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Writer's pictureJasmine

How Does EMDR Music Work?

Updated: Oct 26



What Is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing it's a specialized therapy technique used to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. The main technique is to influence certain eye movements such as left to right or up and down. These techniques can alleviate anxiety, stress and worry through the impulses it creates from the eye muscle to the brain.





What Is EMDR Music?

EMDR Music plays a pivotal role in the EMDR therapy process, a treatment aimed at easing the distress from traumatic memories. It's composed with the intent to facilitate relaxation, concentration, and the emotional journey during therapy sessions, often featuring tranquil sounds, rhythmic elements, and gentle melodies to assist in processing trauma.


We at Sound Energy Alchemist use bilateral stimulation techniques to form our EMDR based music works


The main components to EMDR / Bilateral Stimulation music are:


-Slow rhythmic patterns

-Panning left to right, right to left or 360' in one or more layers of the composition

- Sine tones or soft, non harsh instrumentation

-Minimal soft melodies

-Low slow pulsing bass or drone that's consistent

-Binaural beats and/or subliminal

-Use of field recordings such as rain, leaves, wind etc that evoke relaxation to give a sense of a sensory atmosphere

-Harmonies that evoke a certain emotion or to distract away from

-Overall Low volume



What Are The Healing advantages of EMDR Music?

By integrating EMDR therapy techniques with music, it can lead to a positive impact on a users personal growth, healing and transformation.

EMDR Music offers a spectrum of healing benefits that can significantly contribute to the effectiveness of therapy. It sets a serene backdrop, fostering a sense of calm and lowering anxiety during therapy. The gentle and rhythmic nature of EMDR Music aids in sharpening concentration, which enhances engagement with the therapeutic process. It also serves as an emotional guide, helping to manage and work through intense emotions and memories. It supports the reprocessing of traumatic memories by stimulating cognitive pathways associated with memory. EMDR Music can deepen the connection between mental and physical responses, promoting overall mind-body harmony.





How Can Music Help With Trauma Therapy and Recovery?

Music is an essential tool in trauma therapy and recovery, offering several pathways to healing. It can serve as an emotional conduit, allowing for the safe expression and management of feelings related to trauma. Calming melodies can encourage relaxation and decrease stress, creating an atmosphere that's optimal for therapy. Music also has the ability to evoke memories, helping individuals process their traumatic experiences. It can provide a distraction from distressing thoughts, helping to maintain focus and stay grounded in the present. Additionally, engaging with music can give a sense of empowerment and build resilience, vital components in the journey to recovery. By weaving music into trauma therapy, it presents a comprehensive approach to healing that touches on emotional, cognitive, and sensory experiences.


Does EMDR Music Have To Be Visual?

A common misconception is that EMDR has to have a visual 'cue' to structure EMDR, but this is incorrect, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy stimuli doesn't have to be visual. EMDR can come from other methods such as Auditory, Tactile or Light. As long as there is some suggestion that will allow the listener to move their eyes in a structured or unstructured pattern this can be done through many ways.


  • Auditory: Listening to alternating sounds through headphones or speakers 

  • Tactile: Tapping on different sides of the body with your hands or a device 

  • Light: Following a moving light with your eyes




What Is Bilateral Stimulation Music?

Bilateral Stimulation Music employs a sound sequence that ping-pongs between your left and right ear, which is a technique often utilized in EMDR therapy. The purpose of this auditory approach is to stimulate both sides of your brain, helping to synchronize brain activity and facilitate the healing of emotional and traumatic experiences. The alternating sounds in Bilateral Stimulation Music are specifically designed to promote the brain's processing capabilities and assist in emotional regulation during therapeutic sessions.



What Is The Difference Between EMDR Music and Bilateral Stimulation Music?

EMDR Music is designed to complement EMDR therapy by providing a serene soundscape that can help individuals process emotions and traumatic memories during sessions. Conversely, Bilateral Stimulation Music involves auditory elements that alternate between ears to encourage the brain's hemispheres to work together. This method is used in various therapies, including EMDR, to support trauma processing and alleviate emotional distress. While both are used therapeutically, EMDR Music is specific to EMDR visual sessions, and Bilateral Stimulation Music is aimed at brain activation for therapeutic benefits. To produce EMDR music there must be some kind of element that gently suggests visual eye movement either through accompanying video visual or through auditory suggestions such as using bilateral stimulation techniques.




What Special Equipment Do You Need To Listen To EMDR Music?

You can enjoy EMDR Music using standard audio equipment, like a smartphone, tablet, computer, or any music player, along with speakers, earphones or headphones to listen. Using Headphones works the best due to the panning techniques involved in each composition. The important aspect is to have a quiet space where you can comfortably focus on the music.




Do You Have to Be Qualified to Use EMDR Techniques in Music?

Absolutely, in order to apply EMDR techniques, such as within EMDR Music, within a therapeutic context, one must be a trained either as a mental health or music therapist professional with a EMDR therapy certification or through music therapy training. Once qualified, a music therapist or mental health consultant may then use these techniques. The standard training to become a music therapist to gain a Masters level degree in music therapy, or through post graduate, degree and 10 years experience within the industry. EMDR is a distinct therapy method that necessitates comprehensive training and certification for its proper and effective use. Should you be interested in using EMDR techniques, including EMDR Music in your work, obtaining the appropriate training and certification is critical to ensure the welfare and best treatment outcomes for your clients.




Can EMDR Music Cure Physical Illnesses?

EMDR Music is designed for emotional support and to aid in the therapeutic journey of those dealing with trauma. It's known to promote mental well-being and can help reduce stress, but it isn't a substitute for medical treatment of physical conditions. To address any physical health issues, it's important to seek guidance from medical professionals. While EMDR Music can be a valuable part of a holistic approach to health, it should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for physical illnesses.




Why Is EMDR Music Used So Much Within the Spiritual Community?

EMDR Music is embraced by the spiritual community because it facilitates a peaceful, meditative state that's conducive to spiritual activities and reflection. The serene melodies and rhythmic patterns of EMDR Music are instrumental in fostering relaxation and mindfulness, enhancing the depth of spiritual experiences. It supports individuals in connecting with their core being, exploring their emotions, and fostering spiritual evolution. The healing qualities of EMDR Music resonate with the spiritual emphasis on recovery, self-exploration, and tranquility. Its prevalence in spiritual circles is often viewed as a method to intensify the spiritual path, nurture emotional health, and aid in personal transformation.




In What Situation Do We Not Recommend EMDR Music?

It's advisable to refrain from using EMDR Music for individuals who may have negative reactions to certain sounds or who are in a state of acute emotional distress. If someone shows heightened anxiety or has a sensitivity to auditory input, it might be best to avoid EMDR Music until they're feeling more stable. People with conditions like hyperacusis or misophonia, which involve sensitive hearing, should also consult with a healthcare professional to decide if EMDR Music is a good fit for their therapeutic journey. Using EMDR music works best when a user is in a stable and manageable state, but whom are looking to continue their healing journey. Users that have severe mental health problems must always consult their health profession before embarking on any holistic healing journey.


You can find our EMDR/Bilateral Stimulation music playlist here




In Loving Resonance

Jasmine Sound Energy Alchemist



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