Life is challenging, and there are many moments when we need to access our internal psychological resources to help us combat stress, manage insecurity, or increase our ability to take on challenging experiences. Different situations place different demands on us, and we need ways to effectively connect to our internal resources, such as patience, resilience, courage, and confidence.
Bilateral Stimulation: A Powerful Resourcing Tool
Multiple types of resourcing techniques can help us connect with our inner resources and navigate difficult situations. Some of the simplest and most effective ones involve focusing on a positive image, idea, connection, trait, or memory while simultaneously engaging in some form of bilateral stimulation (BLS) to help deepen positive benefits.
- Tapping back and forth on your knees or shoulders.
- Moving your eyes from side to side.
- Holding buzzers in each hand that alternately vibrate.
- Combining any of these at the same time.
Why is BLS Recommended in Combination with Resourcing?
Many clients wonder why bilateral stimulation (BLS) is recommended to complement resourcing and whether it makes any difference in outcomes. There are various ways BLS can serve as a powerful amplifying technique when looking to deepen resources, and here are some of the specific ways BLS plays a unique role in enhancing resourcing or calming activities:
Improved Neural Processing
BLS engages both brain hemispheres, promoting more integrated and efficient information processing. This neural action is part of why EMDR helps process traumatic memories so effectively. When BLS is instead applied to positive recollections or growing healthier perspectives, the brain’s ability to process and integrate this positive information is similarly enhanced. Combining BLS with resourcing exercises can help reinforce the connection to positive memories and experiences while also cultivating a stronger association with empowering emotional or cognitive states.
Reduction of Distress
BLS has been shown to reduce physiological arousal and emotional distress when clients experience dysregulation. When used during resourcing, BLS can be an effective component for helping the nervous system re-regulate. Any reduction in distress allows clients to more fully immerse themselves in the positive experiences or resources they are focusing on, making the resource more vivid and impactful.
Increased Relaxation
The rhythmic nature of BLS can help induce a state of relaxation, which allows clients to access positive emotional states more easily. This relaxation effect can make it easier for clients to connect with and internalize the positive resources being developed during the exercise.
Strengthen Neural Pathways Around Resources
BLS creates unique cognitive effects that can strengthen neural pathways and associations during resourcing. Clients with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often have difficulty connecting with their positive traits or experiences, which limits how well clients can heal or recover from these mental health challenges. BLS during positive resourcing can help “wake up” dormant neural pathways that facilitate better balance in thinking, improve integration of internal resources/skills, and form a more substantial capacity to challenge imbalanced perspectives successfully.
Increased Focus and Attention
By providing a consistent external stimulus, BLS can help clients stay focused during resourcing exercises. BLS can reduce distractions and help clients focus on the positive resources they are developing. This intervention can also help clients improve their ability to attune to the present moment while bridging toward the positive internal resources they seek to strengthen.
Final Thoughts
Overall, BLS enhances resourcing exercises by facilitating more profound and more integrated processing of positive experiences, reducing distress, and helping clients build stronger, more resilient internal resources. BLS can potentially improve outcomes for clients wanting to maximize the benefits created through resourcing techniques and is a simple way to help integrate the brain and body effectively.
About the Author
Joey Tadie, PhD, LCP
Dr. Joey Tadie is a talented psychologist with a gift for connecting with people. He is trained in EMDR and psychedelic-assisted therapy. He brings his high-energy, encouraging style to his work with clients dealing with depression, relationship problems, and trauma. He has special expertise in exploring spirituality and religion in therapy.
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