Making Healing Feel Safe, Gentle, and Understandable

Bilateral stimulation (often called BLS) is a core part of EMDR therapy, a research-supported approach that helps your brain process overwhelming memories, thoughts, and emotions so they feel less intense over time.

“Bilateral” simply means two sides.
In EMDR, we gently activate both sides of the brain in a steady, rhythmic pattern—using things like:

Eye movements (following a moving target back and forth)

Taps (on your hands or shoulders)

Sounds alternating between left and right

This back-and-forth movement helps the brain do what it naturally wants to do: sort, file, and heal memories in a healthier, less distressing way.

When something stressful or traumatic happens, the brain can store the memory in a “stuck” way—almost like it never fully processed the experience.

This can lead to triggers, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or emotional intensity long after the event has passed.

Bilateral stimulation helps you:
✔ Feel grounded and centered
✔ Stay present while reflecting on a difficult memory
✔ Process the memory in a calmer, more organized way
✔ Reduce emotional intensity
✔ Access both logic + emotions in a balanced way

Think of it like giving your brain a gentle nudge so it can finish a job it didn’t get to complete at the time.

In my EMDR sessions, bilateral stimulation is always:
- Gentle
- Controlled
- Done with your consent
- Adjusted to ensure you feel safe and grounded

You might follow my hand with your eyes, hold small tappers, or listen to soft alternating tones. We go at your pace and check in often. You never have to dive into anything alone or faster than you feel ready.

Imagine your brain is a traffic jam.
A big, overwhelming memory created a pile-up, and now cars (your thoughts and feelings) can’t move forward.

Bilateral stimulation is like having two crossing guards—one on the left and one on the right—who start waving their hands back and forth:

👋 Left side
👋 Right side
👋 Left side
👋 Right side

Suddenly, the cars begin to move again. The traffic starts flowing smoothly. Things get organized. Nobody’s stuck anymore.

Your brain says,
“Oh! I know where this memory goes now.”

The memory doesn’t disappear—
but it no longer blocks the road.

Bilateral stimulation can feel surprisingly simple—because it is.
But the healing behind it is powerful.
It allows your brain to process what’s been overwhelming so you can feel more connected, calm, and in control.

If you’re curious about EMDR or wonder whether it might help you, I’d love to talk with you about it. You deserve support that feels safe, compassionate, and tailored to your story.

Sometimes life builds up like a long line of cars with no green light in sight.

Together, we’ll help your brain process what’s been holding you in place.

You don’t have to untangle the traffic alone.