Once you've started your EmEase session, you might wonder what exactly you should be doing while watching the bilateral stimulation. This guide explains what to expect during your session and how to engage effectively with the processing experience.
Basic Instructions for Processing
Follow the Movement
Track the stimulus with your eyes as it moves from side to side
If using audio, simply listen to the alternating tones
If using both, follow the visual movement while listening to the tones
Notice Without Forcing
Allow your mind to wander wherever it needs to go
Don't try to control your thoughts or emotions
Simply notice what arises without judgment
There's no "right way" to experience the session
What You Might Experience
During processing, you may notice:
Thoughts
Memories related to your target
Seemingly unrelated thoughts
Insights or new perspectives
Internal dialogue or self-talk
Emotions
Feelings related to your target
Shifts in emotional intensity
Unexpected emotions
Emotional release
Physical Sensations
Changes in body tension
Movement of sensations through your body
Relaxation responses
Energy shifts or tingling
Images
Visual memories
Symbolic images
Changes in how memories appear
New or forgotten details
The Processing Flow
A typical processing experience often follows this pattern:
Initial focus on the target or current concern
Associations as your mind connects to related material
Processing as your brain works through the material
Integration as new insights or perspectives emerge
Resolution as distress decreases and clarity increases
This flow isn't linear and may cycle through several times during a session.
Using the Session Controls
During your session, you have several controls available:
Pause Button
Use when you need a moment to process intense emotions
Tap again to resume when ready
End Session Button
Use if you need to stop the session completely
You'll still be prompted to record post-session information
Full Screen Button
Expands the bilateral stimulation to fill your screen
Provides a more immersive experience
Back to Setup Button
Returns to the setup screen if you need to adjust settings
Your session progress will be lost if you return to setup
Common Questions During Sessions
"Am I doing this right?"
There is no single "right way" to process. Your brain naturally knows how to heal when given the opportunity. Trust the process.
"My mind keeps wandering. Is that okay?"
Yes! Mind wandering is actually part of the process. Your brain is making connections and processing information.
"I'm not feeling anything significant. Is it working?"
Processing can be subtle. Some sessions feel profound while others seem uneventful. Both types can be beneficial.
"I'm feeling overwhelmed. What should I do?"
Pause the session, take a few deep breaths, and ground yourself. Resume when ready or end the session if needed.
Enhancing Your Processing Experience
Maintain Dual Awareness
Stay aware of both the memory/emotion AND the present moment
Notice that you are safe now, even while processing difficult material
Use Internal Language
Notice if you can put words to your experience
Simple phrases like "I notice..." or "I'm aware of..." can be helpful
Body Awareness
Periodically scan your body for sensations
Notice if physical sensations change during processing
Stay Within Your Window of Tolerance
Processing should feel manageable, not overwhelming
If distress becomes too intense, use the pause button or grounding techniques
After the Bilateral Stimulation Ends
When your session time completes:
The bilateral stimulation will stop
Take a moment to notice your current state
You'll be prompted to rate your post-session distress
You can record any insights or observations
Consider doing a brief grounding exercise if needed
Special Considerations
If Nothing Seems to Happen
This is normal, especially in early sessions. Continue following the stimulus and maintain an attitude of curious observation.
If Strong Emotions Arise
Remember you can pause at any time
Focus on your breath briefly if needed
Remind yourself you are safe in the present moment
If You Dissociate
Use the pause button
Focus on physical sensations (feet on floor, body in chair)
Consider ending the session and using grounding techniques
Remember that each session is unique, and there is no perfect way to experience processing. Trust your brain's natural healing capacity and approach each session with curiosity rather than expectation.
The bilateral stimulation in EmEase creates conditions that support your brain's natural healing processes. Your job is simply to notice what happens, without trying to force or control the experience.