Bilateral stimulation is a technique used in EMDR therapy to treat anxiety, addiction, and other conditions. These specialized techniques to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. Some mental health practitioners believe this can calm the amygdala (the area of the brain involved in emotions).
This article will explore what bilateral stimulation is. It will also detail how BLS may benefit those with addiction and substance use disorder (SUD). You will learn:
- How bilateral stimulation works
- The potential benefits of bilateral stimulation
- How to incorporate bilateral stimulation into mental health and addiction treatment
- The benefits of holistic approaches to mental health and addiction recovery
- Where to find mental health and addiction treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with a mental health condition or substance abuse, you are not alone. Find compassionate, holistic treatment and support at Agape Behavioral Center. Contact our intake team today to learn about our treatment programs or schedule an appointment.
What is Bilateral Stimulation?
Bilateral stimulation (BLS) therapy involves using techniques to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. It is common during eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy sessions. Some mental health practitioners believe BLS can calm the nervous system. This may help to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
There are several bilateral stimulation techniques, including:
- Visual eye movements
- Tapping or “butterfly hug” technique
- Auditory tones
- Walking/running
- Drumming
Therapists may guide clients in different types of bilateral stimulation while the client recalls traumatic memories. This is especially common during EMDR sessions.
Some mental health professionals believe using forms of bilateral stimulation may help clients to improve emotional regulation. They also think eye movements, auditory input, and other stimulation on alternating sides may help people process trauma differently. This can help to reduce its emotional impact.
Agape Behavioral Center accepts many private insurance plans
What are the Benefits of Bilateral Stimulation?
Mental health practitioners may use BLS therapy for clients with a range of mental health symptoms or teach techniques as a coping skill. Here are some of the most significant potential benefits of bilateral stimulation therapy.
Reduce stress
Bilateral stimulation activates both sides of the brain. This can have a calming effect on the central nervous system (CNS). People may experience an immediate reduction in stress and anxiety while using these techniques. They may also use BLS exercises outside of therapy sessions to manage stress.
Relaxation
Using bilateral stimulation for anxiety relief can produce feelings of calm and well-being. People can use BLS techniques to provide short-term relaxation and manage long-term stress and anxiety.
Mood regulation
BLS therapy can help to balance the brain’s activity. This may improve a person’s ability to manage emotions and responses more effectively.
Process trauma
Mental health practitioners may use BLS to help people with PTSD process their trauma differently. These techniques may help to reduce the emotional symptoms associated with traumatic memories and decrease their significance.
Improve concentration
Some research suggests that using bilateral stimulation techniques may improve cognitive functioning, including memory and concentration.
Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is a simple, noninvasive, and side-effect-free treatment that may help improve mood, regulate emotions, and process trauma. Contact the Agape Behavioral Center specialists today to learn more about BLS therapy.
Using Bilateral Stimulation in Addiction Treatment
BLS therapy can help to reduce anxiety and trauma. This safe, effective therapy may be effective for those in treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and other conditions.
Comprehensive addiction treatment programs may offer EMDR, BLS therapy, and other holistic therapies as part of a person’s treatment plan. Comprehensive treatment programs may include:
- Assessments and screenings
- Medical detox programs (medications, emotional support, mental health treatment, education, etc)
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, family, and group counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- EMDR, nutrition support, creative therapies, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning and support
People may engage in holistic therapies like EMDR or BLS therapy during rehab. They may also continue these therapies in their aftercare program.
The Benefits of Holistic Therapies in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
Addiction and mental health disorders are complex conditions. They are not only physical conditions. Instead, they affect every aspect of a person’s well-being.
Holistic, person-centered mental health and addiction treatment is essential for the best outcomes. Some of the most significant benefits of holistic treatment programs include:
- A focus on physical and emotional wellness during recovery
- Education about conditions
- Coping skills to help people manage challenges in healthy ways
- Treating the emotional, physical, environmental, and behavioral aspects of mental health and addiction
Holistic treatment programs don’t just address the physical aspects of addiction or mental health. They also help people to explore, identify, and heal the roots of these conditions.
Using holistic practices like bilateral stimulation can help people reprocess trauma, reduce stress, and soothe anxiety. BLS therapy can be a powerful tool in managing PTSD, substance use disorder, and other mental health conditions.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a loved one requires mental health or addiction treatment, you are not alone. Find the support you need and deserve at Agape Behavioral Center. Reach out to our intake team with your questions, or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): The Role of Alternating Bilateral Stimulation in Establishing Positive Cognition in EMDR Therapy: A Multi-Channel Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
- Science Direct: Good vibrations: Bilateral tactile stim1ulation decreases startle magnitude during negative imagination and increases skin conductance response for positive imagination in an affective startle reflex paradigm
- Research Gate: The Role of Alternating Bilateral Stimulation in Establishing Positive Cognition in EMDR Therapy: A Multi-Channel Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
