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Bilateral Stimulation (EMDR)

The Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) tool is a real-time visual aid designed specifically for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. It enables therapists to provide visual bilateral stimulus to patients, whether they are in the same room or connecting remotely.

What you can do

  • Create synchronized real-time therapy sessions.
  • Control visual stimulus parameters (speed, pattern, color, size) in real-time.
  • Track SUDS and VOC ratings with integrated target memory management directly in-session.
  • Share a secure, distraction-free link with patients.
  • Use temporary sessions for one-off use or permanent sessions for ongoing treatment.
  • Link sessions to specific patients for easier management.

Getting Started

To use the tool, navigate to Features > Tools > Bilateral Stimulation.

Creating a Session

  1. Assign Patients (Optional): Select one or more patients to associate with this session. This helps in tracking which tool was used with which patient.
  2. Permanent Link:
    • Checked: The session link remains valid indefinitely. Ideal for patients you see regularly.
    • Unchecked: The session is temporary and expires after 24 hours of inactivity.
  3. Enable SUDS & VOC Tracker (Optional): Check this option to activate in-session target memory tracking, phase-guided SUDS and VOC rating inputs, and real-time desensitization curves alongside your stimulus controls.
  4. Click Start New Session.

Once the session is created, you will see the Therapist Control Panel.

Therapist Control Panel

The control panel allows you to manage the stimulus and the session status.

Session Controls

  • Start Stimulus: Begins the movement of the visual stimulus.
  • Pause: Temporarily stops the stimulus at its current position.
  • Stop/Terminate: Stops the stimulus and resets its position.
  • Session Timer: Automatically tracks the duration of the active stimulus during the session.

Stimulus Settings

Adjust these settings at any time; changes are synchronized instantly to the patient's view:

  • Speed: Adjust how fast the stimulus moves (from 1 - slow to 10 - fast).
  • Pattern: Choose the movement path:
    • Horizontal: Moves left to right (standard EMDR).
    • Vertical: Moves up and down.
    • Diagonal: Moves from corner to corner.
  • Size: Adjust the diameter of the stimulus dot.
  • Color: Select a color that is most comfortable or effective for the patient.

In-Session SUDS & VOC Tracking

When the SUDS & VOC Tracker is enabled for the session:

  • An interactive tracking panel appears alongside the stimulus controls.
  • You can select or create an EMDR Target Memory for the assigned patient.
  • Between stimulation sets, pause the stimulus and log the patient's SUDS (0–10) and VOC (1–7) ratings for the current protocol phase.
  • Set Numbers increment automatically with each logged pass (Set 1, Set 2, Set 3...).
  • The Desensitization Curve updates live in your panel, providing immediate visual feedback on the patient's reprocessing progress.

For an in-depth guide on target memories, rating scales, and protocol phases, see SUDS & VOC Tracker.

Patient View

The Patient View is a simplified interface designed to minimize distractions, showing only the moving stimulus on a clean background.

  1. In the Therapist Control Panel, locate the Patient Link section.
  2. Click Copy Link to copy the secure URL to your clipboard.
  3. Send this link to your patient via chat, email, or your preferred communication method.

When the patient opens the link, they will see the stimulus reacting to your controls in real-time. No login is required for the patient to access this view.

Privacy Note: Even when SUDS & VOC tracking is enabled in the therapist panel, the patient view remains strictly focused on the visual stimulus. Target titles, cognitions, rating sliders, and clinical notes are never displayed on the patient's screen.

Session Management

The tool maintains a history of your sessions, allowing you to quickly jump back into a previous setup or manage existing permanent links.

  • Load Session: Click on a previous session from the list to resume it.
  • Delete Session: Permanently remove a session and invalidate its link.