How to do EMDR remotely with Horizon EMDR (Quick Start Guide)

If you have been searching for an EMDR tool for therapists that prioritises ease of use, flexible control, client clarity, and session stability—this walkthrough is for you.

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Browser Recommendation

For best performance and most consistent animation timing, use Chrome or Firefox. Safari may work but can introduce minor timing variance on certain hardware.

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On This Page

• Quick Start
• Using with Video Calls
• Using Local Mode
• Professional Tips
• Troubleshooting
• FAQs

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Quick Start

Follow these steps to launch your first remote EMDR stimulus session:

1. Sign up, and create an account then login.

2. Open the Stimulus Tool and configure the settings as desired.

3. Adjust speed, color, and shape based on client readiness and observed tracking quality.

4. Invite your client by sharing the session link (copy and send via secure channel / chat).

5. Ask the client to accept the invitation. They should see a simple, distraction-free stimulus screen.

6. Once connected, press Start to begin bilateral motion. Monitor client processing pace.

   

7. Observe connection indicators: Green dots + line = active therapist ↔ client link; preview box turns green when client view is confirmed.

8. Adapt parameters live (slowing / speeding, color adjustments) as cognitive / affective load shifts.

9. Pause, Reset, or End anytime. Use Reset if you want to retain connection but clear state.

10. Log any key shifts (SUD changes, cognitive interweaves) in your clinical notes outside the tool.

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Using with Video Calls

When working remotely, pair Horizon with your preferred video conferencing platform so you can monitor affect, eye movement range, and regulation.

Split Screen Setup

Platform	Quick Action
Windows	Win + ← / → to snap windows side-by-side
macOS	Hover green window button → “Tile Window Left/Right”
Dual Monitors	Put video call on one screen, Horizon stimulus full-screen on the other

Alternative: Manually resize both windows if shortcuts aren’t accessible.

💡 Pro Tip: Position the video window so you can see full ocular sweeps without turning your head. Keep the stimulus aligned horizontally within your field of view to stay attuned.

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Using Local Mode

Local Mode lets you run the stimulus without inviting a client—ideal for:

• In-person office work (client views the same physical screen)

• Training demonstrations

• Self-practice of timing and pacing interventions

How to Enable Local Mode:

1. Open the Stimulus Tool (leave invite untouched).
2. Click the Settings (gear) icon, top-right.
3. Select Local mode.
4. Run stimulus as usual—no remote sync overhead.
5. To switch back, open Settings again and select Remote.

Reminder: In Local Mode, connection indicators reflect only your own view—no remote status.

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Professional Tips

• Start slower than you think; increase speed only once tracking quality is stable.
• Adjust color contrast if the client reports visual strain or background blending.
• Use brief pauses for cognitive interweaves rather than stopping the session entirely.
• Maintain consistent bilateral pacing to reduce unnecessary cognitive load.
• Document session structure separately; Horizon intentionally avoids embedding identifiable data for privacy.

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Troubleshooting

Issue	Possible Cause	Resolution
Client not connecting	Link truncated or expired tab	Resend full URL; confirm they accepted invite
No green indicator	Client window not focused	Ask them to bring stimulus tab to front and accept connection
Motion appears choppy	Low device performance / background processes	Close unused tabs; prefer Chrome/Firefox
Color looks dull	Screen brightness / night mode enabled	Disable night shift; raise brightness
Speed feels inconsistent	Browser throttling (battery saver)	Plug in device; disable energy saver mode

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FAQs

Is Horizon HIPAA/GDPR compliant? Horizon is stimulus-only and does not store session narratives or PHI. Always manage client identifiers externally.

Can I use this on a tablet? Modern tablets with Chrome/Firefox generally work, but desktop offers better precision.

Does it support auditory or tactile stimulation? Current release focuses on visual stimulus; roadmap includes extensible modalities.

Can clients adjust anything? No. Control is centralized with the therapist to preserve protocol fidelity.

What if the client disconnects mid-set? The indicator will show they have disconnected. Pause stimulus, re-share the link if needed, and re-ground before continuing.

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Summary

Horizon streamlines bilateral visual stimulus delivery so you can stay present with the client and the adaptive information processing unfolding in real time. Whether you are working fully remote or in-room with Local Mode, it provides a stable, therapist-centered EMDR tool that reduces friction and supports clinical precision.

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Next Steps

• Explore advanced customization (if available in upcoming releases).
• Bookmark this guide for training new clinicians in your practice.
• Provide feedback to inform roadmap enhancements (multi-modal stimulation, saved presets, compliance helpers).

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If you found this guide useful and are looking for a reliable EMDR tool for therapists, Horizon is purpose-built to support your workflow today and expand with your needs tomorrow.