EMDR therapy glossary

A structured psychotherapy originally developed for traumatic experiences. It combines assessment, preparation, target-memory work, bilateral stimulation, closure and reevaluation; it is not merely eye movement.

EMDR’s theoretical model proposing that some experiences are stored in ways that continue to trigger present distress. It is a clinical formulation, not a literal image or a definitively proven neurobiological account.

Alternating stimulation, usually through eye movements, tones or taps. It is one component within the EMDR protocol and is not a complete therapy by itself.

A visual form of bilateral stimulation in which gaze follows an alternating stimulus during brief sets. Other methods may be used when preferred or more appropriate.

Alternating taps used as one possible form of bilateral stimulation. Tapping alone lacks assessment, planning, guided processing and closure, so it is not complete EMDR.

Simultaneous attention to a memory or internal material and a present stimulus. It helps maintain contact with the here and now during processing sets.

A specific memory or situation selected for therapeutic work. Selection belongs within a formulation and does not mean searching for, completing or validating unknown memories.

A negative self-belief linked to the target memory, such as a sense of danger or lack of control. It is identified without assuming that it objectively describes the person.

An adaptive belief the person would prefer to associate with the memory, such as present safety or choice. It should be relevant and credible rather than imposed as positive thinking.

A subjective scale for rating how true a positive cognition feels in relation to the target. It is an in-session measure, not a diagnosis or objective test.

A subjective scale, often 0 to 10, for tracking distress related to a target. It guides the process but does not replace functional measures or later follow-up.

The phase using bilateral-stimulation sets while related memory material is noticed. The goal is not to numb the person or erase the memory.

The phase strengthening the association between the processed memory and a chosen adaptive cognition. It does not implant an externally supplied idea or memory.

A guided check for physical sensations that may remain associated with the target after other phases. It is not a medical examination and does not replace assessment of physical symptoms.

The phase ending an appointment with present orientation, a state check and a plan for what may arise later. It is needed even when target processing is unfinished.

A later review of the memory, distress, cognition, body and functioning to see whether change has held and determine the next step.

Therapeutic work with memories, associations, emotions, beliefs and sensations within the protocol. It is not literal copying, deletion or relocation of information in the brain.

Strategies practised to support orientation, regulation, control and support before or during work. They are not a test to pass and do not guarantee that everyone is ready to process.

A preparation exercise using an image or experience associated with calm or steadiness. “Safe” does not fit everyone, so the resource should be adapted rather than forced.

A broad term for disconnection across attention, memory, identity, perception or body. Its presence and severity require assessment and cannot be diagnosed from one isolated sensation.

Re-experiencing in which a traumatic memory feels intensely present. It may involve images, sounds, emotions or physical sensations and warrants assessment when safety or functioning is affected.

An internal or external cue associated with an emotional, physical or memory response. Identifying it supports formulation, but not every intense reaction comes from trauma.

A framework organizing targets around past experiences, present triggers and desired future responses. It does not require chronological work or processing every memory.

A clinical metaphor for a range of arousal in which a person can remain present and respond flexibly. It is not an exact measurement or an EMDR-exclusive concept.