Summary
EMDR session notes should map onto the eight-phase protocol — history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure, re-evaluation. The discriminating feature versus generic talk-therapy notes is the inclusion of SUDS (Subjective Units of Disturbance) and VOC (Validity of Cognition) ratings before and after reprocessing.
Phase-by-phase documentation
Phase 1 — History-taking and treatment planning
- Trauma history, presenting concerns, dissociation screening (DES-II), readiness for EMDR.
- Targets identified for reprocessing — past, present, future.
- Treatment plan agreed with client.
Phase 2 — Preparation
- Resource installation (e.g. calm place, safe place).
- Stabilisation skills taught.
- Bilateral stimulation type chosen and rationale (eye movements, tactile, auditory).
- Stop signal agreed.
Phase 3 — Assessment
For each target memory, document:
- Image — most disturbing snapshot.
- Negative cognition (NC).
- Positive cognition (PC).
- VOC rating of PC (1–7).
- Emotion(s).
- SUDS rating (0–10).
- Body sensation location.
Phase 4 — Desensitisation
- Sets of bilateral stimulation conducted.
- Channels of association reported by the client.
- SUDS at intervals.
- Any need for cognitive interweaves or stabilisation.
Phase 5 — Installation
- VOC re-rated.
- PC strengthened with further BLS sets.
- Final VOC.
Phase 6 — Body scan
- Body sensation status — clear or remaining.
- Further BLS if remaining.
Phase 7 — Closure
- Stabilisation back to baseline.
- Containment exercise (e.g. container).
- Self-care between sessions.
Phase 8 — Re-evaluation (next session)
- Status of target memory.
- Any in-between-session reactions.
- Next target.
Risk and dissociation watchpoints
Document any signs of dissociation, abreaction, or window-of-tolerance dysregulation, and the steps taken to stabilise. EMDR is contraindicated in active psychosis and in clients without sufficient stabilisation skills — both should be screened for and documented in Phases 1–2.
Related reading
How we review this guide
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- Sources checked
- • Original Australian source authorities and peer-reviewed guidance
- Review cadence
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- Reference content for Australian practitioners and education staff. Not legal, clinical, or billing advice — verify against your governing body and current source documents.
Keywords: emdr session documentation, emdr notes structure, eight phase protocol notes, suds voc emdr documentation, trauma therapy notes
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