EMDR focuses on the past, present and future, with particular attentiveness to past disturbing memories and events. The approach features eight phases of treatment, designed to alleviate stress, and develop skills and attitudes for a positive future.

Phase 1: History-taking session – the therapist assesses the client’s readiness and develops a treatment plan. Emphasis is placed on developing specific skills and behaviors that will assist the client in the future.
Phase 2: Ensuring the client has sufficient tools to handle emotional distress. During this phase, the therapist may teach the client new coping mechanisms and techniques.
Phases 3-6: Identifying a target memory/event and processing it by using EMDR therapy procedures.
The client is instructed to focus on the target memory image, negative thought, and body sensations while simultaneously engaging in EMDR processing using sets of bilateral stimulation. These sets may include eye movements, taps, or tones.
After the client’s feedback on their thoughts, feelings, images, memories and sensation, the clinician chooses the next focus of attention.
Phase 7: Closure: throughout the week, the client will keep a log documenting any treatment-related thoughts that may arise. Its main purpose is to remind the client of the self-calming activities they mastered during phase 2.
Phase 8: Examining the progress, and ensuring implementation of the self-help and reaction techniques.