EMDR Protocols and Guidelines

Maxim LipatovPracticing psychologist

Published:July 4, 2026

Updated:July 7, 2026

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        "content": "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is not merely an eye movement technique, but a strictly structured psychotherapeutic system based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. The method's effectiveness is ensured by strict adherence to protocols and procedures developed by its creator, Francine Shapiro, and expanded upon by modern clinicians.\n\nThis article explores the foundational structure of EMDR therapy, its key protocols, and contemporary guidelines that help clinicians work effectively with trauma.\n\n## The Standard Protocol: The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy\n\nEMDR therapy is built around the **standard eight-phase protocol**, which serves as the foundation for all subsequent interventions. The sequence of phases is designed to ensure client safety and maximize processing efficiency.\n\n### Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning\nThis stage establishes the therapeutic relationship, gathers a complete biopsychosocial history, identifies targets for work (past traumas, current triggers, and future goals), and develops a treatment plan.\n\n### Phase 2: Preparation\nThe client is introduced to the EMDR method, taught self-regulation techniques (e.g., creating a \"Safe Place\"), and establishes stop signals to maintain a sense of control throughout the process.\n\n### Phase 3: Assessment\nFor a selected traumatic memory, key components are identified: the most vivid image, negative self-belief, desired positive self-belief, level of distress (Subjective Units of Disturbance, SUD), and bodily sensations.\n\n### Phases 4-5: Desensitization and Installation\nThis is the core of therapy. The client focuses on the target while simultaneously performing series of bilateral stimulation. After each set, the client reports what emerged, and the therapist guides the process further. Once the distress subsides, the positive belief is \"installed\" through bilateral stimulation.\n\n### Phase 6: Body Scan\nThe client scans their body for any residual tension. If found, it becomes a new target for processing.\n\n### Phase 7: Closure\nAt the end of the session, the therapist helps the client return to a stable state, explains possible reactions between sessions, and provides self-regulation recommendations.\n\n### Phase 8: Re-evaluation\nThe next session begins with an assessment of the client's state and a check on the stability of previously achieved results.\n\n## The Three-Pronged Protocol: Past, Present, and Future\n\nThe standard EMDR protocol targets three key areas which together ensure lasting results:\n\n1. **Past**: Processing of traumatic memories that laid the foundation for current symptoms.\n2. **Present**: Processing current situations or triggers that activate distress.\n3. **Future**: Processing future action scenarios and potential triggers, helping the client develop an adaptive \"template\" for behavior.\n\nThis approach is often described as three \"prongs\" or directions within a single treatment plan for one cluster of issues.\n\n## Specialized Protocols and Contemporary Guidelines\n\nBeyond the basic protocol, EMDR practice includes several specialized approaches for complex cases:\n\n### The Silent Memory Protocol\nIncluded in the latest *Oxford Handbook of EMDR* (edited by Derek Farrell), this protocol is designed for cases where the client is unwilling or unable to verbally describe a trauma. Instead of a detailed narrative, a **code word** is used to identify the target. The client reports only on emerging changes without revealing the content. Processing focuses solely on the \"silent\" incident, and in case of blockage, \"silent\" tools are applied (e.g., changing the type of stimulation, cognitive interweaves).\n\n### Guidelines for Complex Cases\nContemporary manuals, such as *A Practical Guide to EMDR Therapy* (Springer, 2025), offer **six trauma-sensitive pathways for identifying key memories**. These flexible, transpersonal tools are designed for treating complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and other clinical challenges, providing specific strategies for working with beliefs, emotions, flashforwards, and other complex trauma manifestations.\n\nThe entire system of EMDR guidelines and protocols is constantly evolving, integrating the latest research in neuroscience and clinical practice.\n\n## Learn More on Our Website\n\n- [How EMDR Works](https://blsnow.io/en/articles/how-emdr-works) — detailed mechanisms of action.\n- [EMDR Research](https://blsnow.io/en/articles/emdr-research) — scientific foundation of the method.\n- [Eye Movement Technique](https://blsnow.io/en/articles/eye-movement-technique) — step-by-step guide.\n- [Find an EMDR Therapist](https://blsnow.io/en/specialists) — verified specialists.\n\n## Sources\n\n1. [Silent Memory Protocol. EMDR Training Center St. Petersburg.](https://emdrspb.ru/stati/ya-vybirayu-ne-rasskazyvat-ob-etom-sejchas-protokol-bezmolvnyh-vospominanij-pbv)\n2. [Target lists, treatment plans, and the three-pronged protocol. EMDR Education and Training Center.](https://emdreducationandtrainingcenter.com/history-taking/target-lists-treatment-plans-and-the-three-pronged-protocol-part-three-in-a-three-part-series/)\n3. [Eight phases of EMDR therapy. BMJ Open.](https://bmjopen.bmj.com/highwire/markup/288737/expansion?width=1000&height=500&iframe=true&postprocessors=highwire_tables%2Chighwire_reclass%2Chighwire_figures%2Chighwire_math%2Chighwire_inline_linked_media%2Chighwire_embed)\n4. [A practical guide to EMDR therapy. Springer Publishing Company.](https://www.springerpub.com/behavioral-sciences/counseling/a-practical-guide-to-emdr-therapy-9780826156181.html)\n5. [EMDR Refresher Essentials: Applying Phases 1-8 with Precision. EMDR International Association.](https://www.emdria.org/learning-class/emdr-refresher-essentials-applying-phases-1-8-with-precision/)\n6. [Language of EMDR: Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy. EMDR International Association.](https://www.emdria.org/glossary/language-of-emdr/)\n7. [A Practical Guide to EMDR Therapy. Springer Publishing Company.](https://www.springerpub.com/behavioral-sciences/counseling/a-practical-guide-to-emdr-therapy-9780826156181.html)\n8. [Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: A Conceptual Framework. NIH.](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3122545/)\n9. [The Matrix - Self assessment for EMDR Therapy. NHS Scotland.](https://matrix.nhs.scot/self-assessment/?programmeId=1752)\n10. [Standard eight stage EMDR protocol. Cases Journal, Springer.](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1757-1626-1-177/figures/1)\n11. [What is EMDR Therapy? Behavioral Health Glossary. Behave Health.](https://behavehealth.com/glossary/emdr)\n12. [Shapiro, F. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. 3rd ed. New York: Guilford Press.](https://www.guilford.com/books/Eye-Movement-Desensitization-and-Reprocessing-EMDR-Therapy/Francine-Shapiro/9781462532766)",
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