Bilateral Stimulation for Emotional First Aid
Teaching clients how to use BLS for emotional first aid
Many EMDR therapists are familiar with bilateral stimulation (BLS) as a key component of trauma reprocessing. But BLS can also play an important role in Phase 2 preparation, especially when it’s introduced as a practical self-regulation tool.
Used thoughtfully, self-administered BLS can help clients manage emotional distress between sessions, strengthen internal resources, and build a sense of confidence in the EMDR process. It’s a small thing that can make a big difference, especially for clients who feel overwhelmed or unsure about engaging in trauma work.
The “car pedal” analogy
One of my favourite ways to introduce BLS is with this simple analogy:
“Think of BLS like the pedals in a car.
Slow, short sets are like applying the brakes, they help you pause, ground, and take in calm.
Faster, longer sets are like pressing the accelerator, they stimulate the memory network, support emotional release, and reduce distress.”
In EMDR therapy, we use both. And helping clients understand that early on, before trauma reprocessing begins, can demystify the process and make the whole experience feel more collaborative.
A tool for the here-and-now
When introduced in Phase 2, BLS becomes more than a clinical technique. It turns into something clients can take with them, using it as emotional first aid during difficult moments.
For instance, a client might use:
Fast BLS (e.g. tapping on their knees or using a BLS app) when they feel anxious, agitated, or overwhelmed
Slow BLS to help them connect with a nurturing figure, a calm place, or simply to settle their nervous system at the end of a tough day
These strategies are especially helpful for clients navigating complex life stressors, or those who are just beginning to feel safe enough to tune into their internal experience.
Important boundaries
It’s essential to be clear that self-administered BLS is for emotional regulation only, not for processing trauma.
Clients should not be encouraged to activate and try to “work through” distressing memories on their own outside of sessions. Doing so can lead to overwhelm or re-traumatisation.
Instead, BLS should be framed as a present-moment support tool, something they can reach for when life feels shaky, or when they want to connect with a sense of calm, safety, or inner strength.
Why this matters
Empowering clients with a tangible skill like BLS helps foster a sense of agency, especially for those who’ve felt disempowered by trauma or overwhelmed by therapy in the past.
It also helps bridge the gap between early preparation and later reprocessing, making the transition into deeper EMDR work smoother and more accessible. Clients become familiar with the rhythm of BLS, learn to trust it, and start to associate it with feelings of safety and stability.
That foundation makes all the difference when it’s time to step into the heavier work of Phases 3–6.
Looking for more resources?
The Healing Trauma app series by Mark Grant are ones I often recommend, they offers bilateral audio stimulation for managing anxiety, pain, and sleep issues.
I'm Caroline Burrows, an Accredited EMDR Trainer and Consultant. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between EMDR training and clinical practice. If you're looking to learn EMDR therapy for the first time, enhance your EMDR skills, or navigate challenges in your EMDR clinical work, I offer training workshops, on-demand webinars, and consultation. I would love to support your EMDR learning journey.
