Bilateral Energy Release (BER) is a non-clinical, complementary practice developed by Donna L. Werge that supports nervous system regulation and energetic integration through gentle bilateral support and intentional presence.
Bilateral Energy Release
Bilateral Energy Release (BER) developed organically through years of energy healing work, as a response to what the body consistently showed was most effective: gentle bilateral support that helps the nervous system settle, integrate, and release without force. BER is a non-clinical, complementary practice rooted in safety, awareness, and the body’s natural capacity for regulation.
The Origin Story of Bilateral Energy Release (BER)
Bilateral Energy Release didn’t begin as a named technique.
It emerged naturally through years of hands-on energy work, observation, and listening to the body.
Over time, I noticed something consistent:
when gentle support was offered on two points at once—often the forehead and the heart—clients would settle more quickly. Their breath would deepen. Emotional tension softened. The body seemed to recognize safety and respond on its own.
This wasn’t about forcing release or “doing” something to the client.
It was about creating the conditions where the nervous system could regulate and integrate naturally.
As I continued working with clients, I saw that this bilateral support helped bridge thinking and feeling, awareness and emotion, mind and body. People often described feeling calmer, clearer, and more grounded—sometimes without needing to talk or analyze what was happening.
Only later did I recognize parallels with somatic and nervous system–based approaches that also use bilateral input. What I was doing intuitively had a physiological logic behind it. But my work remained non-clinical, energy-based, and client-led.
I named this approach Bilateral Energy Release (BER) to give language to a process that was already happening—one rooted in regulation, safety, and gentle integration rather than intensity or catharsis.
BER is not a therapy or a treatment.
It is a supportive, complementary practice that honors the body’s innate wisdom and its ability to restore balance when given the right environment.
The name simply helps people understand what their body already knows.
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“I’ve never heard of Bilateral Energy Release. Is this a new modality?”
Bilateral Energy Release is a named framework, not a claim of ancient lineage. The principles behind it—bilateral input, co-regulation, and gentle integration—are well established across somatic, nervous system–informed, and energy-based practices.
BER simply offers language and structure to an approach that emerged organically through hands-on energy work and observation.
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“Is BER the same as EMDR?”
No. BER is not EMDR and is not presented as therapy or trauma treatment.
While both involve bilateral input, EMDR is a clinical psychotherapy with a defined protocol used by licensed professionals. BER is a non-clinical, complementary, energy-based practice focused on regulation, grounding, and integration—not trauma processing or memory reprocessing.
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“Is this just another name for Reiki or energy healing?”
BER can be offered alongside Reiki or other energy modalities, but it is not a replacement for them.
The distinguishing feature of BER is the intentional use of bilateral support to encourage nervous system settling and integration. It emphasizes safety, pacing, and co-regulation rather than energetic manipulation or release-driven outcomes.
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“Why name it at all?”
Naming the process provides:
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clarity for clients
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ethical boundaries for practitioners
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shared language for education and consistency
BER wasn’t named to claim ownership over universal principles—it was named to clearly describe what is being offered and what it is not.
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“Does BER involve emotional catharsis or trauma release?”
No. BER does not aim for catharsis.
Any emotional response that arises is approached gently and is never forced. The primary focus is regulation and safety, allowing the body to integrate at its own pace rather than pushing for release or breakthrough experiences.
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“Who is BER appropriate for?”
BER is appropriate for individuals seeking:
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stress reduction
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grounding and nervous system calming
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emotional integration
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gentle support without clinical intervention
Clients with complex trauma, active dissociation, or acute mental health conditions are encouraged to work with licensed professionals, with BER used only as a complementary support when appropriate.
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“Is BER evidence-based?”
BER is informed by:
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nervous system science
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somatic awareness principles
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bilateral integration concepts
It is not positioned as a clinical treatment and does not make medical or psychological claims. Its value is experiential, observational, and rooted in ethical practice rather than outcome guarantees.
“What makes BER different from other practices?”
BER emphasizes:
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regulation before release
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presence over technique
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integration over intensity
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client autonomy at all times
It is intentionally simple, gentle, and non-performative.
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“Is BER meant to be taught or standardized?”
At this time, BER is shared as a framework and approach, not a rigid protocol. Any future teaching or training would prioritize ethics, scope of practice, and nervous system safety over replication of technique.
Final clarifying statement
Bilateral Energy Release is not about inventing something new—it is about listening closely to what consistently supports the body in settling, integrating, and restoring balance, and giving that process a clear and responsible name.
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“Who is BER NOT appropriate for?”
BER may not be appropriate for individuals who are currently experiencing:
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🚫 Acute or unmanaged mental health conditions
Including:
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active psychosis or hallucinations
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manic episodes
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severe dissociation or depersonalization
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suicidal crisis or self-harm risk
These situations require care from licensed mental health professionals.
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🚫 Severe or complex trauma without clinical support
Individuals with:
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untreated or highly destabilizing PTSD
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frequent dissociative episodes
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limited capacity to remain present in the body
may need trauma-informed psychotherapy as a primary support. BER may only be considered as a complementary practice with appropriate professional oversight.
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🚫 Difficulty maintaining present-moment awareness
If a person:
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cannot reliably orient to the present
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becomes easily overwhelmed or “flooded” by internal sensations
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struggles to communicate discomfort or boundaries
BER may not be appropriate until greater stability and self-regulation are established.
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🚫 Expectation of treatment or cure
BER is not appropriate for individuals seeking:
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diagnosis
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treatment of trauma or mental illness
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medical or psychological outcomes
BER does not replace therapy, medical care, or psychiatric treatment.
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🚫 Lack of informed consent
BER should not be used when:
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the individual does not understand the nature of the practice
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consent cannot be clearly given or maintained
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participation is pressured or externally required
Client choice and autonomy are essential.
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Important Clarification
BER is not a crisis intervention, trauma therapy, or substitute for licensed care. It is best suited for individuals who have a basic level of nervous system stability and are seeking gentle, supportive regulation and integration.
FAQ: Bilateral Energy Release (BER)
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**This service is only available at workshops & retreats at this time. It is a hands on experience. But if you'd like information on other energy work that I do, please reach out!
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