EMDR topic collection
EMDR clinical framework and documentation
A practical map of the eight phases, target planning, ratings, blocked processing, closure, reevaluation and defensible documentation.
63
guides in this collection
How to use this collection
The eight phases provide a framework, not an automatic script. This collection connects history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure and reevaluation with the decisions therapists need to document between and within sessions.
Start with the phase or clinical decision in front of you. Use the worksheets and explanations as professional memory aids, not as substitutes for accredited training, consultation, case formulation or moment-to-moment judgment.
Questions to carry into practice
Link every target and intervention to the working formulation and treatment plan.
Record observable decisions and outcomes without copying unnecessary trauma detail.
Use ratings as clinical signals within a broader assessment, not as stand-alone proof of readiness.
Start with these guides
EMDR session structure
EMDR session structure: eight phases and printable session map
See how the eight-phase treatment course differs from one appointment, reprocessing sets, closure, and reevaluation; use a private printable session map.
Read guideEMDR Phase 3 assessment worksheet
EMDR Phase 3 assessment worksheet
Use a private, printable EMDR Phase 3 assessment worksheet for image, NC, PC, VOC, emotion, SUD, and body sensation, with clear professional limits.
Read guideEMDR negative cognition list
EMDR negative and positive cognition list: printable wording map
Use a printable EMDR negative and positive cognition list, editable wording map, and VOC field while preserving the patient's exact target-specific language.
Read guideAll guides in this topic
- EMDR SUD and VOC scales: printable worksheet and tracker
- EMDR target sequence plan: printable past-present-future worksheet
- EMDR progress notes and session documentation: a practical framework
- EMDR case conceptualization worksheet: treatment planning map
- EMDR Phase 2 preparation and readiness: what the record should show
- EMDR Phase 7 closure for incomplete targets: documentation and continuity
- EMDR Phase 4 desensitization and cognitive interweaves
- EMDR Phase 5 installation and Phase 6 body scan: clinical distinctions
- EMDR Phase 8 reevaluation and outcome monitoring between sessions
- EMDR future template worksheet and three-pronged protocol
- EMDR Phase 1 history taking and treatment planning: pacing, scope, and records
- EMDR Phase 2 resourcing: calm place, container, regulation, and readiness
- EMDR floatback, affect scan, and feeder memories: identifying related targets
- EMDR BLS speed and set length: clinical pacing without a universal dose
- Does EMDR require telling every trauma detail? Disclosure, privacy, and clinical limits
- EMDR contraindications: what requires assessment, adaptation, pause, or other care?
- EMDR for preverbal trauma or no explicit memory: what evidence can and cannot show
- EMDR Flash Technique: evidence, differences, and training boundaries
- EMDR Resource Development and Installation: RDI evidence and clinical boundaries
- EMDR CIPOS for dissociation: evidence, present orientation, and limits
- EMD restricted processing versus standard EMDR: differences and evidence
- First EMDR session: what to expect, ask, and prepare
- After an EMDR session: fatigue, dreams, distress, and when to seek help
- How to know whether EMDR is working: progress measures beyond one session
- Can you do EMDR yourself? Evidence and safety of self-administered EMDR
- EMDR R-TEP: recent traumatic episode protocol evidence and limits
- EMDR flashforward procedure vs Flash Technique and future template
- ASSYST and EMDR: protocol evidence, limitations, and training
- EMDR 2.0 vs standard EMDR: evidence, efficiency, and limits
- EMDR G-TEP: group traumatic episode protocol evidence and limits
- EMDR IGTP and IGTP-OTS: group protocol evidence and limits
- DeTUR vs CravEx: addiction-focused EMDR evidence and limits
- EMDR Reverse Protocol vs future template and flashforward
- Blind to Therapist EMDR: protocol evidence, privacy, and limits
- EMDR Mental Video Check: purpose, evidence, and exposure limits
- EMDR Letter Writing Protocol: evidence, records, and boundaries
- EMDR Butterfly Hug: origin, evidence, safety, and clinical limits
- EMDR Four Elements exercise: origin, evidence, and clinical limits
- EMDR Light Stream Technique: evidence, adaptations, and limits
- EMDR Spiral Technique: purpose, evidence, and clinical limits
- EMDR Loving Eyes: origin, evidence, training, and safety limits
- EMDR Feeling-State Addiction Protocol: evidence and clinical limits
- Attachment-Focused EMDR: model, evidence, and training boundaries
- Abreaction during EMDR: meaning, safety, dissociation, and response
- EMDR Back of the Head Scale: purpose, evidence, and limits
- EMDR blocking beliefs questionnaire: evidence and boundaries
- EMDR touchstone memory: targeting, evidence, and memory limits
- EMDR Two-Hand Interweave: origin, evidence, and training
- EMDR nurturing, protective, and wise figures: evidence and limits
- EMDR Absorption Technique: origin, evidence, and training
- EMDR Distancing Technique for OCD: evidence and boundaries
- EMDR Performance Enhancement Protocol: evidence and limits
- EMDR Safe/Calm Place exercise: purpose, evidence, and limits
- EMDR Container exercise: evidence, safety, and training limits
- EMDR Pain Control Protocol: Mark Grant, evidence, and limits
- EMDR dissociation screening: DES-II, MID, and clinical limits
- EMDR Standard Protocol: eight phases, three prongs, and limits
- EMDR Phobia Protocol: evidence, exposure, and training limits
- EMDR stop signal: pause control, safety, and remote sessions
- EMDR terms glossary for therapists: phases, BLS, SUD, VOC, and targets
Official and technical reference points