EMDR Bilateral Stimulation Methods 3

Question 1

What is the purpose of varying the speed of bilateral stimulation during an EMDR session?

Accepted Answer

To match the pace to the client's processing needs and window of tolerance

Answer

Speed of BLS can be adjusted to facilitate processing—faster may increase arousal for stuck processing, while slower may help a dysregulated client settle.

Question 2

A client with a history of complex trauma becomes highly dissociated during standard eye movement BLS. Which adjustment is MOST indicated?

Accepted Answer

Use shorter BLS sets and ground between sets

Answer

Shorter BLS sets with grounding between them help manage dissociation by keeping the client within their window of tolerance.

Question 3

In the EMDR protocol, bilateral stimulation is applied during which phase(s)?

Accepted Answer

Phase 4 (Desensitization), Phase 5 (Installation), and Phase 6 (Body Scan)

Answer

BLS is actively applied during Phases 4, 5, and 6 to facilitate memory processing, positive cognition installation, and body scan resolution.

Question 4

What term describes the number of back-and-forth movements completed in one BLS sequence?

Accepted Answer

BLS set

Answer

A 'set' in EMDR refers to one sequence of bilateral stimulation, typically consisting of 24–36 back-and-forth movements before the therapist checks in.

Question 5

Which of the following client presentations would MOST likely indicate a need to SLOW DOWN the speed of BLS?

Accepted Answer

Client is abreacting intensely and feeling overwhelmed

Answer

When a client is abreacting or overwhelmed, slowing BLS speed can help regulate their nervous system and keep them within their window of tolerance.

(EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Practice Test

(EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Practice Test

EMDR Bilateral Stimulation Methods 3