Bilateral Stimulation
The Pendulum Pattern
The pendulum pattern delivers gentle, wave-like bilateral stimulation often used for grounding, resource installation and closure.
BilateralSync · Updated · 4 min read
Overview
The pendulum pattern moves the visual target in a smooth, arc-like swing. Its gentler feel makes it a common choice for grounding exercises, resource installation and the closure phase of EMDR.
What the evidence says
Comparative outcome data between patterns is limited. The pendulum is well-established in clinical practice as a lower-intensity variation.
In practice
Pendulum is a natural default for Phase 2 resourcing and Phase 7 closure — slower speeds, smooth trajectory and a settling feel. In BilateralSync it is one of the built-in pattern options.
Frequently asked questions
- When would I use pendulum instead of horizontal?
- For gentler, lower-intensity work — grounding, resource installation, or closing an intense session.
This article is general professional information for clinicians. It is not clinical advice and does not replace EMDR training, consultation or individual clinical judgment. BilateralSync is a tool for delivering bilateral stimulation; it is not a treatment or a medical device.