EMDR Target Timeline & Treatment Plan
A clinician treatment planning worksheet for EMDR's three-pronged protocol, mapping past memories, present triggers and future templates with themes, SUD and order.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · EMDR · Treatment planning
- Approach / concern
- EMDR
- Technique
- EMDR · Treatment planning
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Advanced plan
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the EMDR Target Timeline & Treatment Plan?
EMDR’s three-pronged protocol addresses past experiences that set the foundation for current problems, present triggers, and future templates for adaptive behaviour. Target sequencing plans the order of work.
Why it works
Shapiro (2018) describes the three-pronged approach as central to comprehensive EMDR treatment. Leeds (2016) provides guidance on case conceptualization and target sequencing.
When to use it
- After history-taking
- Complex or multiple traumas
- Treatment planning and review
- Consultation
How to use it in session
- List past memories by age.
- Identify themes and NCs.
- Note present triggers.
- Identify future situations.
- Sequence targets collaboratively.
Clinician tips
- Cluster memories by theme.
- Consider starting with touchstone memories.
- Revisit the plan as new memories emerge.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
What is the three-pronged protocol?
Processing past memories, present triggers and future templates.
Which memory should we start with?
Often the earliest or touchstone memory, though sequencing depends on stability and clinical judgement.
References
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Leeds, A. M. (2016). A guide to the standard EMDR therapy protocols for clinicians, supervisors, and consultants (2nd ed.). Springer.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
