So we know what the 8 Phases of EMDR generally look like. Let’s explore the general flow of how these phases come together.

**Gentle reminder: there is always nuance when it comes to case conceptualization for our clients. Depending on the client’s needs/history/background, this flow may not work for the client and their healing process. A client may need more time in a particular phase, with additional skills building, etc. Listen to your clinical judgment and go with what feels clinically appropriate.**

Step 1 before any formal EMDR Phases are introduced: Complete a comprehensive initial intake. Some of this information may be utilized again come Phase 1.

Once a comprehensive intake is completed, there are two routes to go next: EMDR Phase 1: Target Sequence Plan or EMDR Phase 2: Preparation. Some clinicians prefer to front load coping skills and techniques before progressing further with the EMDR phases while others prefer to develop the Target Sequence Plan. This is a great opportunity to utilize clinical judgment on which phase is best for the client to start.

Once Phases 1 and 2 are completed, we’ve entered the reprocessing phases. For completed targets, the order of phases starts with Phase 3: Activation into Phase 4: Desensitization (SUD of 0 has been obtained) into Phase 5: Integration (VoC of 7 has been obtained) into Phase 6: Body Scan into Phase 7: Closure.

If the target does not reach a SUD of 0 or an ecological rating, the general flow may be Phase 3 into Phase 4 into Phase 7 until the target has been completed. During Phase 7 on a left-open-target, it is important to offer grounding and/or other Phase 2 techniques to close the session out.

Every subsequent session essentially starts with Phase 8: Re-evaluation. This gives the clinician and client the opportunity to get caught up on any concerns or thoughts between sessions.

The clinician and client will then continue to repeat the reprocessing phases until the Target Sequence Plan is complete.

So, tl;dr, my preferred flow of moving through the EMDR Phases:

Intake -> Phase 2 -> Phase 1 -> Phases 3 through 7 (pending SUD and VoC ratings)

Phase 8 at the beginning of every session for checking in.

One last reminder: EMDR is not only about the reprocessing phases. Yes, those phases are magical and healing. It is very okay if a client needs to return to Phase 2 after going through some reprocessing. It is very okay if it takes “a long time” to move through a particular phase or a particular target. It’s all part of the process. Go with that!

If you are curious to learn more about EMDR or are interested in beginning your EMDR therapy journey, please reach out to me via the Contact Me page on my website. You can also learn more about EMDR as well as additional EMDR therapists in your area by visiting the EMDR International Association’s website here.

Reminder: these blog posts are meant to be purely educational and/or entertainment tools and do NOT replace psychotherapy and/or other medically necessary treatments.