Clinicians · Eight-phase Reference · Phase 4 · 3 min
Phase 4: Desensitization
Support reprocessing while maintaining clinical monitoring and client choice.
Awaiting qualified clinical review. Educational reference; not a protocol, formal training, supervision, or individualized treatment.
Why this matters
Use the protocol and pacing learned in formal training. Monitor present connection, emerging material, tolerability, and time available for closure.
Client-facing explanation
You may notice thoughts, emotions, sensations, or no obvious change. Tell your therapist what you notice and ask to pause whenever needed.
Clinician reference
What are you noticing now? Would you like to pause?
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: Document response, adaptations, pauses, and whether the target remains incomplete; avoid implying completion from one number.
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.
