Headings
Phase of treatment · Target · Negative and positive cognitions · SUD and VOC ratings · Processing summary · Closure · Plan
When to use it
Made for trained EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) clinicians. It records the protocol phase, the target memory, the negative and positive cognitions, and the SUD (subjective units of distress) and VOC (validity of cognition) scores that show whether processing moved. A general trauma therapy note has no place for these ratings.
Example
Fictional example
Phase of treatment
Phases 4 to 7, desensitization through closure. Session 5 with F.L., 45.
Target
Waking in recovery after emergency surgery, unable to speak, alarms sounding.
Negative and positive cognitions
Negative: “I am helpless.” Positive: “I can speak up for myself now.”
SUD and VOC ratings
SUD 8 at start, 2 at end. VOC 2 at start, 5 at end.
Processing summary
Twelve sets of eye movements. Early sets brought chest tightness and the sound of alarms. Later sets moved to memories of a nurse holding her hand.
Closure
Incomplete session. Used the calm place exercise. Client grounded and oriented before leaving.
Plan
Resume the same target next week. Keep a log of any new images or dreams.