What is bilateral stimulation and how can it be used in EMDR treatment?

What is bilateral stimulation? This is a question that is often asked by people who are interested in learning more about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is a powerful psychotherapy treatment that has been shown to be effective for many people who suffer from trauma. And, bilateral stimulation is one of the key components of EMDR, but it is very different than traditional talk therapy so it's common for people to have question about this component of EMDR therapy. In this article, we will explain bilateral stimulation in simple terms and discuss how it can be used in EMDR treatment.

What is Bilateral Stimulation?

Bilateral stimulation (BLS) refers to the use of a stimulus that is presented to both sides of the body. The most traditional form of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy is eye movements, but other forms such as auditory bilateral stimulation (using tones or taps) and tactile bilateral stimulation (using pulsars or vibration) can also be effective. In fact, the therapists at Aspire Counseling frequently use other types of bilateral stimulation so we'll talk more about that in a minute.

Why is Bilateral Stimulation Used in EMDR?

Bilateral stimulation is used in EMDR because it has been shown to be an effective treatment for trauma. In fact, bilateral stimulation is one of the key components that makes EMDR such a powerful treatment for trauma. EMDR has been shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and many other mental health conditions.

How does Bilateral Stimulation Work in EMDR?

Bilateral stimulation is thought to work in EMDR by activating both sides of the brain which allows for the processing of memories, emotions, and incidents that are stuck in the nervous system. When we experience trauma, our brains can get "stuck" on that event and it can feel like we're reliving it over and over again. Bilateral stimulation is thought to help "unstick" those memories so that they can be processed and resolved.

Essentially, by having you focus both on something distressing while also paying attention to the stimulus activating alternating sides of the body,  bilateral stimulation allows the brain to access both sides of the brain which leads to more effective processing of memories. You're able to process things that your brain has otherwise avoided. However, my clients often report feeling much less distressed thinking about things like trauma memories while using BLS than when thinking about it otherwise.

Photo by Tara Glaser on Unsplash downloaded 6/8/22

You May Have Noticed How This Works in Your Own Life

Have you ever felt stressed out and you go for a walk or a jog? While running or walking, you may have been thinking about whatever was stressing you out or even talking it through with a friend.  And, when you're done with your walk or run, you may have noticed that the thing that was stressing you out doesn't seem as bad as it did before. That's because bilateral stimulation, in this case your alternating feet hitting the pavement, can help activate both sides of the brain which helps with processing and resolving stressors.

While bilateral stimulation is often thought of as eye movements, there are other types of bilateral stimulation that can be just as effective.

Types of Bilateral Stimulation Used in EMDR

As I mentioned, bilateral stimulation usually refers to eye movements but there are other types of bilateral stimulation that can be used in EMDR. Here are some other types of bilateral stimulation that EMDR therapists may use including the therapists here at Aspire Counseling:

Photo by Lee Campbell on Unsplash downloaded 6/8/22

Auditory bilateral stimulation

This can be done using tones or taps. The therapist will usually have the client listen to headphones while they hear sounds on each side alternatively.

Tactile bilateral stimulation

This can be done using pulsars or vibration. The therapist will often hold pulsars in each hand and have the client hold them while they feel the pulsing in each hand alternatively. We often call these "buzzies" and I've found that this is what many of my in person EMDR clients really seem to prefer.

There are also bilateral stimulation devices that can be used with EMDR that are worn on the wrists or ankles that provide vibration or tapping. Or, a therapist or client may tap on alternating knees. When providing EMDR to a client online, many of my clients have used the Butterfly Hug as their bilateral stimulation.

Visual bilateral stimulation

This can be done using lights or other visual cues that alternate between each side. At our office in Columbia, many of our EMDR clients use a device we call a "light bar." The therapist will have the client sit in a chair and look at a light that moves back and forth between each eye. We are able to control the speed the light moves and a couple other things which means we can really tailor the experience to your needs. The light bar was actually featured in Grey's Anatomy when Jo participated in EMDR.

Other forms of visual bilateral stimulation can include watching a ball move across a computer screen (something I've used many times with online EMDR therapy sessions), looking at alternating sides of the room or watching a therapist's finger move back and forth in front of your face (this is the classic thing associated with EMDR).

There are a lot of options for bilateral stimulation in EMDR

So, bilateral stimulation is a key part of EMDR and there are lots of different ways it can be done. And, you may have actually experienced bilateral stimulation in your everyday life without realizing it! If you're curious about whether EMDR can help

Does it matter which type of bilateral stimulation an EMDR therapist uses?

Some clients have a preference for one type of bilateral stimulation over another but, in general, any type of bilateral stimulation can be effective. That said, I often find that using a combination of bilateral stimulations can be really helpful depending on the phase of treatment.

For example, I often have a client use something like tapping their knees or the butterfly hug when we're working on resourcing early in treatment. Then, when we're processing more intense memories I like to use something that I can change the speed of or adjust as  needed like the light bar or an app that both the client and I login to on the computer.

But, ultimately, bilateral stimulation is bilateral stimulation and your brain doesn't really care what type it is. So, if you have a preference, let your therapist know. If not, don't worry about it!

Other Questions About EMDR & Bilateral Stimulation?

Do you have any questions about bilateral stimulation as used in EMDR treatment? If so, you might want to check out this recent blog post I wrote answering common questions about EMDR. But, if that doesn't cover it, feel free to reach out and we'll be happy to chat with you and take the time to answer all of your questions!

Start EMDR In Missouri

At Aspire Counseling we are proud to offer both online EMDR to anyone in the state of Missouri, as well as in person sessions at our counseling office in Columbia, MO for EMDR therapy. We have several licensed therapists that are not only licensed for EMDR, but other evidence-based counseling services.

Healing is possible, and we understand how intimidating it can be to reach out, however, we encourage you to take that next step by reaching out via phone at 573-328-2288, or filling out a contact form on our website. After this, a member of a team will reach out, and help find an EMDR therapist that fits you for a free consultation.

We also offer a wide variety of mental health service besides EMDR such as, depression counseling, anxiety treatment, trauma therapy, counseling for kids, teens, and college students, along with grief counseling. So, we encourage you to reach out, and give us a try!

About the Author

Jessica Tappana is a License Clinical Social Worker in Missouri. She specializes in working with people who have experienced trauma and offers EMDR therapy. Jessica is the founder of Aspire Counseling, and truly believes that ever single person deserves the best quality of treatment, which is why she, along with all of our other therapists here at Aspire Counseling have evidenced based mental health treatments. She truly cares about reaching clients to the entire state of Missouri, and providing the best mental health care possible.