Enhancing EMDR with bone-conduction bilateral stimulation: A case study in an NHS talking therapies service

This case study evaluates EMDR augmented with bone‑conduction bilateral stimulation (BLS) with an ambulance paramedic in an NHS talking therapies service.

Article Abstract

“Background: EMDR is recommended by UK and international guidelines as a first‑line treatment for post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This case study evaluates EMDR augmented with bone‑conduction bilateral stimulation (BLS) with an ambulance paramedic in an NHS talking therapies service.

Method: An anonymised paramedic with PTSD and developmental adversity received the standard eight‑phase EMDR protocol using bone‑conduction auditory/tactile BLS. Standardised outcome measures were used to assess PTSD, depression, anxiety and functional impairment.

Results: Over eight sessions, the Impact of Event Scale Revised score reduced from 68 to 24; Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score from 14 to 5; Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment score from 13 to 4 and Work and Social Adjustment Scale score from 28 to 10. Nightmares remitted, flashbacks reduced substantially, sleep improved and the client completed a graded return to operational duties including re‑exposure to the incident location. These outcomes accord with meta‑analyses showing EMDR’s large effects and parity with trauma‑focused CBT.

Conclusions: Bone‑conduction BLS was feasible and acceptable and is theoretically coherent with working‑memory and neurobiological accounts of EMDR action; controlled comparisons with other BLS modalities are warranted.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Paknik-Riley, M. (2026, Summer). Enhancing EMDR with bone-conduction bilateral stimulation: A case study in an NHS talking therapies service. EMDR Therapy Quarterly. https://etq.emdrassociation.org.uk/2026/07/12/enhancing-emdr-with-bone-conduction-bilateral-stimulation-a-case-study-in-an-nhs-talking-therapies-service/