EMDR Session Notes: What to Include and How to Write Them

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) has specific documentation requirements that differ significantly from standard session note formats like SOAP or DAP. The processing-focused nature of EMDR means your notes need to capture numerical scales, targeted memories, cognitions, and phase-by-phase progress — information that general-purpose note templates simply don't accommodate.

This guide covers exactly what to include in EMDR session notes, how to document each phase, and how the NoteSono EMDR format automates the structure so you can focus on the session rather than the paperwork.

Why EMDR notes are different

Standard session notes (SOAP, DAP, Narrative) work well for most therapy modalities because they follow a consistent session structure: what the client brought, what happened therapeutically, what you observed, what the plan is. EMDR sessions don't always follow that linear flow.

An EMDR session might involve extended bilateral stimulation on a single memory, multiple SUD checks, shifts between target memories, incomplete processing that carries over to the next session, or an emergency closure procedure that needs careful documentation. Your notes need to capture all of this in a way that:

• Creates a clear clinical record of the processing work
• Allows you to pick up exactly where you left off in the next session
• Demonstrates adherence to the EMDR protocol if your notes are ever reviewed
• Supports supervision — your supervisor needs to understand what was targeted and how processing progressed

The eight phases and what to document

EMDR therapy has eight phases, but session notes don't need to document all eight every session. What you record depends on which phase you're working in.

Phase 1-2: History taking and preparation

For initial sessions and preparation phases, standard intake-style notes work well. Document the presenting issue, identified targets for the trauma timeline, and preparation work completed (safe place, resourcing, psychoeducation about the model).

Phases 3-6: Assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan

This is where EMDR-specific documentation is essential. For each processing session, your notes should include:

Target memory: A brief, non-identifying description of the memory being processed. Avoid recording specific details of traumatic content — your notes should describe the work without recreating the trauma narrative.

Negative cognition (NC): The maladaptive belief associated with the target — for example "I am powerless" or "I am to blame."

Positive cognition (PC): The adaptive belief the client wants to hold — "I did the best I could" or "I am safe now."

Initial SUD rating: The client's Subjective Units of Disturbance at the start of the session (0-10). Essential for tracking progress across sessions.

Initial VOC rating: How true the positive cognition feels when paired with the memory (1-7).

Processing summary: A brief account of the processing sets — what emerged, any blocking beliefs, any new associations, how processing moved. You don't need to document every set, but key shifts and observations should be noted.

Body scan findings: Where sensation was held, any residual disturbance identified in the body scan.

Closing SUD and VOC: The ratings at session end. If SUD is above 0 and the session needs to be closed incompletely, document the closure procedure used.

Phase 7: Closure

If processing was incomplete, note the closure technique used (container exercise, safe place, grounding) and any instructions given to the client between sessions.

Phase 8: Reassessment

At the start of the next session, note any material that emerged between sessions and reassessment SUD/VOC ratings before continuing processing.

EMDR session note template

A structured EMDR session note should follow this format:

TM (Target Memory): Brief description of the memory or issue targeted this session.

SUD: Initial SUD rating / Closing SUD rating (0-10). Note any significant shifts during processing.

NC: Negative cognition identified at assessment.

PC: Positive cognition. VOC rating: initial / closing (1-7).

EM (Processing Sets): Summary of desensitisation work — key themes, associations, blocking beliefs, notable responses. Body scan findings.

BS (Body Scan): Location and nature of any residual body sensation. Clear or residual disturbance noted.

PL (Plan): Closure technique used if incomplete. Next session plan — continue current target, move to installation, reassessment, or new target.

Using AI for EMDR session notes

NoteSono's EMDR format is designed specifically for this structure. After your session, you speak a brief summary — covering the target, ratings, key processing observations, and closure — and the AI formats it into a structured EMDR note with the correct sections.

You don't need to dictate in any particular order. Say something like: "Worked on the car accident memory today. SUD started at 8, came down to 3 by close. Negative cog was 'I'm not safe', positive cog 'I'm safe now', VOC moved from 2 to 5. Main processing theme was helplessness, client made associations to childhood. Body scan showed residual tension in chest. Closed with container exercise, session was incomplete." NoteSono structures this into the correct EMDR format.

The AI processes only your post-session summary, and NoteSono does not record your sessions. The EMDR format is included on Essentials and Pro: you can create a free account and start a 7-day trial of everything when you want to try it.

GDPR and consent for EMDR documentation

BACP hasn't published specific guidance on AI clinical notes, but its Ethical Framework asks you to be open with clients about the tools you use. Clients should understand that a post-session summary (not a recording of the session) is processed by AI to draft their clinical record, and your privacy notice should say so. NoteSono includes a client consent template that covers this.

Importantly: EMDR sessions often surface highly sensitive material. Keep trauma detail out of your summary: describe the work, not the narrative. Whatever you say is what the AI processes.