How far should the client sit from the LightTube?

Positioning the EMDR Kit Wireless or Classic at the correct distance is essential for achieving effective bilateral stimulation and working memory taxation. While specific measurements can be helpful, the most important guideline is the range and intensity of the client's eye movement.

Guidelines for Eye Movement

The Light Tube should be positioned so that the client moves their eyes all the way from left to right to follow the light. This is generally the same distance used for manual eye movement generation.

• Clinical Standards: Traditional EMDR guidelines often suggest a distance of 30 to 40 centimeters (12 to 16 inches) from the client's face to produce a cognitive load effective for desensitization.
  
  

Working Memory Taxation

The distance and the resulting width of the eye movement directly impact the intensity of the session. The wider the eye movement, the harder the task, which increases the taxation on the client's working memory.

The ideal setup depends on the therapist's approach:

• Light Stimulation: A setup with a narrower ocular range for a gentler bilateral effect.

• High Taxation: A wider "eye sweep" designed to tax the working memory as much as possible to help process and neutralize distressing memories.

Testing and Personalization

Every client is different, and the setup should be adjusted to their specific needs to ensure comfort and safety.

• Self-Test: It is a good practice to test the EMDR Kit yourself before using it during therapy to understand the range of motion and eye tracking required.

• Observation: Ensure the client's eyes move completely from left to right. The movements should be wide enough to challenge the eyes but should not cause physical strain.

• Collaboration: Always discuss the setup with your client. Pay close attention to their eyes and change the distance or the "Width" setting on your device whenever necessary to maintain the desired therapeutic effect.