What Are the Unique Benefits of In-Person EMDR Therapy?
If you have been feeling overwhelmed lately, please know that you are not alone in that heaviness. Life asks so much of us. Especially of high-achieving women and overwhelmed moms who often carry the emotional weight of their families and careers. When you finally decide to seek support, choosing the right environment for your healing is a brave and important step. You might be wondering why some women's EMDR therapists, myself included, feel so strongly about the power of sitting together in the same room. As you explore your options for in-person EMDR therapy in Columbus, OH, it is helpful to understand what makes this physical connection so special.
It might be exactly what your nervous system needs to finally feel safe. When you think about therapy, what comes to mind? Is it a hurried video call during your lunch break, or a quiet, dedicated hour where the world stops spinning for just a moment? Online options have their place. However, there is a distinct and nurturing quality to in-person Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) that is difficult to replicate through a screen. Let’s explore why being physically present can create a deeper, more secure container for your healing journey.
The Power of Presence: Why In-Person Matters
In our digital world, we are often told that convenience is king. We can order groceries, attend meetings, and even see doctors without leaving our homes. But healing trauma is different from a business meeting. It requires a level of safety and presence that can be hard to achieve when you are surrounded by the reminders of your daily life. When you step into my office, you are stepping away from the demands of your world. You are physically removing yourself from the laundry pile that needs attention and the home office desk where work emails are pinging. This creates a space away from the living room where your children might be playing, just beyond the door. One of the most significant barriers to deep work in online therapy is distraction.
Clients often tell me they find it difficult to feel fully present during telehealth sessions. Maybe the Wi-Fi connection is unstable, causing delays that disrupt the rhythm of processing. Perhaps there is a fear that a family member might overhear a vulnerable moment, or the dog starts barking at the delivery driver. In-person EMDR takes away all those distractions. There are no technical glitches to worry about. We don’t have to pause a breakthrough moment because the screen froze. In this dedicated space, you are free to focus entirely on yourself without keeping one ear open for what is happening in the other room. This freedom allows you to stay present longer and dive deeper into the work we are doing together.
Building Trust and Connection in the Room
EMDR therapy is, at its heart, a relationship. It is a connection between two human beings working toward a common goal: your healing. While we can certainly build rapport online, there is an intangible energy that exists when we are in the room together. For many of my clients, especially those who have experienced trauma, trust does not come easily. Your nervous system is constantly scanning for safety. Being physically present allows us to build that therapeutic trust more naturally. You can see my full body language, and I can see yours. You can feel the safety of the space I hold for you, not just hear it through headphones.
When we are in the same room, I am able to notice so much more about your experience.I can see subtle shifts in your body posture and changes in your breathing. I can also notice tension in your hands, even if they’re off-camera on a video call. These physical cues are vital in EMDR therapy. They tell me where your nervous system is at and help me guide you more effectively. If you become distressed during a session, I am right there with you. I can help you regulate your nervous system immediately. This physical proximity offers a profound sense of containment. You don’t have to face a difficult memory alone in your bedroom. In a safe, neutral space, a professional is fully present to support you.
A Calming Environment Designed for Healing
Your environment shapes your internal state. Think about how you feel when you walk into a chaotic room versus a serene, organized space. The physical therapy environment (the lighting, the seating, the layout) is intentionally designed to support the EMDR process. Clients have mentioned that coming to in-person therapy allows for a necessary separation between "home mode" and "healing mode." There is a ritual in the commute to the office.
It gives you time to transition out of your busy day and prepare your mind for the session. Perhaps even more importantly, there is a transition when you leave. Instead of closing your laptop and immediately having to cook dinner or answer a work call, you have the drive home to decompress. You can leave the heavy work at therapy. This makes it easier to transition back to your life without carrying the raw emotions of the session directly into your living room.
The Unique Benefits of In-Person EMDR Tools
Beyond the environment, the tools we use in EMDR are often more effective in person. One of the key components of EMDR is bilateral stimulation, which helps your brain process stuck memories. In my office, most clients prefer using my Bluetooth tappers. These are small devices you hold in your hands that vibrate gently, alternating from left to right. Using these tappers allows you to close your eyes and fully immerse yourself in the process.
You can go inward without the distraction of looking at a screen or tracking a moving dot. Online, options are more limited. You might have to tap on your own body (which can be tiring or distracting) or watch a light bar on a screen. Being able to close your eyes and just feel the bilateral stimulation can make a significant difference in how deeply you can connect with the process.
Why In-Person EMDR Works for Everyone
You might be wondering, "Is this really necessary for me? I’m busy." It is a valid question. But in my experience, everyone, from high-achieving corporate leaders to overwhelmed moms, responds particularly well to in-person EMDR. I have never had a client tell me they did not receive benefits from being in the room. In fact, many who felt "stuck" in online therapy found that the shift to in-person sessions was the catalyst they needed to finally see progress.
For women who struggle to connect with their bodies or feel safe in their own skin, the physical presence of a therapist is incredibly grounding. A computer screen can create a sense of distance that reinforces dissociation or detachment. Being in the room makes it easier to stay grounded in the "here and now," which is essential for trauma work.
Addressing Your Questions
It is normal to have questions when deciding between online and in-person care. Here are a few things I often discuss with clients.
"Does in-person therapy really make a difference in all phases of EMDR?"
Yes, I believe it does. During the preparation phase, being face-to-face helps us build that foundational safety and trust much faster. But it is during the reprocessing phase, when we are actively working through traumatic memories, that the difference is most palpable. If you become dysregulated or feel an increase in distress, it is far easier for me to meet you where you are. It is far easier for me to help you find calm and groundedness when we are in the same physical space. That same level of immediate safety and regulation cannot be promised through a screen, especially if the Wi-Fi cuts out or if you feel too distant.
"I don't have time for travel. What are my options?"
I understand that time is a precious resource. However, consider that the efficiency of in-person work often leads to better outcomes faster. Because we aren't battling distractions or technical issues, the time we spend together is more potent. For those who live far away or have very demanding schedules, I also offer EMDR intensives. This allows you to come in for a 3-4 hour block, equivalent to several weekly sessions. You can focus on deep work in a concentrated period without the weekly commute.
Your Healing Deserves a Safe Space
If you have been trying to heal but feel like something is missing, it might be that your nervous system is craving a space where it can truly let go. Everyone deserves a place where they don't have to worry about who is listening at the door. A reliable internet connection should be a given. Feeling seen, heard, and supported in a way that only physical presence can provide is something we all need. In-person therapy offers you the motivation to show up for yourself fully. It says to your inner self, "My healing is important enough to carve out this time and this space."
If this resonates with you, and you are ready to experience the unique benefits of in-person EMDR therapy, I invite you to reach out. We can create a plan that honors your time while prioritizing your need for a safe, distraction-free environment. You don't have to carry this weight alone, and you don't have to navigate your healing from behind a screen. There is a chair here waiting for you, in a quiet room where you can finally just breathe.
What Could Deep Healing Feel Like With EMDR Christian Counseling in Columbus, OH?
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to step into a space where your healing takes center stage—free from the distractions of home or work? It’s not uncommon to feel like life’s demands leave little room for your own well-being. You deserve a place where you can pause, breathe, and focus entirely on yourself. At Merrianna Holdeman Counseling, my approach to in-person EMDR therapy in Columbus, OH, is designed to provide that sanctuary. Whether you’re carrying the weight of past trauma, feeling overwhelmed by daily pressures, or simply seeking a deeper sense of peace, in-person therapy offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with yourself in a safe and supportive environment. If you’re ready to take the next step:
Learn more about my approach as a therapist and discover how in-person EMDR therapy can help you find clarity, release emotional burdens, and move forward with renewed strength.
You don’t have to face this journey on your own. Your healing matters, and this space is ready to support you every step of the way.
Other Therapy Services at Merrianna Holdeman Counseling
As you explore the unique benefits of in-person EMDR therapy, you may begin to notice how deeply interconnected your experiences are—how trauma, stress, and even faith struggles can influence every aspect of your life. To support you fully, I offer a range of therapy services tailored to meet you where you are: ADHD Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, and Trauma Therapy. Each service is thoughtfully designed with your unique needs and spiritual journey in mind.
You might find that the constant hum of anxiety makes it difficult to feel present or grounded. Focus can feel out of reach when the weight of daily demands becomes overwhelming. Motherhood, career pressures, and unresolved trauma can leave you feeling disconnected—from yourself, your loved ones, and even your faith. At Merrianna Holdeman Counseling, you’ll find a safe, supportive space to work toward wholeness and clarity through personalized therapy. All services are delivered in-person, offering women the opportunity to experience true healing and renewed connection in every area of life.
About the Author
Merrianna Holdeman, LPCC, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio who deeply believes in the transformative power of in-person EMDR therapy. With a heart for helping overwhelmed moms and high-achieving women, Merrianna creates a safe, distraction-free environment where clients can fully engage in their healing journey. Her approach combines evidence-based EMDR techniques with a calming, supportive presence, allowing clients to feel seen, heard, and deeply cared for. Merrianna’s passion lies in helping women break free from the weight of trauma and stress, guiding them toward a renewed sense of balance, peace, and purpose.
