This cheat-sheet provides a guide for implementing the standard EMDR protocol, focusing on assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, and closure phases.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
A copy of the worksheet in PDF format.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
The EMDR Standard Protocol worksheet is designed to facilitate information gathering for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This therapy model is based on an eight-phase model and treatment is three-pronged—addressing past, present, and future. This resource offers structured prompts and guidance to assist therapists during phases three to seven of the protocol—assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, and closure.
The structured framework provided by this resource is designed to support therapists in adhering to the standard EMDR protocol.
To help process trauma-related memories and reduce associated distress.
Begin by selecting a specific target memory to address with EMDR.
Use the provided prompts to elicit emotional, cognitive, and physical responses.
Utilise bilateral stimulation to process target material and reduce associated distress.
Support clients to integrate a positive cognition with their target image.
Help clients identify and process residual tension or emotional sensations in their bodies.
Conclude sessions effectively, employing strategies for incomplete processing if necessary.
EMDR therapy is an evidence-based intervention developed by Francine Shapiro. It is grounded in the adaptive information processing (AIP) model, which proposes that psychological distress resulting from traumatic experiences is due to the incomplete processing of distressing experiences stored in memory networks (Shapiro, 2001; Solomon & Shapiro, 2008). These experiences, when unintegrated, can lead to current symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder that are emotional, cognitive, and somatic in nature.
A key mechanism of EMDR is the use of bilateral stimulation (BLS) — such as eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile taps — during memory recall. One hypothesis is that BLS places demands on working memory. When a distressing memory and BLS are attended to simultaneously, the limited capacity of working memory may reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of the memory (van den Hout & Engelhard, 2012; Lee & Cuijpers, 2013). Another theory from neurobiological research suggests that BLS may engage processes similar to those involved in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a phase associated with emotional regulation and memory consolidation (Stickgold, 2002).
Although the precise neurological mechanisms remain under investigation, multiple empirical studies and meta-analyses indicate that BLS can support desensitisation, reduce subjective distress, and facilitate the development of adaptive beliefs. The integration of new information into previously dysfunctional memory networks is considered key to symptom relief.
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol. Key phases covered in this resource include desensitisation (which focuses on reducing the distress associated with traumatic memories) and installation (which strengthens adaptive beliefs to replace negative cognitions).
