Biolateral and Bilateral Music Used for EMDR and Brainspotting Therapy!
Both EMDR and Brainspotting Therapy use special music. EMDR suggests bilateral stimulation music which shifts the sound in a rhythmic fashion between your left and right ears. To get the effect, you must use headphones or earbuds.
The founder of Brainspotting, Dr. David Grand suggests using biolateral music for Brainspotting which also shifts from right to left ears, but is less predictable and so keeps parts of the brain better engaged.
The thoughts with both bilateral and biolateral music are that they support the processing experience, by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system (the calming part) and enhancing right-left brain communication.
Bilateral or biolateral music are not required for EMDR or Brainspotting sessions. Some clients prefer to not use music, others find it supportive.
There are many different albums out there with bilateral music and fewer with biolateral music. There are variations that are instrumental, ambient, nature-based so it can help to take a listen and find what resonates for you!
Here are some music resources to checkout:
Dr. David Grand: Brainspotting: BioLateral Sound Healing
If you subscribe to a music platform, you should be able to find Dr. Grand’s album and other bilateral music albums. The options linked above are on YouTube and may or may not have commercials which can be disruptive.
These types of music can be used outside of sessions to encourage relaxation, focus, and sleepiness. Questions about bilateral or bilateral music? Reach out! We’d be happy to chat or offer some guidance!
