EMDR phases
BilateralFlow organizes prompts and resources around EMDR’s eight-phase framework while keeping clinical judgment with the therapist.
Understand presenting concerns, readiness, resources, and target sequence.
Therapist task
Gather history, assess stability, identify targets, and plan pacing.
Client experience
Collaborative mapping of themes, triggers, strengths, and treatment focus.
Related worksheet
EMDR Target Map
Related app tool
Phase 1 treatment planning support
Build readiness, stabilization, resourcing, and informed consent.
Therapist task
Teach regulation, safe/calm place, container, and orientation skills.
Client experience
Practicing grounding and noticing what helps the body feel steadier.
Related worksheet
Safe Place + Container Guide
Related app tool
Preparation prompts and slower BLS presets
Clarify target components before reprocessing.
Therapist task
Identify target image, NC, PC, VOC, emotions, SUD, and body sensation.
Client experience
Naming what is present while staying within therapist support.
Related worksheet
EMDR Assessment Worksheet
Related app tool
Assessment checklist
Support processing of target material with therapist-guided BLS.
Therapist task
Run sets, monitor response, track SUD, and use interweaves when clinically indicated.
Client experience
Noticing images, thoughts, emotions, sensations, and shifts as they arise.
Related worksheet
Processing Log
Related app tool
Minimal prompts and BLS workspace
Strengthen adaptive positive cognition when clinically ready.
Therapist task
Check VOC and support installation of the positive cognition.
Client experience
Noticing how true the positive belief feels now.
Related worksheet
Positive Belief Installation Worksheet
Related app tool
VOC reminder and PC focus
Notice residual somatic disturbance or ease.
Therapist task
Guide body scan and respond to remaining activation as appropriate.
Client experience
Scanning the body for tension, shifts, neutrality, or ease.
Related worksheet
Body Scan Map
Related app tool
Body scan prompt panel
Return to stability and orient to the present before session ends.
Therapist task
Support containment, grounding, closure scripts, and between-session plan.
Client experience
Pausing, grounding, and placing unfinished material into containment.
Related worksheet
Closure Reflection Sheet
Related app tool
Closure scripts and grounding tools
Review prior work, current response, and next clinical direction.
Therapist task
Reassess SUD/VOC, new material, improvements, and whether to continue or move on.
Client experience
Reflecting on what changed, what remains, and what came up between sessions.
Related worksheet
Reevaluation Worksheet
Related app tool
Reevaluation prompts
Download worksheets for preparation, assessment, processing support, closure, and reevaluation.