Designed for: EMDR-trained clinicians, consultees, and clinical supervisors conducting readiness and stabilization assessment prior to trauma processing.
Use this tool to: Evaluate client regulation capacity, assess stabilization resources, identify preparation needs, and guide pacing decisions before initiating EMDR reprocessing.
About Cannon Psychology, Inc.: APA-approved sponsor providing evidence-based EMDR continuing education, treatment planning tools, and clinician resources.
About the Worksheet
This clinician-focused tool provides a structured framework for evaluating preparation capacity across several domains relevant to EMDR readiness. These domains include emotional regulation, grounding skills, distress tolerance, dissociation indicators, and the client’s ability to maintain dual attention during emotionally activating material. The format helps clinicians document clinical observations, identify stabilization priorities, and determine whether additional preparation work may be beneficial before beginning trauma processing. It can be used during Phase 1 assessment, Phase 2 preparation sessions, consultation discussions, or supervision settings to support thoughtful, phase-oriented EMDR treatment planning. This resource is intended for educational and informational purposes for licensed mental health professionals. It is not a substitute for formal EMDR training, clinical supervision, consultation, or independent clinical judgment. Clinicians are responsible for determining the appropriateness of all interventions based on each client’s individual needs and circumstances.