Re: use of light bar

Having been trained in 1991, I had a strong alligience to the finger method and shunned the light bar as "too techno" and getting in the way of the therapist/patient direct connection.

I resisted the temptation until last year when I personally experienced the light bar in Atlanta at a training and found the processing to be more intense and powerful.

I returned and ordered the light bar, transitioning a number of clients. I presented it as an exploration into a new and possibly more efficient method and all were willing to try with the option of returning to the standard finger method. Of about 40 clients in progress, only one somewhat dependent client requested to return to the finger movement. Others reports ranged from "just as effective" to "ten times" better. I believe the opportunity for both auditory and visual stimulation is what enhances the process.

Scott

Using the analogy of a multitasking computer, the brain is less able to defend the surfacing negative emotion when multiply stimulated resulting in the surfacing and processing/resolution of the issue.

A little suggestion which I have found useful and has also been acknowledged and requested by some patients, it to gradually slow the tempo at the end of the process when planting the positive cognition. Most clients find this very relaxing in transitioning "back into the room" and I have incorporated it into my protocol.

It will feel awkward for a few days, and it was a while before I realized that giving up the finger movements was more my issue than the clients. I felt so useless just sitting along side, until I realized it gave me so much of an opportunity to focus, witness and write down what is going on. I now tend to write almost verbatim what is said and find it very helpful and much more efficient.

I have had some clients complain about the stop position which looks like two green eyes looking at them. I suggested either one or three dots in the the stop position to the manufacturer because the human perceives two as a threat, however they indicated they had recieved no other complaints. So.... call 'em if you feel the same way.

Of course the light bar is also a great techie toy for my ADHD patients and it puts us in the category of surgeons, having toys over $500.

Give yourself and your clients permission to play with it and learn. In about a week or so, you will wonder how you did without it.

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