EMDR on bikes
EMDR on bikes is exactly what it sounds like — EMDR therapy conducted outdoors while riding with your therapist on a trail or path with helmets that have speaker/microphone for communication. It sounds unusual. Once you understand how EMDR works, it makes complete sense.
Why it works
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — alternating activation of the left and right brain hemispheres — to help process stuck traumatic memories. The most common form is side-to-side eye movements. But bilateral movement is bilateral movement. Pedaling a bicycle — left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot — produces the same effect.
Being outside adds something else. Natural environments have a measurable calming effect on the nervous system. Movement gives the body somewhere to put the energy that trauma keeps on standby. And the dual awareness built into cycling — present in your body, moving through a real environment — creates exactly the kind of grounded presence that makes EMDR processing safe and effective.
Who it's for
People who find office settings activating or claustrophobic
Those who do better when their body is moving
Clients who have found standard EMDR hard to tolerate
Anyone who simply prefers being outside and wants to integrate that into healing
Those working on trauma with a strong physical or somatic component
What to expect
Sessions are conducted at a gentle, conversational pace — this is therapy, not exercise. Your therapist rides alongside you and guides you through the EMDR protocol verbally. You hold the target in mind while you pedal. Sessions are the same length as standard EMDR sessions. You don't need to be a serious cyclist — if you can ride comfortably at a relaxed pace, you can do this.
EMDR on bikes is a new service and availability is limited. Mention your interest in your application.