Exploring the Bilateral Stimulation Methods We Use in EMDR Therapy at Acadia Psychotherapy

At Acadia Psychotherapy in McKinney, Texas, I often hear people assume that EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy only involves moving your eyes back and forth. In reality, EMDR is a highly flexible, neuroscience-informed approach to processing trauma and distressing memories—and bilateral stimulation (BLS) is at the heart of how it works.

What is Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) in EMDR?

Bilateral stimulation is a core component of EMDR therapy. It activates your brain’s natural information-processing system, helping “stuck” memories shift, link with adaptive information, and gradually lose emotional intensity. While BLS can feel grounding and calming, its primary purpose is to support the brain’s processing—not just to reduce anxiety or stress.

Common BLS Methods Used in EMDR

EMDR therapists have several ways to implement BLS, and each type can influence the intensity, pacing, and overall nervous system response during a session.

In this TikTok video, I demonstrate several of these techniques. Below are some of the most common methods used in EMDR therapy:

✨ Audio bilateral stimulation: Alternating left/right tones through headphones.
✨ Eye movements: The classic EMDR method of following the therapist’s fingers or al ight bar with your eyes.
✨ Butterfly hug: Self-tapping on your shoulders, often used in between sessions or at home.
✨ Alternating hand tapping: Gentle tapping on the hands, used in-session for rhythm and grounding.
✨ Foot tapping or side-to-side stomping: Helps involve the lower body in regulation.
✨ Knee or tops of hands alternating tapping: Usually guided by the therapist, adding another layer of sensory processing.

Sometimes, I use up to three BLS methods at once, depending on a client’s nervous system needs and how they respond in the moment.

Why BLS Works

By providing alternating stimulation to the brain, BLS helps memories that are “stuck” in the nervous system begin to move. Over time, the memories link with adaptive material, emotional intensity decreases, and clients often feel a sense of relief and clarity. The grounding and regulation that accompany BLS are helpful bonuses that support this natural processing.

EMDR Therapy in McKinney, Texas

At Acadia Psychotherapy, I specialize in trauma-informed, individualized EMDR therapy for clients in Texas. If you’re in McKinney or nearby and interested in exploring EMDR therapy for trauma, anxiety, or life transitions, Acadia Psychotherapy & Associates in McKinney, Texas offers a compassionate, research-informed approach to support your healing journey.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized therapy.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized therapy.

@acadiapsychotherapy In EMDR, we don’t just use eye movements. There are multiple ways to activate bilateral stimulation, and different BLS types can change the experience of processing—such as intensity, pacing, groundedness, and how your nervous system responds. Here are the most common BLS methods used by EMDR therapists: ✨ Audio bilateral (alternating tones L/R) ✨ Eye movements (classic EMDR) ✨ Butterfly hug (self-tapping on shoulders) ✨ Alternating hand tapping ✨ Foot tapping or gentle side-to-side stomping ✨ Thigh tapping (often done in session with the therapist) Why we actually use BLS: Bilateral stimulation isn’t just for calming the nervous system. Its primary purpose is to activate the brain’s natural information-processing system so stuck memories can move, link with adaptive material, and lose emotional intensity. The grounding and regulation you feel are helpful secondary effects that support the process but they aren’t the main mechanism behind EMDR. I often use up to three BLS types at once depending on what a client’s system needs. I work with clients in Texas only, and I can’t answer clinical questions or respond to DMs for privacy and ethical reasons. Disclaimer: This video is for education and entertainment only. #emdrtherapy #traumatherapist #emdrtherapist #therapistsontiktok ♬ original sound - acadiapsychotherapy

Follow Acadia Psychotherapy on TikTok for insights on EMDR, nervous system regulation, therapy tips, and practical tools for emotional healing.

Please note: I do not follow, comment or interact with, or provide individualized guidance to clients on social media for privacy and ethical reasons. This content is for educational purposes only.