EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, typically used to treat depression, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, addictions, phobias, and other mental health conditions. It is best known for its role in treating PTSD (Shapiro, 1989). Bilateral stimulation is a major aspect of desensitizing the trauma memories and reducing emotional distress.
What is Bilateral Stimulation/Dual Attention Stimulation:
Bilateral Stimulation, and Dual Attention Stimulation, sometimes referred to as BLS or DAS, are the side-to-side patterns used within EMDR therapy, to reduce the vividness of images and feelings (Andrade et al. 1997). This aims to tax working memory, allowing adaptive information to be integrated into the brain – facilitating healing! Many people associate EMDR with the back-and-forth eye patterns, but many variations are possible:
- Tracking the tip of the therapist’s fingers (image watching a tennis game!)
- Alternative auditory tones, wearing headphones
- Alternating tactile stimulation, such as a vibrating buzzer in each hand
- Alternative tactile stimulation, such as self-tapping on the lap
How does EMDR work?
EMDR directly affects the brain’s processing networks, utilizing BLS/DAS, which releases emotional experiences stuck in the nervous system.
A therapist will work with the individual to identify disturbing thoughts, feelings and memories. Then, through the EMDR process, BLS will be used to reprocess the negative emotions and cognitions, and exchange them for positive, resolved feelings and experiences.
What’s Next:
Following sets of BLS/DAS, the therapist and client will continue to process until reductions in the negative and distressing aspects occur.
References:
Andrade, J., Kavanagh, D., and Baddeley, A. (1997). Eye movements reduce image vividness and emotionality. The British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 39, 209-223
Shapiro, F. (1989). Eye movement desensitization: A new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry, 20(3), 211-217.
Additional Resources:
Balkin, R. S., Lenz, A. S., Russo, G. M., Powell, B. W., & Gregory, H. M. (2021). Effectiveness of EMDR for decreasing symptoms of over-arousal: A meta-analysis. Journal of Counseling & Development, 100(2), 115-122
Bogolyubova, O. & Lovakov, A. (2022). What do we know about EMDR therapy research? A bibliometric analysis. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 16(2), 76-91
Carletto, S., Malandrone, F., Berchialla, P., Oliva, F., Colombi, N., Hase, M., Hofmann, A., & Ostacoli, L. (2021). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12, 1894736