Question 1

Do I need an account to use EMDR Tappers?

Accepted Answer

No. You can start a bilateral stimulation session instantly on the web at app.emdrtappers.com, or from the mobile app. No signup required for core BLS features. Creating a free account lets you connect additional devices for tactile stimulation, such as a second iPhone, Android phone, or Apple Watch.

Question 2

Can I use EMDR Tappers without a therapist?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EMDR Tappers has a self-guided mode for calming exercises, grounding, relaxation, and safe-space visualization. For processing traumatic memories, we recommend working with a trained EMDR therapist.

Question 3

Do I need to download an app?

Accepted Answer

No. You can use EMDR Tappers instantly in your web browser at app.emdrtappers.com. It's free and no signup is required. For the best mobile experience, including Apple Watch support and vibration feedback, download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Question 4

What devices can I use with EMDR Tappers?

Accepted Answer

EMDR Tappers works on iPhones, Android phones, any modern web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge), and Apple Watch. Therapists and clients can use different devices in the same session. For example, a therapist on a laptop and a client on their phone.

Question 5

How do I connect my Apple Watch to a session?

Accepted Answer

Make sure the EMDR Tappers app is installed on your Apple Watch through the paired iPhone. During a session, open Tactile settings and find the connection code (next to the QR code). Then open the EMDR Tappers app on your Apple Watch, enter the code, and press Connect. Once connected, select which hand you're wearing the Watch on and start the session. Your Watch will begin vibrating automatically.

Question 6

Do I need to buy any extra hardware?

Accepted Answer

No. EMDR Tappers uses the devices you already own: smartphones, laptops, and Apple Watch. No physical tappers, light bars, or special equipment needed.

Question 7

How do I start a session with my therapist or client?

Accepted Answer

As a therapist: create a session and share the invite link with your client. As a client: open the link your therapist sends you, either in your browser or the EMDR Tappers app. Once connected, the therapist controls the session and the client receives bilateral stimulation in real time.

Question 8

What can I customize in a session?

Accepted Answer

EMDR Tappers gives you full control over each type of bilateral stimulation. For visual: choose the size, color, background, and path of the moving dot. For audio: pick from 13 different tones that play with each movement. In self-guided mode, you can also add affirmations, guided sessions, or background music. For tactile: connect a smartphone or Apple Watch for alternating vibration.

Question 9

What is bilateral stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is a core technique in EMDR therapy. It involves alternating sensory input, like visual movement, sounds in each ear, or gentle tapping, that helps the brain process difficult memories and emotions. The type and speed of stimulation can be adjusted during a session, either by a therapist or by the individual in self-guided mode.

Question 10

What are "Tappers"?

Accepted Answer

Tappers are physical devices traditionally used by EMDR therapists to deliver alternating vibration, one in each hand. EMDR Tappers replaces this dedicated hardware by turning your smartphones and Apple Watch into wireless tactile devices that do the same thing.

Question 11

What types of bilateral stimulation can I use?

Accepted Answer

EMDR Tappers offers three main types of stimulation. Visual: a moving dot that guides eye movement across the screen, similar to a light bar. Audio: alternating tones through headphones, left ear then right. Tactile: gentle vibration patterns on your phone or Apple Watch. You can switch between types during a session, or use all three at the same time.

Question 12

How does visual bilateral stimulation work?

Accepted Answer

EMDR Tappers displays a moving dot that glides smoothly across the screen, guiding your eye movement from side to side, similar to how a therapist would move their finger or use a light bar. The speed, size, and color of the dot can be customized during a session.

Question 13

How does audio bilateral stimulation work?

Accepted Answer

Alternating tones play through your headphones (left ear, then right) in sync with the session. You can choose from 13 different sounds. In self-guided mode, you can also layer in affirmations, guided sessions, or background music.

Question 14

How does tactile bilateral stimulation work?

Accepted Answer

Connect a smartphone or Apple Watch to the session, and it delivers gentle alternating vibrations in sync with the visual and audio stimulation. The therapist controls everything from their device, and the client just holds their phone or wears their Watch. No Bluetooth pairing needed. Devices connect through the internet.

Question 15

Can I combine multiple types of stimulation at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can use visual, audio, and tactile stimulation in any combination during a single session. For example, follow the moving dot on screen while receiving alternating tones through headphones and vibrations on your Apple Watch, all perfectly synchronized.

Question 16

What does my client need to do to join a session?

Accepted Answer

After you create a session and share the invite link, your client can join from their computer or smartphone. On a computer, they open the link in their browser with no download needed. On a phone, the link guides them to the App Store or Google Play to download the free app. Once installed, they can connect to the session right away.

Question 17

Can I use this for telehealth sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that's what it's built for. You control the session from your device, and every adjustment syncs to your client's devices in real time. All you and your client need is an internet connection.

Question 18

What do premium features add for therapists?

Accepted Answer

Premium unlocks advanced BLS customization, client management (save client profiles, link sessions to specific clients), session notes, and session history. This lets you review past settings and repeat what worked. Premium is for therapists who want to better organize their practice and support ongoing development of EMDR Tappers.

Question 19

Can my client use a different device than me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any combination works. You can be on a laptop while your client uses an iPhone or Android phone, or you can start a session from your phone while your client connects from their laptop. Your client can also connect an Apple Watch for tactile stimulation.

Question 20

Can I run sessions with multiple clients at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. EMDR Tappers is currently designed for one-on-one sessions. Each session connects one therapist with one client and their devices. If group session support is something you need, let us know at hello@emdrtappers.com. We'd love to hear how you'd use it.

Question 21

Do I need to install anything on my end?

Accepted Answer

No. You can run sessions from any web browser at app.emdrtappers.com. Nothing to install or configure.

Question 22

Is EMDR Tappers HIPAA-compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EMDR Tappers is HIPAA-compliant. Sessions are encrypted, and no personal health information is required to use the app. We do not monitor or listen to your sessions.

Question 23

Does EMDR Tappers store my health data?

Accepted Answer

No personal health information is required or stored. Session data (like BLS type and speed) is encrypted during transmission and is not linked to medical records. We do not collect diagnoses, treatment notes, or any clinical information.

Question 24

Can anyone else see my session?

Accepted Answer

No. Sessions are private and encrypted. Only devices connected through the shared session link can participate. We do not monitor, record, or have access to your session content. We do not share session data with third parties.

Question 25

Is my data shared with my therapist?

Accepted Answer

Your therapist can only see what happens during the session, like the BLS settings and connected devices. EMDR Tappers does not share account information, session history, or any personal data between users.

Question 26

Do I need to be on the same WiFi as my therapist?

Accepted Answer

No. EMDR Tappers syncs over the internet, not local WiFi. Your therapist can be in their office and you can be at home, or anywhere with an internet connection. This is what makes it work for telehealth.

Question 27

What happens if the connection drops during a session?

Accepted Answer

If a device loses connection, EMDR Tappers will attempt to reconnect automatically. The therapist's session stays active so the client can rejoin by reopening the session link. No data is lost.

Question 28

How fast is the sync between devices?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral stimulation syncs in real time across all connected devices. On occasion, a device may start slightly out of sync. Simply press stop and start again to reset, and everything will be perfectly aligned. The sync is designed to stay tight throughout the session.

Question 29

Does EMDR Tappers use a lot of data or bandwidth?

Accepted Answer

No. EMDR Tappers sends lightweight sync signals, not audio or video streaming. A full session uses less data than loading a single web page. For the smoothest experience, we recommend WiFi or a strong mobile connection (LTE or 5G).

Question 30

Is EMDR Tappers free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the core experience is genuinely free: unlimited bilateral stimulation sessions with visual, audio, and vibration BLS, real-time device sync, and Apple Watch support. No trial period, no ads, no expiration. Premium subscriptions add extra customization, guided audio resources, session history, and client management tools for therapists, but are completely optional.

Question 31

How do I manage or cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

Go to your EMDR Tappers account settings → Billing. From there you can view, change, or cancel your plan. If you subscribed through the App Store or Google Play, you can also manage it directly: on iPhone, go to Settings → your name → Subscriptions; on Android, open Google Play → Menu → Subscriptions. For any billing questions, contact help@emdrtappers.com.

Question 32

Can I switch between monthly and annual plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you subscribed through the web, go to your account settings → Billing to switch plans. If you subscribed through the App Store or Google Play, manage the change through your Apple ID or Google Play account subscription settings.

Question 33

I have an account from the original EMDR Tappers app. Do I need to create a new one?

Accepted Answer

The current EMDR Tappers app is a completely new platform, and accounts from the original app don't carry over. You'll need to create a new account, which is free. If you had an active subscription on the original app, reach out to us at help@emdrtappers.com and we'll work with you on the transition.

Question 34

I purchased premium features but can't access them. How do I fix that?

Accepted Answer

First, check that the payment went through. Look for a charge on your card or in your purchase history. If you subscribed on iPhone, verify your subscription is active under Settings → your name → Subscriptions. On Android, check Google Play → Menu → Subscriptions. If everything looks active but premium features still aren't showing, try signing out and back in. Still having trouble? Contact help@emdrtappers.com and we'll sort it out.

Question 35

The audio is not working. How do I fix that?

Accepted Answer

Make sure your device isn't in silent mode. On iPhone, check the mute switch on the side. Try playing audio in another app to confirm your speakers or headphones are working. In the web app, click anywhere on the page first, because browsers can block audio until you interact with the page. If you see a speaker icon with a line through it in your browser's address bar, click it and select Allow. If the problem continues, contact help@emdrtappers.com.

Question 36

The vibration on my phone isn't working. How do I fix that?

Accepted Answer

Make sure your phone isn't in silent or Do Not Disturb mode. On iPhone, check that the mute switch is off. On Android, go to Settings → Sound & Vibration and make sure vibration is enabled. If the issue persists, try reinstalling the app. Still not working? Contact help@emdrtappers.com.

Question 37

Why won't my Apple Watch download the EMDR Tappers app?

Accepted Answer

Make sure your Apple Watch is running the latest version of watchOS and that your iPhone has the EMDR Tappers app installed, since the Watch app installs through the paired iPhone. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, scroll to Available Apps, and tap Install next to EMDR Tappers. If it doesn't appear, try restarting both devices. Still not working? Contact help@emdrtappers.com.

Question 38

How do I stop my Apple Watch from going to sleep during a session?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to do anything. EMDR Tappers automatically keeps the session running for up to 1 hour, even if the screen turns off. Vibration will continue in the background. You'll feel a notification tap near the 55-minute mark as a heads-up that the session will need to be restarted if you want to continue beyond one hour.

Question 39

Is it safe to use EMDR Tappers on my own, without a therapist?

Accepted Answer

EMDR Tappers can be used for calming exercises and grounding between therapy sessions. However, processing traumatic memories with bilateral stimulation should be done with a trained EMDR therapist. If you feel distressed, please stop and contact your therapist or a crisis helpline.

Question 40

What if I feel worse after using bilateral stimulation?

Accepted Answer

If you feel distressed, stop the session and reach out to your therapist. Bilateral stimulation can bring up strong emotions. This is normal, but working through difficult memories should always happen with professional support. If you're in crisis, contact a mental health helpline.

Question 41

What if I'm experiencing a mental health crisis?

Accepted Answer

EMDR Tappers is not designed for crisis intervention. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact emergency services. In the United States: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for free, confidential support 24/7, or text HELLO to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). Outside the United States: visit findahelpline.com for international crisis resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Bilateral Stimulation

For Therapists

HIPAA & Privacy

Connectivity & Sync

Pricing & Subscription

Troubleshooting

Safety

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