How to Prepare for Online EMDR Therapy in Colorado

To prepare for online EMDR, you need a private spot, a device with a camera, a steady internet connection and a few questions for your therapist. This page walks through what to set up and what to expect. For the basics, see online EMDR therapy in Colorado.

What do you need for an online EMDR session?

EMDR Center of Denver sessions run on a HIPAA-compliant video platform. You need:

• A private space where you will not be overheard. A parked car works if home is busy.
• A steady internet connection.
• A device with a camera. A laptop or tablet works best because the screen is large enough for on-screen bilateral stimulation. A phone can work in a pinch.
• Headphones, if you have them. They help with privacy and with sound-based bilateral stimulation.

How is bilateral stimulation done online?

Bilateral stimulation is the back-and-forth movement or sound that you pay attention to while you think about a memory. Online, your therapist can offer several options, and you choose together what works for you:

• Following a moving dot on your screen with your eyes.
• Listening to alternating tones through headphones.

What happens before the memory work starts?

The early stage of EMDR is about getting ready. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD describes it this way: you learn about physical and emotional reactions to trauma, you and your therapist discuss how ready you are to focus on distressing memories, and you learn coping skills first.

At EMDR Center of Denver, your first session is a conversation. Your therapist asks about your life journey, and together you set the goals you hope to reach in therapy. Read more about what to expect in a first session.

What might you feel, and what do you do afterward?

The VA says you may feel uncomfortable when you focus on upsetting memories or beliefs, and that these feelings are usually brief. The VA also says that in most cases you will not be asked to talk about the details of your trauma, although you will be asked to think about it in session.

Tiredness or tender emotions after a session are common. Online sessions mean there is no drive home afterward. Our post on what is normal after an EMDR session explains more.

Who can use online EMDR at EMDR Center of Denver?

Adults who live in Colorado. The practice is licensed in Colorado and cannot see clients who live outside the state. Explore the areas we serve. If you want to read about the research on online sessions, see does virtual EMDR work.

What can you ask in your free 15-minute consultation?

The first step is a free 15-minute phone consultation with Jeanne Cross or Gessica Cross. You can ask your questions, and there is no pressure and no obligation. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests asking a prospective therapist about their credentials and experience, the approach they use, and how confidentiality works, including its limits. It also notes that rapport and trust are essential. If you want more questions, see our guide to finding an EMDR therapist in Colorado.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to live in Denver to work with you?

No. Sessions are online, and the practice is licensed to work with adults who live anywhere in Colorado. Denver is where the practice is based, not a requirement.

Can I do online EMDR from my phone?

A laptop or tablet works best because the screen is large enough for on-screen bilateral stimulation. A phone can work in a pinch, and audio tones are an alternative that does not depend on screen size.

How do I get started?

The first step is a free 15-minute phone consultation with Jeanne Cross or Gessica Cross. You can ask your questions, and there is no pressure and no obligation.

What happens in my first session?

Your first session is a conversation. Your therapist asks about your life journey, and together you set the goals you hope to reach in therapy.

Will I have homework between sessions?

No. The VA says EMDR does not require homework or practice assignments between sessions.

Next step

Ready to ask your questions? Schedule your free 15-minute consultation with Jeanne or Gessica Cross, or call or text 720-464-3444.

Education and Crisis Disclaimer

This article is for education and is not a substitute for therapy, medical advice, or emergency care. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. EMDR Center of Denver does not provide emergency services.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD. Last updated September 25, 2026; read November 5, 2026.
• National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies. Read November 5, 2026.
• EMDR Center of Denver, Online EMDR Therapy in Colorado, Frequently Asked Questions, Does Virtual EMDR Work? and Schedule, read November 5, 2026.