EMDR Treatment Planning Worksheet for Goals, Targets, and Preparation

This professional clinical worksheet operationalizes the essential Phase 1 (History Taking) and Phase 2 (Preparation) requirements of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) protocol. The layout provides a structured framework for comprehensive case formulation, ensuring that clinicians align the Presenting Problem with specific, measurable Goals and Desired Objectives. A critical clinical component of this tool is its focus on the Three-Pronged Protocol—Past memories, Present triggers, and Future templates. By documenting the necessary preparation steps, including specific stabilization resources (e.g., Safe Place, Container) and the identification of processing targets, the worksheet assists practitioners in building a robust roadmap for trauma resolution.

The structured layout is designed to support the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model by ensuring that the therapeutic work is strategically sequenced. Research in EMDR emphasizes that a well-defined treatment plan is a significant predictor of clinical efficacy and client safety. This tool facilitates the transition from initial assessment to active reprocessing by requiring the forensic identification of “feeder” memories and the specific resources needed to maintain the client’s Window of Tolerance. By externalizing the treatment arc on a single, professional template, clinicians can maintain clinical focus, track longitudinal progress, and ensure that all prongs of the trauma network are systematically addressed.

This clinical resource draws significant inspiration from the foundational case conceptualization frameworks established by Francine Shapiro and the standardized treatment planning protocols refined by Marilyn Luber and Andrew Leeds. By operationalizing the 8-phase protocol into a clear planning format, the worksheet assists practitioners in maintaining high-fidelity adherence to evidence-based trauma care. This process is foundational for a successful treatment journey, ensuring that the path from stabilization to adaptive integration is clear, purposeful, and professionally documented.

How This Worksheet Can Be Used

Initial Case Conceptualization:
Therapists use the worksheet during intake to translate a client’s distress into an EMDR-ready plan. It helps the clinician identify if the client’s goals require a “Phobia” protocol, “Recent Events” protocol, or standard comprehensive trauma processing.

Sequencing Targets:
This tool serves as the primary record for the “Target Hierarchy.” Clinicians can list memories in chronological order or by disturbance level, ensuring that the work begins with the most appropriate “Touchstone” or “feeder” memory.

Resource Audit:
The “Preparation” section is utilized to document the specific internal assets a client has mastered. This serves as a checklist to ensure the client is sufficiently stabilized before moving from Phase 2 into the intensive work of Phase 3 and 4.

Benefits of the EMDR Treatment Planning Worksheet

• Ensures systematic adherence to the standard 8-phase EMDR protocol from day one.
• Supports the AIP model by identifying memory networks and future behavioral templates.
• Clarifies the relationship between the “Presenting Problem” and the trauma hierarchy.
• Identifies specific “Preparation” needs to maximize client safety and regulation.
• Provides a professional framework for documenting clinical objectives and session targets.
• Streamlines case management and insurance documentation requirements.

References

• Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
• Leeds, A. M. (2016). A Guide to the Standard EMDR Therapy Protocols for Clinicians, Supervisors, and Consultants. Springer Publishing Company.
• Luber, M. (2009). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Scripted Protocols. Springer Publishing Company.
• Hase, M., et al. (2017). The Adaptive Information Processing Model: Support from the internal world of trauma. Frontiers in Psychology.