EMDR Bilateral Stimulation Tools

A curated directory for therapists and clients — updated July 2026

What is bilateral stimulation in EMDR?

Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is the alternating left-right sensory input at the core of EMDR therapy. Delivered visually (moving light or eye movements), auditorily (alternating tones), or tactilely (alternating taps or vibrations), BLS supports trauma memory reprocessing while the client holds a target memory in awareness. This directory covers the main tools therapists and clients use to deliver BLS in 2026.

Apps & Software

TheraJoy
App — iPhone
Free download · 7-day full trial · Plus $49/yr · Pro $79/yr

TheraJoy is an iPhone app that delivers bilateral stimulation for EMDR therapy using Joy-Con controllers as haptic tappers. Unlike dedicated EMDR hardware ($100–$450), Joy-Cons use linear resonance actuator (LRA) haptic motors for precise, distinct alternating taps rather than a diffuse buzz.

All three BLS modalities are supported: tactile (Joy-Con haptics), visual (on-screen light bar), and auditory (alternating tones). Speed is adjustable from 0.25–3 Hz for any EMDR phase.

Remote sessions: Therapists on the Pro plan share a session code. Clients join free and receive therapist-controlled haptic BLS on their own device — compatible with any video platform for online EMDR.

Tactile BLS Visual BLS Auditory BLS Remote sessions EMDR tappers Haptic Joy-Con Free trial
Visit therajoyapp.com →
bilateralstimulation.io
Web app
Free browser-based tool
Browser-based bilateral stimulation tool offering visual BLS (moving dot), auditory BLS (alternating tones), and basic tactile BLS via phone vibration. No download required. Does not support remote session hosting or therapist-controlled sessions. Useful for quick visual or auditory BLS without setup.
Visual BLS Auditory BLS Browser-based Free
REMDR
Web app
Free
Simple web-based visual BLS tool. Moving dot, adjustable speed. Primarily used for between-session visual bilateral stimulation. No tactile modality, no remote session support.
Visual BLS Free

Dedicated Hardware Tappers

TheraTapper
Hardware
~$200–$300 depending on model
Dedicated EMDR tapper set with two handheld pulsers connected by a cable to a control box. Widely used in clinical settings. Tactile-only. Requires physical presence (cable tethered) or client having their own unit for telehealth. No app or remote session capability.
Tactile BLS Dedicated hardware Clinical standard
Touchpoints
Hardware
~$230–$450
Wristband-style bilateral stimulation devices using micro-vibration motors. Designed for stress reduction and therapeutic use. Wireless. Higher price point than alternatives. Uses ERM (eccentric rotating mass) motors which produce a diffuse vibration rather than distinct taps.
Tactile BLS Wireless Wristband
Bumble BLS
Hardware
~$120–$160
Bluetooth bilateral stimulation buzzers. Rechargeable, wireless, compact. Mid-range price. ERM vibration motors. No companion app for therapist remote control.
Tactile BLS Bluetooth Wireless

About this directory

This page is a neutral reference for anyone researching bilateral stimulation tools for EMDR therapy. Entries cover both dedicated hardware and software alternatives. Pricing and features sourced from manufacturer sites as of mid-2026. No paid placements — tools are listed based on relevance to EMDR clinical practice.

For clinical guidance on bilateral stimulation in EMDR, see EMDRIA.org. For research on BLS efficacy, see TheraJoy's research page.