EMDR LIGHT BAR · 23
Virtual EMDR Light Bar Online
What a physical EMDR light bar does, what a browser-rendered visual target does differently, and how to choose between them for in-room and online sessions.
DEFINITION
An EMDR light bar is equipment that moves a point of light horizontally so a client can track it with their eyes during bilateral stimulation. BilateralSync provides a browser-based visual BLS experience that can serve as an alternative to a physical light bar for appropriate therapist-led sessions — it is software, not a hardware device.
Physical light bar vs browser-based visual BLS
A physical light bar is a dedicated device: a fixed bar of LEDs, a hardware speed dial, and a stand. It sits in one room and serves whoever is in that room. A browser-based visual target renders the same kind of moving stimulus on a screen the client already owns, and is controlled from the therapist's device.
The practical differences are location, cost and control. Hardware needs no internet and never depends on a browser. Software travels with the session, costs no capital outlay, and can be adjusted remotely mid-set. Neither has been shown superior for outcomes — see the research library for what the evidence does and does not address.
Online EMDR use
In-room use
For in-person work, open the client view on a monitor, laptop or tablet positioned at a comfortable viewing distance and keep the control view on your own device. This gives an in-room setup without dedicated hardware, and the same workflow transfers directly to remote sessions.
Client-side rendering and real-time synchronization
Therapist control: speed, size, colour, patterns
Fullscreen client view, no installation
Frequently asked questions
What is an EMDR light bar?
An EMDR light bar is a piece of equipment with a row of lights that moves a point of light left and right so the client can track it with their eyes during bilateral stimulation. It is used in-room and traditionally mounted on a stand.
Is BilateralSync a light bar?
No. BilateralSync is software: it renders a moving visual target in the client's browser. It is a browser-based alternative to a physical light bar for therapist-led sessions, not a hardware device.
Can a virtual light bar be used for online EMDR?
Yes. The target renders on the client's own screen and follows the therapist's controls in real time, which is what a physical light bar cannot do across a video call.
Can a virtual light bar be used in the room?
Yes. Cast or display the client view on a monitor or tablet placed at a comfortable viewing distance and operate the controls from your own device.
Does a virtual light bar replace physical equipment clinically?
That depends on clinical judgement and the individual client. Both approaches present a moving visual target for dual attention; we do not claim clinical equivalence to any specific device, because comparative trials of light bars against screen-rendered targets are not established.
What screen size is needed?
Any laptop, desktop, tablet or phone screen works. Larger screens allow a wider sweep; the target size and travel are adjustable so the visual angle can be set comfortably for the client's distance.
Related reading
Bilateral Stimulation
Visual Bilateral Stimulation
Visual bilateral stimulation is the classical BLS modality in EMDR — a moving target the client tracks with their eyes. Learn how it is used and configured.
Bilateral Stimulation
Horizontal Eye Movements
Horizontal eye movements are the classical bilateral stimulation modality in EMDR. Learn why they are the default and how to configure them online.
Bilateral Stimulation
Bilateral Stimulation Patterns
An overview of the seven bilateral stimulation patterns used in EMDR — horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, infinity, pendulum and smooth random — and when clinicians choose each.
Online & Telehealth
Online Bilateral Stimulation
Online bilateral stimulation delivers visual, auditory and combined BLS through a browser so therapists can run remote EMDR alongside any video platform.