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Bilateral Processing Bootcamp: How to Process Trauma with PTSD-Safe Bilateral Stimulation

Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching

In this episode, Brad and Kayleen walk you through Step 2 of the Bilateral Processing Bootcamp: the actual processing of traumatic memories. After identifying the root memory and core negative belief in Step 1, this session shows you how to safely bring them up and guide your brain to do the heavy lifting with bilateral stimulation.

You’ll learn how to use short “sprint and rest” rounds of processing so your brain stays focused on what actually needs to heal, instead of drifting into random distractions. Brad breaks down what’s happening in your brain during this process, how it mirrors REM sleep, and why bilateral stimulation helps your nervous system reorganize and properly store traumatic experiences.

Most importantly, you’ll hear how to stay in control the entire time. You’ll learn how to be the observer, keep one foot firmly in the present, and use distress as a compass instead of something to run from. Pain becomes information, not a threat — and a doorway into real, lasting freedom from PTSD and trauma.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, simple mental map of the four-step bilateral process, what Step 2 actually looks like in real life, and how to prepare yourself emotionally and practically for when you start doing the full processing sequence in future sessions.

💡 What You’ll Learn

How bilateral stimulation helps your brain process trauma similarly to REM sleep

The four steps of bilateral processing and why Step 2 is where the “heavy lifting” happens

How to combine a distressing memory and negative belief to target the right root issue

Why processing is done in 45-second “sprints” with 30-second rest periods

How to be the observer of your memories instead of being sucked back into them

What to do when your mind starts jumping to other memories, emotions, or sensations

Why rising distress can actually be a sign you’ve “struck gold” and found what needs to heal

How to track your distress levels (SUDs) across sets so you know when to move forward

The mindset shift that turns pain into the price of freedom instead of something to avoid

🧠 Key Takeaway

Pain in this process isn’t proof you’re broken — it’s a signal that you’ve found what needs to be released so your brain can finally finish processing the trauma.

🔗 Next Steps

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To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit: https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

CHAPTERS:

Topics Covered:

PTSD recovery • trauma processing • bilateral stimulation • trauma healing tools • PTSD coaching • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • REM sleep and trauma processing • trauma coping tools • belief and memory work • how to process traumatic memories • PTSD flashback relief • recovery bootcamp for trauma survivors • self-guided trauma processing techniques