more complex conditions are present or multiple vectors are part of the problem, the platform may be limited in addressing them all. 

The platform does make a disclaimer that it does not replace professional treatment and is not ideal for people who can’t handle strong emotions well or are a danger to themselves or others. And that’s certainly the case. 

Overall, it’s an innovative self-EMDR tool that’s easy to use and much more affordable than traditional or virtual EMDR.

Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.