What is the purpose of bilateral stimulation in EMDR?
Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) simply means stimulation of both sides, as in both sides of the brain. In EMDR Therapy we use this method to assist the client in processing traumatic memories, and in processing fears or worries of future problems.
What is the purpose of bilateral stimulation?
Bilateral Stimulation is the use of alternating right, left stimulation such as tapping on the knees, legs or shoulders, tapping toes or feet on the floor, or eye movements. Bilateral stimulation is used to activate and integrate information from the brain’s two hemispheres.
What is eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing EMDR and how effective is it?
During EMDR therapy sessions, you relive traumatic or triggering experiences in brief doses while the therapist directs your eye movements. EMDR is thought to be effective because recalling distressing events is often less emotionally upsetting when your attention is diverted.
Is bilateral stimulation the same as EMDR?
EMDR treatment is focused on processing distressing memories, incidents or emotions. That is what your brain does naturally while you sleep. So, an EMDR therapist use bilateral stimulation (in various methods) to activate that natural process in the brain with the goal of activating both sides of the brain.
Which form of bilateral stimulation is used as a mechanism of reprocessing in EMDR?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a controversial form of psychotherapy in which the person being treated is asked to recall distressing images; the therapist then directs the patient in one type of bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye rapid movement or hand tapping.
How does bilateral stimulation heal trauma?
Bilateral stimulation engages both hemispheres of the brain, connecting “thinking” to feeling,” which has an impact on trauma recovery. Bilateral stimulation may help regulate body and mind, allowing trauma survivors’ explicit memory to be reconnected with their implicit memory.
Can you do bilateral stimulation on yourself?
It is possible to self-administer EMDR on yourself; however, it is not often recommended. If you do decide to try a self-administered EMDR program, it is recommended to only do so for smaller-scale traumas, such as something “minor” that has happened in the present.
What is somatic therapy and how does it work?
Somatic therapy combines talk therapy with what are sometimes considered alternative forms of physical therapy. The therapist helps you revive memories of traumatic experiences and pays attention to any physical responses you have once the memory is recovered.
What is BLS therapy?
This technique involves a unique procedure in which a therapist exposes the patient to bilateral stimulation (BLS), which involves alternating bilateral visual (eye movement), auditory, or sensory stimulation (e.g. tactile stimulation).
How do I relax after EMDR?
Tips, tricks, and distractions post EMDR include:
- Drink lots of water.
- Get to bed at a reasonable time.
- Feeling extra emotional?
- Try a 5 senses mindfulness activity.
- Do a grounding exercise.
- Try yoga: I recommend Yoga with Adrienne-try this one that is specific to trauma recovery.