March 2025 Q&A: How to Use Bilateral Stimulation

Dharma Dr. CEO Brad Mosell and Chief Clinical Advisor Dr. Amy Serin explore how bilateral stimulation supports stress relief, therapy best practices, and nervous system regulation. This March Q&A session covers key insights on using Dharma Dr. Tabs across various therapy modalities—including EMDR, CBT, and exposure therapy—as well as for stress management between sessions and in high-pressure situations.

Whether you missed the live session or want to revisit key moments, watch the full replay or explore the key takeaways below.

Session Summary:

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome & Introductions

  • Brad Mosell welcomes attendees, including new community members joining the discussion. He introduces Dr. Amy Serin, Chief Clinical Advisor, and explains the purpose of the live Q&A.

01:45 - Pairing Tabs with Multiple Devices & Troubleshooting

Can Dharma Dr. Tabs be paired with multiple devices?

  • Yes! A recent firmware update makes switching between devices easier. Head to the App Store to make sure you have the latest version of the Dharma Dr. App downloaded (linked below).
  • To pair with a new device, hold one tab down for three seconds, release, and follow the in-app prompt.
  • If sharing a set, the previous user must forget the device in Bluetooth settings before another user can connect.

03:00 - Using Dharma Dr. BLS (Bilateral Stimulation) Tabs Without the App: Manual Mode & Universal Settings

  • Dr. Serin explains how Tabs can function in manual mode without the app.
  • Three speed and intensity settings are available without app control.
  • Manual mode is great if you're sharing a device and want to avoid multiple device pairing complexities.
  • App-controlled settings are still recommended for the best user experience.

  • 🧠 Check out this video: How to Use Dharma Dr. Tabs

03:38 - How Tabs (Bilateral Stimulation Tappers) Help with Sleep, Stress Relief & Flashbacks

  • Tabs help manage stress in-the-moment and are especially effective before sleep or when dealing with flashbacks.
  • Published research shows 62% reduction in stress in 30 seconds with bilateral stimulation.

05:18 - Dharma Dr. Preorder Shipping Update

  • The latest batch of Dharma Dr. Tabs has left the factory and is currently en route to our warehouse. We expect them to arrive within the next week, with shipments beginning in early April.

06:50 - Best Practices for Using Tabs: Therapy & At-Home Stress Relief

How long should Tabs be used in therapy sessions?

  • Some people benefit from short bursts (30 sec - 1 min), while others find longer continuous use more effective.
  • In therapy, Tabs can be used throughout an entire session, especially during EMDR therapy, to maintain lower stress levels.
  • At home, frequent use at first helps rebaseline the stress response, followed by situational use as needed.

10:48 - Upcoming Features: Desktop App & Custom Presets for Clients

  • Dharma Dr. is developing a desktop app to support virtual therapy sessions.
  • Therapists will soon be able to save custom presets for clients, making it easier to apply individualized settings.

12:00 - Enhancing Remote Therapy with Tabs

  • Therapists report improved outcomes when patients use Tabs during remote therapy.
  • Using Tabs in initial therapy sessions while discussing distressing topics can prevent emotional flooding.

14:37 - Using Tabs to Reduce Stress Before Medical Procedures

  • Tabs have been used by anesthesiologists to lower stress before surgery.
  • They are effective for needle phobia, dental anxiety, and high-stress medical visits.
  • Studies suggest that Tabs can improve circulation, making blood draws easier.

17:09 - How Bilateral Stimulation May Support Chronic Pain & Recovery

  • Bilateral stimulation has been used to help individuals with chronic pain conditions by reducing stress-related pain responses. Research suggests that stress can amplify pain perception, making stress regulation a key factor in pain management.
  • Dr. Serin shares how her sons avoided opioid use after surgery by incorporating bilateral stimulation as part of their recovery process. While not a replacement for medical treatment, BLS may serve as a supportive tool to help regulate the nervous system and promote relief.

  • 🧠 Looking for more ways to use Dharma Dr. Tabs? Explore our Resource Hub for expert insights on stress relief, focus, sleep, and more!

20:46 - How Bilateral Stimulation Improves Memory & Cognitive Function

  • Stress negatively affects memory and cognitive function.
  • Using Tabs during stressful situations (doctor visits, exams, or interviews) can improve recall and focus.

24:39 - Does Bilateral Stimulation Rewire the Brain?

  • Yes. Dr. Serin explains how Tabs create a “pattern interrupt” by immediately lowering stress.
  • This process helps desensitize triggers over time, reducing stress responses to past traumas.

28:26 - How Tabs Enhance Exposure Therapy for Anxiety & OCD

  • Exposure therapy is more effective when paired with bilateral stimulation, helping to regulate the nervous system.
  • Using Tabs during trigger exposure prevents overwhelming emotional responses.
  • Therapists have reported significantly faster progress when integrating Tabs into exposure therapy sessions.

  • 🧠 Check out our December 2024 Q&A Replay for an in-depth discussion on the clinical research behind bilateral stimulation, including its effects on stress, memory, and therapeutic outcomes.

32:09 - Hands-Free Placement Tips for Using Tabs Efficiently

  • Best placement options for hands-free use: Front pockets, socks, bra straps, or holding them like meditation stones.
  • Bluetooth connectivity can be affected if Tabs are fully enclosed in your fists and placed too far apart on opposite sides of the body, or obstructed by your body’s mass.
  • If you're of larger stature or have strong grip strength, avoid squeezing Tabs too tightly, as this can interfere with signal stability.

  • 🧠  Pro Tip: For prolonged sessions (e.g., therapy, public speaking, working), ensure consistent placement to maintain uninterrupted connectivity.

Next Steps: Join the Conversation & Stay Connected

The March Q&A session showcased how Dharma Dr. Tabs are transforming stress management, therapy, and wellness. Whether you're a therapist looking to integrate Tabs into your sessions or someone seeking daily stress relief, these insights can help optimize your experience.

💭 Have questions or feedback? Join the discussion by leaving a comment or email us directly at Support@dharmadr.com.

📲 Stay Connected:
🔹 Follow us on Socials: @mydharmadr
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🔹 Download the Dharma Dr. App:
📱 Get it on the App Store | Get it on Google Play

Stay tuned for our next live session - more to come!

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