The Ideal EMDR Device for the Session
The REMSTIM 4000 exemplifies my many years of practical and technical experience with EMDR. The device was created to meet the needs of my own therapeutic work and was developed specifically for visual stimulation in professional EMDR sessions.
The REMSTIM 4000 is no longer manufactured or sold. This page remains online as a record of its development and how it works, and as a reference to my many years of work with EMDR.
The versatile EMDR device for professional use
Enjoy the freedom to focus on what matters during an EMDR session. Concentrate on your clients and the process. Take notes whenever you want—even while processing.
If needed, feel free to use hand waving or tapping—tactile stimulation—without being interrupted by the EMDR device.
Without having to constantly move your arm and shoulder, you’ll be able to conduct several EMDR sessions in a row in the future—motivated and without physical strain.
SOLD OUT
The REMSTIM 4000 is no longer manufactured or available.
Why use an EMDR device during a session?
That’s a valid question. As an EMDR and trauma therapist and a naturopathic practitioner specializing in psychotherapy, I have been working with EMDR for over ten years.
For a long time, I believed that I would not let an EMDR device dominate my EMDR sessions with my clients.
I get along very well with hand-waving, even though it does get tiring after two sessions, which usually involve a lot of waving. Three to four sessions a day have pushed me to my limits on occasion.
Maybe you’ve experienced this, too.
I’ve also always regretted that I can’t take notes, especially during the process—that is, while I’m waving—even though my clients are giving me a lot of important information at that very moment—whether through facial expressions, gestures, or verbally.
I tried to remember the main points for later notes; but more often than not, I forgot the small, important details.
Of course, things are different when using an EMDR device that provides visual stimulation.
The first prototype of the REMSTIM 4000. A lot has happened since then.
Why a new EMDR device?
However, I had little interest as long as the only devices available on the market were those that took up too much space in the standard EMDR session setup—or even made the setup impossible—cost more than 500 euros, and, in some cases, required a smartphone or tablet (such as an iPad) to install an app for operation.
I kept looking for an EMDR device that would fit the EMDR seating arrangement, be unobtrusive, and not require me, for example, to place a table between myself and my clients.
I also didn’t want a three-legged camera tripod that supports what’s called a light bar.
Being close to my clients is important to me. It has several advantages: If I wish, I can occasionally wave to them; I can use touch—that is, provide tactile stimulation—and I like to conduct a stress test during the session, which involves me regularly touching my clients’ hands.
Since I was able to gain a great deal of experience in developing an EMDR device thanks to my invention of the REMSTIM 3000 EMDR glasses, I occasionally thought about developing my own suitable EMDR device for my EMDR sessions.
It took me a little while to come up with the brilliant idea that would make my EMDR device better than the ones already on the market.
But then the brilliant idea struck.
Why visual stimulation?
I was always certain that my EMDR device would be designed solely for visual stimulation, since I use it 99 percent of the time during sessions.
I only use tapping—that is, tactile stimulation—when my clients are no longer able to follow the visual stimulus. For example, when their eyes are filled with tears.
Since I prefer a gentle release, that happens very rarely. Still, the device I envisioned should allow me to jump in and use tapping at a moment’s notice.
I also do not use auditory stimulation in my sessions. Of course, I recommend EMDR music for relaxation exercises at home. It’s helpful in that context. I’ve even produced some EMDR music myself for that purpose.
However, to enable my clients to process their distressing issues effectively and quickly, I have been using visual stimulation in my EMDR sessions for the past ten years.
The Invention of the REMSTIM 4000
Then the moment finally arrived. There it was, all of a sudden: the brilliant idea for my own new EMDR device.
After numerous lengthy discussions with many colleagues, I set about developing it.
The result has impressed more than just me.
Perhaps I’ve developed something that you, too, won’t want to do without in your future EMDR sessions. But of course, that’s your decision.
Sincerely,
Thomas Buhl
The REMSTIM 4000 integrates flexibly and unobtrusively into the usual setup of an EMDR session
The REMSTIM 4000’s stimulation unit measures just 65 centimeters, is very narrow, and, with its 59 micro-LEDs, produces a subtle and unobtrusive light pulse. The color is green; there is no blue light component.
The side-mounted, height-adjustable holder with a flexible gooseneck allows for precise positioning within each client’s field of vision.
During development, special attention was paid to ensuring that neither visibility nor communication would be impaired.
The REMSTIM 4000’s functions and operation are controlled using the one-handed control.
A unique feature is the stimulation signal, which is duplicated for monitoring purposes, allowing the therapist to check at any time whether the client is able to follow the stimulus.
Spontaneous visual stimulation by waving one’s hand is also possible, if desired. To do this, the REMSTIM 4000 can be moved instantly from the stimulation position to the park position and back without significantly disrupting the EMDR process.
What makes the REMSTIM 4000 EMDR device so popular?
Thanks to the gentle stimulation pulses from the REMSTIM 4000’s 59 micro-LEDs, waving your hand is no longer necessary. The functions can be easily controlled using the one-handed operation. Even if clients are unable to follow the stimulus, refocusing can be initiated immediately using the Focus button.
Once the REMSTIM 4000 takes over the visual stimulation, you can observe your clients and the process more closely without relinquishing control.
You can immediately jot down important details about associations, thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Spontaneous ideas for next steps won’t get lost anymore either.
The client’s stimulation signal is duplicated in reverse. This allows you to check at any time whether the client is able to follow the stimulus.
Thanks to its slim design and side positioning, the REMSTIM 4000 integrates seamlessly into the usual meeting setup. The technology remains unobtrusive.
The stimulation unit can be flexibly positioned within the client’s field of vision without interfering with the therapist’s and client’s view or communication.
The REMSTIM 4000 can be quickly swiveled into the park position and just as quickly returned to the stimulation position.
Tactile stimulation is also possible at any time. The REMSTIM 4000 does not interfere with the usual closeness between therapist and client.
Thanks to its height adjustability, the REMSTIM 4000 can also be used in settings where the therapist and client work while standing.
The REMSTIM 4000’s most important functions can be conveniently controlled with one hand.
Infrared Remote Control
The REMSTIM 4000’s functions are conveniently controlled using an infrared remote control.
The remote control allows you to start and stop a stimulation sequence, adjust the speed and brightness, and activate the focus functions.
User Manual
The complete user manual for the REMSTIM 4000 is still available as a PDF document.
Download the REMSTIM 4000 User Manual
With the remote control, you have all the functions at your fingertips
Pressing the Start button initiates a stimulation sequence. The stimulation ends automatically after 90 seconds, unless it is stopped earlier. The sequence can also be restarted during operation.
The stimulation sequence can be ended at any time using the stop button. Without pressing the button, a stimulation sequence ends after 90 seconds, and a focus function after 30 seconds.
Focus 1 is used to refocus the light stimulus when a client is unable to follow the pulse. Focus 2 assists with horizontal and vertical alignment and helps determine the appropriate distance from the stimulation unit.
: Using the plus and minus buttons, the speed can be adjusted during a stimulation sequence to match the client’s eye movement flexibility and the current phase of the session.
: The brightness of the green light pulse can be adjusted to suit the client’s needs and the environment.
The last selected settings for speed and brightness are automatically saved.
REMSTIM 4000 in Action
Please note that the built-in LEDs are pulsed for this specific application. When filming, this typically causes visual distortions—such as flickering or similar effects—due to visual interference with the frame rate.
“It’s wonderful to be able to focus entirely on my clients and the process during EMDR sessions and to take notes at any time. Since I started using the REMSTIM 4000, I’ve never missed hand-waving.”
Thomas Buhl
The REMSTIM 4000: The EMDR Device for Sessions
