# Introduction

A recent study, published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology, investigates the effectiveness of online-delivered Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by multiple traumas. Conducted by researchers including Suzanne Kruisinga and Suzy J.M.A. Matthijssen, this study provides insights into novel remote therapy modalities. DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2026.2702141

# Study Design

The research utilizes a non-concurrent multiple baseline single-case experimental design involving 21 participants aged 18-65 from a mental healthcare institution in the Netherlands. Random assignment to different baseline phases was employed prior to ten weekly online EMDR therapy sessions.

# Findings

Visual analysis and Improvement Rate Difference (IRD) assessments indicated effective symptom reduction in 15 out of 21 participants. Group-level analysis showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful decrease in PTSD symptoms as measured by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5).

  • PCL-5 Improvements:
  • Pre-treatment to post-treatment: Mean difference of 23.6, Cohen’s d = 1.34.
  • Pre-treatment to follow-up: Mean difference of 27.2, Cohen’s d = 1.62.

# Conclusions

The study provides preliminary evidence supporting the potential of online EMDR therapy for reducing PTSD symptoms in cases of multiple traumas. However, further research with larger sample sizes and possibly multilateral designs is warranted to enhance the generalizability of these findings.

# Limitations

The study acknowledges several limitations:

  • Small Sample Size: Limits the ability to generalize findings across broader populations.
  • Single-Case Design: While beneficial for individualized analysis, this design restricts broad applicability without additional corroborative studies.
  • Potential Online Variability: Differences in participant engagement and environmental factors in the online setting could affect outcomes.

# Future Directions

More extensive studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the viability of integrating online EMDR into wider therapeutic practices for PTSD treatment.