EMDR Target Sequence Planning: Past, Present, and Future Targets

What Is EMDR Target Sequence Planning?

An EMDR target sequence plan organizes the material that may become part of treatment: past memories, present triggers, and future templates. The plan gives the clinician continuity across sessions without turning target selection into a static checklist.

CoralEHR's free EMDR Target Sequence Planner helps trained EMDR clinicians organize target rows, baseline SUD/VOC ratings, negative and positive cognitions, body location, status, and notes.

Past, Present, and Future

The common three-pronged frame separates targets into:

• past memories that may hold source material
• present triggers that activate current symptoms or beliefs
• future templates where adaptive responses can be rehearsed

The categories help organize treatment planning, but clinical judgment determines what to address, when to address it, and whether more preparation is needed.

Useful Target Fields

A target row often includes:

• target label
• past, present, or future category
• image or worst part
• negative cognition
• positive cognition
• baseline SUD
• baseline VOC
• emotion
• body location
• processing status
• next-session note

Keep entries de-identified. A shorthand label is usually enough for continuity.

Documentation Example

Use target planning language without over-disclosing:

Therapist and client reviewed EMDR target sequence plan. Client identified two past targets, one present trigger, and one future template related to treatment focus. Therapist documented de-identified target labels, NC/PC language, baseline SUD/VOC where clinically appropriate, and processing status. Therapist and client agreed to continue preparation before reprocessing.

Avoid treating the plan as a protocol decision engine:

Planner selected next EMDR target.

The planner organizes information. The clinician makes treatment decisions.

Try the Free Target Planner

Use CoralEHR's free EMDR Target Sequence Planner with the SUD/VOC Tracker, EMDR Bilateral Stimulation Tool, and EMDR Safe Place Exercise.