How to Use EMDR Tappers? Bilateral Stimulation at Home
The core of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is alternatively stimulating each side of the brain. Most of the research around this technique is concentrated on achieving stimulation of either side of the brain by eye movement from left to right. This technique is also called bilateral-alternating stimulation (BLS), and it has been demonstrated through international research to have a powerful impact on desensitizing and reprocessing distresses and traumas in our lives, as well as integrating new healthy behaviors.
Previously, bilateral stimulation was done mainly in an environment with a therapist present. All the tools required were housed in the therapist’s office. With the changing norms around counseling over a video call, more people have access to bilateral stimulation tools in their own homes. I have even helped develop an app, EMDR Tappers, that provides all the benefits of bilateral stimulation tools for free. However, before using the EMDR Tappers app, please note the following cautions in regards to the use of this tool or any other bilateral stimulation tools at home.
1) BLS is most effective when used in conjunction with specific setups for healing developed by the originator of this method, Dr. Francine Shapiro. Based on the research by many scientists and practitioners, there are specific steps to follow when using BLS to facilitate the healing of a distressing memory, image, or event. Please consult with an EMDR trained therapist before using the EMDR Tappers app to help you work with this research-driven protocol.
2) When someone experiences a deeply traumatizing event, the body protects their core soul from harm by storing the memory in a way that will not overwhelm the body systems. Trauma resolution and reprocessing principles respect the pacing needed by the individual to work through the memory in a way that will not overwhelm the body and cause further trauma. Before working with the EMDR Tappers app, please work with an EMDR trained therapist to help you learn how to utilize these methods to work through your trauma or distress in a way that best respects the pacing you need to safely heal the distressing memory.
3) BLS can be utilized to uncouple harmful beliefs or behaviors, overwhelming emotions, or painful body sensations associated with a painful, distressing, or overwhelming experience that is causing dysfunctional behaviors or stuck places in our everyday experience. In addition, BLS can be utilized to facilitate the integration of new healthier beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with our sense of self, who we are. There is an exciting adventure of discovery associated with this process. Part of the effectiveness of this modality is not only the use of BLS, but also (a) the nurturing attunement from a therapist who can help individuals build knowledge of and experience the formation of secure attachment as part of a healthy well-integrated self, (b) the sacred process of deepening our healing through careful listening from another human soul that allows an individual to explore and express his or her experience and understanding of self with greater and greater depth, and (c) attention and attunement from another to guide us in titrating the work, i.e., knowing when we have done enough work for one day. Please work with a trained EMDR therapist to experience the most effective and safe use of BLS.
