EMDR session note: template, structure and example
An EMDR session note template covering the target, cognitions, SUD and VOC measures, protocol phases and closure. Section-by-section guide and completed example.
Countries covered : Belgium, Switzerland, France
An EMDR session note is the document in which the clinician records the work done on a target, with the protocol phase, the starting and ending measures (SUD and VOC), how reprocessing went and how the session was closed. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
It is designed for psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists trained in EMDR. It tells you where you stand on each target, lets you resume an incomplete target at the right point, and keeps track of the patient's progress through the targeting plan. Below you will find the template, a completed example and common mistakes.
What an EMDR session note is for
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol, from history taking to reevaluation. A single target may need several sessions, and the targeting plan often includes several past memories, current triggers and future scenarios. Without a precise note, it becomes hard to know which target is complete, which is in progress, and at what level of disturbance the previous session stopped.
The note also supports the patient's safety. It records the resources installed during preparation, strong reactions that came up during reprocessing and what helped to close. This information guides the next session.
When to use it
From the preparation phase onwards and at every reprocessing session. During history taking, the note lists possible targets and the targeting plan. For reprocessing sessions, it follows the template below.
The rules
In France, the National Authority for Health (HAS), in its June 2007 guide on severe anxiety disorders, lists EMDR among psychotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder, alongside trauma-focused CBT, and states that EMDR is contraindicated in psychotic disorders. The World Health Organization published guidance in 2013 that mentions CBT and EMDR among the treatments to consider for people with post-traumatic stress disorder. These references belong in the note when you justify an indication or a precaution.
For psychologists in France, the code of ethics (2021 version) requires professional secrecy (article 7) and free and informed consent, with clear information on the goals, methods and limits of the work (article 9). In EMDR, note that the patient was told how sessions work, what reactions may occur between sessions and that they can stop at any time.
Patients can access their file. In a French healthcare facility, article L1111-7 of the Public Health Code applies. In private practice, the GDPR provides a right of access to personal data. In Belgium, patients can consult their entire file, personal notes included, since 4 March 2024. So describe the target image in a few neutral words, without needless detail, especially when other people were involved in the event.
The template, section by section
Header
Date, session number, length, protocol phase (preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure, reevaluation) and the target's place in the targeting plan (past memory, current trigger, future scenario).
Reevaluation of the previous session
What the patient has noticed since last time (dreams, memories, emotions, changes in behaviour), what they wrote in their log, and the current SUD of the target worked on last time. This section decides what comes next, resuming the same target or moving on.
Target and starting measures
The image representing the worst moment of the memory, in a few words. The negative cognition (what the patient believes about themselves when thinking of it) and the desired positive cognition. The VOC, which measures how true the positive cognition feels, from 1 (completely false) to 7 (completely true). The emotion, the SUD, which measures disturbance from 0 (none) to 10 (the worst imaginable), and where in the body the sensation is felt.
Desensitisation
The type of bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, tones), the approximate number of sets, the main material that came up (associated memories, emotions, sensations), any blocks and what was done to clear them. No need to record everything. Note what will help you resume the target if it remains incomplete.
Installation and body scan
If the SUD reached 0, the positive cognition chosen and the VOC obtained. Then the result of the body scan, with any remaining tension.
Closure
Complete or incomplete session, final SUD and VOC if measured, stabilisation techniques used (safe place, container exercise, breathing), the patient's state on leaving, and instructions for the week.
Assessment and next steps
Your reading of the session, the risk assessment if one was carried out, and the plan for the next session.
Completed example
Fictional patient. Ms R., 41, accountant, in therapy for intrusive memories and avoidance of driving since a road accident eight months ago. Preparation completed over three sessions, including installation of a safe place.
Header. 6 October, session 6, 60 minutes. Phases 3 to 7. Target 1 of the plan, past memory, the accident.
Reevaluation. First reprocessing session, no target to reevaluate. Ms R. used the safe place twice this week, with a calming effect. She is still avoiding driving.
Target and starting measures. Image, the windscreen at the moment of impact. Negative cognition, "I am in danger". Desired positive cognition, "I am safe now". VOC 2 out of 7. Emotion, fear. SUD 8 out of 10. Sensation, tightness in the chest and hands.
Desensitisation. Eye movements, around fifteen sets. The sound of the siren came up, then the memory of waiting by the roadside, then anger at the other driver. A block midway, cleared by changing the direction of the movements. SUD 3 out of 10 at the end of reprocessing.
Installation and body scan. Not carried out, as the session was incomplete.
Closure. Incomplete session. Container exercise, then safe place. Ms R. says she feels tired but calm, and leaves by public transport as planned. Information given on possible reactions over the next few days (dreams, memories resurfacing). She will note in her log whatever comes up, without trying to analyse it.
Assessment and next steps. Good ability to stay in contact with the memory while feeling safe in the room. Clear drop in SUD. No suicidal thoughts reported. Next session on 13 October, reevaluation then resumption of target 1.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the starting measures. Without initial SUD and VOC, you cannot measure the effect of the session.
- Not stating the phase. The next session needs to know whether to resume desensitisation or move on to installation.
- Recounting the whole trauma. A few words are enough for the target image. A detailed account adds nothing to the therapy record.
- Glossing over an incomplete session. State clearly that the target remains open and at what SUD you stopped.
- Neglecting closure. The patient's state on leaving and the instructions given matter as much as the reprocessing.
- Writing "SUD 3" without the scale. Write "out of 10" and "out of 7" so a colleague can read the note.
Save time with Delta
Delta is the clinical assistant for mental health and allied health professionals. During the session, Delta transcribes what is said. You can also dictate your observations after the session and add written notes, such as your SUD and VOC measures. Delta then generates the session report (short summary, detailed summary, topics for the next session) taking your approach into account, EMDR included, and updates the patient record with a summary of the therapy and the goals being tracked. Data is hosted in France by an HDS-certified provider, the patient's name and identifying details are pseudonymised before reaching the AI, no audio file is kept and data is never used to train a model. Learn more about Delta.
Further reading
- CBT session note template and example
- Crisis session note and suicide risk assessment
- DAP note template and example
- All our clinical document templates
What do SUD and VOC mean in EMDR?
SUD (Subjective Units of Disturbance) measures the disturbance felt when thinking about the target, from 0 (none) to 10 (the worst imaginable). VOC (Validity of Cognition) measures how true the positive cognition feels, from 1 (completely false) to 7 (completely true). Both are recorded at the start and at the end of work on a target.
What are the eight phases of EMDR?
History taking and treatment planning, preparation, assessment of the target, desensitisation, installation of the positive cognition, body scan, closure and reevaluation. The note should always state which phase or phases the session covered.
How do I document an incomplete EMDR session?
State that the target remains open, the SUD reached at the end of reprocessing, the closure techniques used and the patient's state on leaving. Also note the instructions given for the week. The next session will start with a reevaluation of this target.
Should I record the memories that come up during sets?
Only what is useful for what comes next, such as an associated memory that could become a new target or a recurring block. A few words are enough. Patients may access their file, and details about other people do not belong in the note.
Sources
- French National Authority for Health (HAS), guide on severe anxiety disorders, June 2007 (in French)
- World Health Organization, news release of 6 August 2013 on mental health care after trauma
- BACP, How does EMDR really work?, April 2026
- French Code of Ethics for Psychologists, 2021 revision
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