Auditory Bilateral Stimulation in EMDR

What is auditory bilateral stimulation?

Auditory bilateral stimulation is a form of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR therapy that delivers alternating sounds to each ear through headphones. The sounds may be simple tones, clicks, nature sounds, or music engineered with panning audio that shifts between left and right channels. It provides the same left-right alternating stimulation as eye movements or tapping but through the auditory modality, engaging different neural pathways while achieving the same dual-attention effect on working memory.

How it works

The client wears headphones while a tone or sound alternates between the left and right ears at regular intervals, typically every 1 to 2 seconds. This auditory alternation stimulates both hemispheres through the contralateral auditory pathways — sound in the left ear is primarily processed in the right auditory cortex, and vice versa. While listening, the client holds a target memory in mind. The dual task of attending to the alternating sounds and the memory taxes working memory, reducing the emotional charge of the memory over successive sets.

When therapists choose this technique

Auditory bilateral stimulation is used when clients prefer to process with their eyes closed, when visual or tactile methods are not feasible, or when the client finds other BLS forms distracting. It is frequently chosen for clients with visual impairments, photosensitivity, or eye movement disorders. Auditory BLS is also well-suited to telehealth EMDR, as the client can use headphones independently. It is often combined with tapping or other BLS forms for multimodal stimulation.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Allows eyes-closed processing for deeper internal focus
• No physical contact required between therapist and client
• Well-suited to telehealth and remote EMDR sessions
• Can be combined with other BLS modalities for multimodal stimulation

Limitations

• Requires headphones or earbuds (equipment dependency)
• Less researched than eye movements as a primary BLS method
• Some clients find alternating tones irritating or anxiety-provoking
• Audio quality and device reliability can affect consistency

Frequently asked questions

What types of sounds are used in auditory bilateral stimulation?

The most common sounds are simple tones or soft clicks that alternate between ears. Some practitioners use specially engineered bilateral music where the audio pans smoothly from left to right. Nature sounds, such as ocean waves or rainfall with embedded bilateral panning, are also available. The key requirement is that the sound alternates clearly between left and right ears at a consistent rhythm.

Can I use bilateral audio tracks at home for EMDR?

Bilateral audio tracks are widely available and can be used at home for relaxation and self-regulation. However, they should not be used to independently process traumatic memories. Trauma processing requires the guidance of a trained EMDR therapist who can monitor your response, adjust the protocol, and ensure safety. Bilateral audio at home is best used as a calming tool between sessions.

Is auditory bilateral stimulation effective for all types of trauma?

Auditory BLS has been used successfully across the same range of conditions treated with other EMDR modalities, including PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and grief. Some clinicians report that auditory BLS is particularly effective for clients who are highly visual and tend to get absorbed in imagery, as the auditory modality provides a different processing channel. Effectiveness depends more on the overall EMDR protocol and therapeutic relationship than on the specific BLS modality.