Clinicians · Eight-phase Reference · Phase 3 · 3 min
Phase 3: Assessment
Establish a shared target assessment according to the clinician’s training.
Awaiting qualified clinical review. Educational reference; not a protocol, formal training, supervision, or individualized treatment.
Why this matters
Clarify the target image, current negative cognition, desired positive cognition, VOC, emotions, SUD, and bodily disturbance as appropriate.
Client-facing explanation
We identify what we are working on and how it feels now; the ratings are your own experience, not a test.
Clinician reference
What feels most relevant about this target today? What words fit your current belief and your desired belief?
General sequence and discussion checklist
Optional discussion aid. Selections clear when you leave; this does not assess clinical readiness.
Practical example / documentation consideration
Documentation considerations: Record target identifiers, baseline ratings, client language, and rationale without unnecessary detail.
References and evidence notes
These sources inform the framework and discussion. They do not independently validate these original exercises or establish that every preparation technique is necessary or effective for every client.
- EMDRIA: The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
Framework and phase descriptions; does not validate these original worksheets.
