Target identification

Target identification is the EMDR Phase 3 worksheet — the structured assessment that every EMDR processing session opens with. The client identifies the worst part of the memory, names the negative cognition attached to it, picks the preferred positive cognition, rates the validity of the positive cognition, names the current emotion, rates the SUDS, and notes where in the body they feel it. These eight measurements are the baseline. The desensitization phase (Phase 4) works the target until the SUDS drops toward zero and the VOC moves toward seven — the post-processing fields on the same worksheet hold those final re-ratings.

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What the worksheet captures

Ten fields in the order they’re typically elicited during the assessment.

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Baseline (filled at session start)

• Image (worst part of the memory) — textarea-large. The single representative image, sensory snapshot, or moment that holds the emotional charge of the memory.
• Negative cognition (NC) — short text. The self-referential, present-tense, irrational belief the memory produces. Common forms: I’m in danger. I’m not safe. I’m worthless. It was my fault. I’m powerless.
• Positive cognition (PC) — short text. The preferred belief the client would rather hold. Often the inverse or correction of the NC.
• VOC — 1-7 slider (1 false → 7 true). Validity of cognition. How true the PC feels right now, even if the client doesn’t yet believe it intellectually.
• Emotion — short text. Single-word emotion or a brief phrase.
• SUDS (baseline) — 0-10 slider (none → worst). Current distress associated with the target.
• Body sensation — textarea-large. Where in the body the client feels the disturbance, plus the quality of the sensation (tight, hot, hollow, vibrating).

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During and after processing

• SUDS history during processing — textarea-large. A running record of SUDS readings between sets through Phase 4. The field is marked as the EMDR SUDS target, which means that when the BLS subsystem captures a between-set SUDS rating and this template is open in the session, the value automatically appends here — closing the loop between Phase 3 assessment and Phase 4 desensitization.
• VOC (after processing) — 1-7 slider. Re-rated at Phase 5 (Installation) and end of Phase 4.
• SUDS (after processing) — 0-10 slider. The end-of-target distress reading.

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Reading the numbers

• VOC 1-3 with high SUDS at baseline is the expected starting state for a target.
• VOC moving toward 7, SUDS moving toward 0 is the trajectory across processing.
• VOC 7 with SUDS 0 at the end of processing means the target is fully processed and the protocol moves to Phase 6 body scan.
• The NC should be self-referential (“I am …”). When clients offer external-attribution NCs (“They are …”), the practitioner reframes toward self-referential during the assessment.
• Body sensation locates the somatic anchor for processing — useful for reorienting during desensitization sets when the client gets stuck in the cognitive layer.

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When to use it

• Start of every EMDR processing session. The full Phase 3 assessment takes 5-10 minutes per target.
• Whenever a new target is identified mid-treatment — past target memories, present triggers, future-template scenarios. The worksheet applies to all three.
• As the session-arc anchor. The worksheet stays open across the session because the SUDS history field auto-populates from the EMDR Workspace during Phase 4. Closing it loses that integration.

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In-session mechanics

Templates → Target identification. The renderer opens in the right pane in the compact session-note layout, which puts more fields visible at once — a layout the renderer reserves for clinician-fill worksheets where the client doesn’t see the form. You fill the seven baseline fields at the top of the session in the order above. Through Phase 4, the SUDS history field auto-populates as you capture between-set SUDS readings in the BLS subsystem. At the end of processing, you fill the two post-processing re-ratings. The whole worksheet copies to clipboard for paste into the EMDR session record.

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Citation

Shapiro, F. (1995, 2001, 2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press. The 8-component Phase 3 assessment is the canonical EMDR procedure taught in basic training. The structure is published clinical method, uncopyrightable. Shapiro’s specific script wording (e.g. “What picture represents the worst part of the memory?”) is iconic. Rivet uses paraphrased prompts that capture the same clinical function without echoing Shapiro’s specific script. EMDRIA’s published Inclusive Negative and Positive Cognitions list served as the non-Shapiro paraphrase reference for NC and PC framing. EMDR is a registered trademark of the EMDR Institute. Rivet’s template is titled “Target identification” (the generic clinical procedure name) and described as designed for clinicians trained in EMDR therapy — not branded as EMDR.

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When not to use it

• Without EMDR training. The Phase 3 procedure is one piece of a manualized eight-phase protocol. Practitioners without EMDR training shouldn’t use the worksheet to do “EMDR-ish” work — the cognitive challenging style, the resourcing requirements, the closure procedures, and the stabilization sequencing all depend on the modality training.
• For trauma processing in other modalities. The stuck point log is the CPT cousin. The exposure log is for PE.
• Before the client is resourced and stabilized. EMDR Phase 2 (preparation) comes before Phase 3 — clients need calm place, container, and other resourcing in place before target identification opens up trauma material.

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