Bilateral Eye Movement Stimulation

Bilateral Eye Movement Therapy

There are many “versions” of the Bilateral Eye movement stimulation process used in therapy; EMDR, ART, RRT, etc. However, they all use the same basic and fundamental process. Bilateral stimulation can be effective outside the formal  protocols listed above. . While the above protocols provides a structured framework that maximizes the benefits of bilateral stimulation for trauma processing, the neurological effects of bilateral stimulation itself can be beneficial in the context of other types of therapies.

Research* studies indicate

Bilateral EMs impair the recognition of detailed visual scenes of trauma films.

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Bilateral EMs reduce the frequency and vividness of traumatic memory intrusions.

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Bilateral EMs alleviate the psychophysiological and subjective affective responses.

* Zhenjie Xu, Jie Hu, Yingying Wang. Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310028, Zhejiang, China

Bilateral stimulation is a powerful technique used in mental health therapy. It involves rhythmic, side-to-side movements or alternations that engage both hemispheres of the brain. This method can be visual, auditory, or tactile, and it's used to help process traumatic memories and reduce stress.

What is Bilateral Stimulation?

Bilateral stimulation is simpler than it sounds. It's a way to activate both sides of your brain through alternating stimuli. This can be:

• Moving your eyes from side to side

• Listening to sounds that alternate between your left and right ear

• Tapping your knees or shoulders alternately

These techniques help balance and calm your brain, potentially making it easier to process difficult emotions or memories.

Types of Bilateral Stimulation

EMDR therapists use various forms of bilateral stimulation to engage both hemispheres of the brain:

1.   Eye Movements: The therapist guides the client's eyes to move back and forth, mimicking the rapid eye movement phase of sleep.

2.   Tactile Stimulation: Alternating taps on the client's hands or knees provide physical sensations that stimulate both sides of the body.

3.   Auditory Stimulation: Sounds or tones alternating between the left and right ears create an auditory form of BLS.

How Bilateral Stimulation Works

During therapy, bilateral stimulation is used while the client focuses on a traumatic memory. This combination helps the brain process the memory more effectively. Here's what typically happens:

1.   Memory Activation: The client recalls a traumatic event.

2.   Bilateral Stimulation: The therapist applies one of the bilateral stimulation techniques.

3.   Processing: The client's brain processes the memory, often leading to new insights or perspectives.

4.   Integration: The memory becomes less distressing and integrates into the client's life story.