EMDR Questions to Ask Clients
Essential questions for EMDR therapists to ask clients during assessment, preparation, and treatment phases to ensure effective trauma therapy.
1What brings you to therapy today, and what would you like to work on?
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What brings you to therapy today, and what would you like to work on?
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Why this works
This open-ended question allows clients to share their presenting concerns and goals in their own words, establishing rapport and understanding their motivation.
2Have you experienced any traumatic events that you'd like to address?
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Have you experienced any traumatic events that you'd like to address?
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Why this works
This direct but gentle question helps identify potential targets for EMDR processing while allowing clients to share at their own pace.
3How do you currently cope with stress and difficult emotions?
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How do you currently cope with stress and difficult emotions?
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Why this works
Understanding current coping strategies helps assess readiness for EMDR and identify resources that can support the therapeutic process.
4What support systems do you have in place?
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What support systems do you have in place?
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Why this works
Knowing about support systems helps assess the client's safety and stability, which are crucial for successful EMDR treatment.
5Have you had any previous therapy experiences, and what was helpful or unhelpful?
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Have you had any previous therapy experiences, and what was helpful or unhelpful?
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Why this works
Understanding therapy history helps tailor the EMDR approach and avoid repeating unhelpful patterns from past treatment.
6What are your current symptoms, and how do they affect your daily life?
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What are your current symptoms, and how do they affect your daily life?
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Why this works
This question helps establish baseline symptoms and understand the impact of trauma on the client's functioning.
7Are you currently taking any medications, and have you discussed EMDR with your prescriber?
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Are you currently taking any medications, and have you discussed EMDR with your prescriber?
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Why this works
Medication considerations are important for EMDR, as some medications can affect the processing experience and effectiveness.
8What do you know about EMDR, and what are your expectations for treatment?
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What do you know about EMDR, and what are your expectations for treatment?
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Why this works
Understanding the client's knowledge and expectations helps provide appropriate education and set realistic treatment goals.
9How do you typically respond to strong emotions, and what helps you feel safe?
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How do you typically respond to strong emotions, and what helps you feel safe?
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Why this works
This question helps assess emotional regulation capacity and identify grounding techniques that can support the client during processing.
10What are your goals for therapy, and how will you know when you've achieved them?
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What are your goals for therapy, and how will you know when you've achieved them?
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Why this works
Clear goals help guide treatment planning and provide measurable outcomes for evaluating EMDR effectiveness.
11Are there any topics or memories that feel too overwhelming to discuss right now?
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Are there any topics or memories that feel too overwhelming to discuss right now?
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Why this works
This question helps establish boundaries and ensures the client feels safe and in control of the therapeutic process.
12How do you prefer to receive information and feedback?
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How do you prefer to receive information and feedback?
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Why this works
Understanding communication preferences helps tailor the therapeutic approach and ensure the client feels heard and understood.
13What are your biggest fears or concerns about starting EMDR?
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What are your biggest fears or concerns about starting EMDR?
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Why this works
Addressing fears and concerns helps build trust and allows the therapist to provide appropriate reassurance and education.
14How do you typically handle change, and what helps you feel prepared?
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How do you typically handle change, and what helps you feel prepared?
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Why this works
Understanding the client's relationship with change helps prepare them for the transformative nature of EMDR therapy.
15What resources or coping skills have worked well for you in the past?
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What resources or coping skills have worked well for you in the past?
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Why this works
Identifying existing strengths and resources helps build a foundation for successful EMDR treatment and provides tools for self-regulation.
16How do you want to be supported during difficult moments in therapy?
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How do you want to be supported during difficult moments in therapy?
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Why this works
This question helps establish the client's preferences for support and ensures they feel safe and cared for during processing.
17What does healing look like to you, and what would you like to feel instead of your current symptoms?
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What does healing look like to you, and what would you like to feel instead of your current symptoms?
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Why this works
Understanding the client's vision of healing helps guide treatment planning and provides motivation for the therapeutic work.
18Are there any cultural, spiritual, or personal beliefs that are important for me to know?
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Are there any cultural, spiritual, or personal beliefs that are important for me to know?
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Why this works
Understanding the client's background and beliefs helps ensure culturally sensitive and respectful treatment.
19How do you want to handle communication between sessions?
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How do you want to handle communication between sessions?
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Why this works
Establishing clear communication boundaries helps manage expectations and ensures the client feels supported between sessions.
20What questions do you have about EMDR or the therapeutic process?
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What questions do you have about EMDR or the therapeutic process?
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Why this works
This open-ended question allows clients to voice any concerns or curiosities and ensures they feel informed and comfortable with the process.
EMDR Client Assessment
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Building Therapeutic Rapport
Create a Safe Environment
Ensure the client feels physically and emotionally safe before beginning any assessment or treatment procedures.
Use Trauma-Informed Language
Choose words carefully to avoid retraumatization and use language that empowers rather than pathologizes the client.
Respect Client Autonomy
Always ensure the client feels in control of the process and can stop or pause at any time.