The EMDR Guide

EMDR, phase by phase.

A clinician-reviewed walk through the whole protocol — the eight phases, the mechanism, the evidence, and every term that trips people up.

Clinically reviewed · Rewire Clinical Team · aligned with EMDRIA & WHO (2013) guidelines

Try the free bilateral stimulation tool →

The Eight Phases

What Is EMDR? The eight-phase model, the AIP theory, and what a session feels like. Phase 1: History-Taking Mapping targets and building the treatment plan. Phase 2: Preparation Stabilization and resourcing — Calm Place and Container. Phase 3: Assessment Activating a target: NC, PC, SUD, VOC. Phase 4: Desensitization Reprocessing with dual attention until distress clears. Phase 5: Installation Strengthening the positive belief to a felt 7. Phase 6: Body Scan Clearing residual somatic charge. Phase 7: Closure Returning to equilibrium at every session's end. Phase 8: Reevaluation Checking what held and steering what's next.

Mechanism & Reference

Bilateral Stimulation What the eye movements, tones, and taps actually do. EMDR Glossary SUD, VOC, AIP, touchstone, channel — every term defined. Does EMDR Work? What forty years of trials and guidelines show.