Designed for: EMDR therapists, consultees, and supervisors working with clients actively engaged in reprocessing phases of treatment.
Use this tool to: Assess between-session reactions, determine whether responses reflect normal processing, and guide decisions about stabilization or treatment pacing.
About Cannon Psychology, Inc.: APA-approved sponsor providing evidence-based EMDR continuing education, treatment planning tools, and clinician resources.
About the Quick Reference Tool
A shortened version of the Clinician Guide: Managing EMDR Reactions Between Sessions, this clinical decision tree offers a structured framework for evaluating reactions clients may report between EMDR sessions. It guides clinicians through key questions about symptom duration, intensity, and the client’s ability to return to emotional baseline. The tool helps therapists determine whether reactions reflect normal adaptive processing or whether additional stabilization strategies may be beneficial. When reactions persist or escalate, the decision tree provides guidance for reviewing preparation skills, reassessing dissociation, adjusting processing pace, and strengthening grounding resources before continuing trauma work. 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.