By Bridger Falkenstien, LPC and EMDRIA-Approved Trainer and Consultant
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach to helping clients reprocess and heal from traumatic experiences.
While EMDR is deeply rooted in human connection and attuned therapeutic presence, technology plays an important role in enhancing its effectiveness, accessibility, and adaptability. Therapists rely on many electronic tools to help clients on their path to recovery, both in the therapy room and in virtual sessions.
In this article, we’ll explore the technologies commonly used in EMDR therapy and how they support the healing process. Thanks to our partnership with EMDR Kit, Beyond Healing Institute integrates a wide range of advanced tools into our EMDR Basic Training for therapists and graduate students.
WeMind: An All-in-One Platform for EMDR Therapists
Beyond Healing Institute recently initiated an affiliate relationship with WeMind.
This all-in-one system integrates automated bilateral stimulation (BLS), secure AI-assisted note-taking, and easy telehealth functionality, all within a HIPAA- and GDPR-compliant framework. Its AI Notetaker transcribes sessions securely, creating concise summaries that capture key details like SUD and VOC scores. This allows clinicians to remain fully attuned to their clients and avoid distractions.
Trusted by practitioners, clinics, and even approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, WeMind supports both in-person and virtual EMDR sessions with built-in video calling, client history tracking, and session summaries.
For consultants and trainers, WeMind offers virtual EMDR practice environments, complete with client avatars that allow trainees to practice and refine their skills. A 14-day trial makes it easy to explore the WeMind platform before making a full investment.
Bilateral Stimulation Tools
At the heart of EMDR is bilateral stimulation (BLS), which consists of repetitive movements, sounds, or tactile sensations that help the brain reprocess memories. Technology offers many ways for clinicians to deliver BLS in ways that are comfortable, customizable, and effective for each client.
Advantages of BLS technologies for EMDR include:
- Adaptability: Therapists can adjust the speed, intensity, and type of stimulus depending on client needs.
- Portability: Many devices can be used in-office or remotely during virtual sessions.
- Client comfort: The clinician can select the appropriate sensory input for grounding and client safety.
- Efficiency: Many tools can maintain stimulation without manual intervention, enabling the therapist to focus on the client’s needs.
Tactile Stimulation
Therapists utilize a variety of handheld devices that deliver tactile sensations in the form of gentle vibrations or pulses in alternating patterns. These tools can be adjusted to provide the stimulation clients need as they reprocess traumatic experiences.
- Tappers create a gentle vibration. Features include adjustable intensity, a variety of stimulus patterns, ease of use, and durable design for minimal distraction during sessions.
- Buzzers create a distinctive sensation that helps clients focus on distressing memories while receiving bilateral stimulation. The clinician has the freedom to adjust intensity and pattern, and buzzers may be designed for remote and in-office usage.
- Pulsers can deliver tactile sensations to different areas of the body. Steady, rhythmic pulses encourage bilateral stimulation during reprocessing. A consistent beat synchronizes reprocessing and promotes desensitization of traumatic memories. Therapists can modify intensity and pulse frequency as needed.
Audio and Visual Devices
EMDR light bars and audio tools broaden the scope of bilateral stimulation options. Advanced features include adjustable settings, wireless operation, and synchronization with wireless apps. Some models integrate visual, audio, and tactile stimuli into a single unit for greater flexibility.
- Headphones with a large selection of audio cues let clinicians deliver alternating tones to stimulate the client’s left or right brain hemispheres.
- Light bars provide visual stimulation by guiding the client’s eye movements with a light that travels in a horizontal pattern.
Digital Solutions and Emerging EMDR Tools
The rise of telehealth has expanded the ways therapists can deliver EMDR. Online BLS tools now allow therapists to integrate bilateral stimulation into virtual sessions. For example:
- Bluetooth pulsers and remote tappers offer tactile stimulation.
- Web-based audio and light systems mimic similar equipment used for in-person therapy.
Emerging EMDR technologies bring virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other advanced capabilities to the clinician’s toolbox.
Virtual Reality
Clinicians can offer immersive spaces for clients to engage in exposure therapy during reprocessing work. Virtual reality systems designed for EMDR allow clinicians to create customized exposure scenarios that combine visual, auditory, and tactile options for bilateral stimulation.
Artificial Intelligence
AI-enabled bilateral stimulation tools offer real-time client assessment, protocol adjustments, and predictive insights for improved outcomes. The result is greater session efficiency and more effective treatment options.
Client Considerations
Clinicians must keep client wellbeing front and center when selecting and utilizing EMDR technologies. Important factors include:
- Client comfort
- Ease of client-therapist interaction
- Limited memory taxation
- Multi-sensory options for different client needs
At the end of the day, even the most advanced technologies are only as effective as the therapist who uses them. In-depth training with EMDRIA Approved Trainers and Consultants is essential for learning to use devices correctly and maintain the focus on client healing.
EMDR Basic Training at Beyond Healing Institute
At Beyond Healing Institute, we prepare therapists to fully understand the eight-phase EMDR protocol and Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, as well as the tools that support it.
If you’re a licensed therapist, pre-licensed therapist, or graduate student looking to expand your ability to help clients heal from trauma, our EMDR Basic Training and other continuing education programs will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a difference.
Join us online or in our hybrid format and learn from our EMDRIA Approved Trainers and Consultants who integrate technology with compassionate, attuned care.
Register now to begin your journey with us.