GIRP Notes for EMDR: Template + Examples (2026)
Overview
The GIRP Notes format provides an excellent structure for documenting Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing because it separates subjective experience from objective observations while emphasizing clinical assessment and planning. When working with clients presenting with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, the key is to document how the specific symptoms, behavioral patterns, and treatment responses are understood through the lens of this particular format.
Each section of the GIRP Notes note should serve a specific purpose when documenting Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Rather than generic descriptions, each section should contain clinical information that directly relates to the diagnostic criteria, treatment indicators, and progress measures relevant to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This requires understanding both how the format works and what aspects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing are most important to capture for insurance justification, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making.
Documentation quality matters significantly when treating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Insurance companies need to see clear evidence of medical necessity, meaningful progress on treatment goals, and appropriate use of evidence-based interventions. The GIRP Notes structure, when properly applied to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, communicates this clinical picture clearly and compliantly.
How to Document GIRP Notes for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Goals
Document current treatment goals, client's goals for this session, and progress toward established objectives
When documenting the Goals section for EMDR therapy, clearly define the specific trauma-related symptoms or maladaptive beliefs targeted for resolution. This section should outline measurable therapeutic objectives that guide the EMDR process.
- Identify the primary traumatic memory or distressing event to be processed.
- Specify cognitive restructuring goals related to negative self-beliefs.
- Set measurable targets for reduction of emotional distress and somatic symptoms.
- Define desired improvements in adaptive coping skills post-EMDR.
- Establish timelines for achieving symptom stabilization and reprocessing milestones.
Intervention
Record specific interventions applied to address identified goals and advance treatment
In the Intervention section for EMDR, detail the specific bilateral stimulation techniques, phases of EMDR applied, and clinical observations during the session. Document therapeutic modalities and any modifications tailored to the client’s needs.
- Describe the type of bilateral stimulation used (e.g., eye movements, taps, auditory tones).
- Note which EMDR phase was addressed (e.g., preparation, desensitization, installation).
- Record client’s level of engagement and observable emotional or physical reactions.
- Document any grounding or stabilization techniques implemented alongside EMDR.
- Specify adaptations made to standard protocol based on client presentation or session flow.
Response
Note the client's response to goal-focused work, progress indicators, and barriers to goal achievement
The Response section should capture the client's immediate and ongoing reactions to EMDR interventions, including changes in symptom intensity, emotional processing, and shifts in cognition or somatic experience.
- Assess changes in distress levels associated with targeted memories using Subjective Units of Distress (SUDS).
- Note any emergence of new insights or cognitive shifts reported by the client.
- Document behavioral or physiological responses observed during or after bilateral stimulation.
- Evaluate progress toward previously established goals and symptom reduction.
- Identify any indications of dissociation or destabilization requiring clinical attention.
Plan
Specify action steps, revised goals if needed, and timeline for goal achievement
The Plan section should outline the next steps in the EMDR treatment process, including session focus, homework assignments to support reprocessing, and any recommended modifications or referrals to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
- Schedule next session with a focus on processing identified target memories or themes.
- Assign client homework such as journaling emotional reactions or practicing grounding techniques.
- Plan adjustments to EMDR protocol based on client response and tolerance.
- Recommend consultation or referral if complex trauma or comorbid conditions are identified.
- Set goals for stabilization or resource development prior to further trauma reprocessing.
SOAP Notes for EMDR
Alternative format for documenting emdr
DAP Notes for EMDR
Alternative format for documenting emdr
BIRP Notes for EMDR
Alternative format for documenting emdr
Progress Notes for EMDR
Alternative format for documenting emdr
SIRP Notes for EMDR
Alternative format for documenting emdr
PIE Notes for EMDR
Alternative format for documenting emdr
Tips for GIRP Notes for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Connect to Diagnostic Criteria
Always link your observations and interventions back to the specific diagnostic criteria for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. If you're documenting generalized anxiety disorder, reference the specific DSM-5 criteria. If you're documenting major depressive disorder, show evidence of the required number of depressive symptoms. This demonstrates clear clinical reasoning and justifies continued treatment.
Use Quantifiable Measurements
Don't simply write "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing improving." Instead, use rating scales (0-10 severity scales, PHQ-9 scores, GAD-7 scores, etc.) to show concrete progress. Document specific behavioral changes: "Client reported anxiety decreased from 8/10 to 6/10 when discussing social situations," or "Depressive symptoms reduced by 3 points on PHQ-9."
Document Functional Impact
Show how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing affects the client's daily functioning. Insurance requires evidence of functional impairment to justify treatment. Document specific impacts: "Unable to attend work meetings due to anxiety," or "Staying in bed until 2 PM due to depressed mood." Then show how treatment addresses these functional limitations.
Track Intervention Specificity
Rather than vague interventions, be specific about what you did and why. For Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, document: "Taught progressive muscle relaxation for anxiety management," or "Assigned behavioral activation with goal to schedule one pleasant activity daily." Show how each intervention targets the specific symptoms of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
Demonstrate Treatment Progress
Connect each session to overall treatment goals for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Show how this session moved the client forward. Document barriers encountered and your response: "Client engaged in avoidance despite exposure assignment. Explored ambivalence about facing feared situations. Adjusted timeline."
Note Comorbidities
Clients with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing often have other conditions. Document any comorbid diagnoses and how they interact. For example: "Client's Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is complicated by concurrent depression, which reduces treatment response. Added behavioral activation to address depressive symptoms alongside anxiety-specific exposure work."
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Further Reading
- APA Documentation Guidelines — Provides authoritative guidance on clinical documentation standards relevant to mental health professionals using structured note formats like GIRP.
- SAMHSA — Offers resources on evidence-based trauma treatments including EMDR, supporting accurate clinical documentation practices.
- NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) — Contains research and information on trauma and PTSD treatments, useful for understanding the clinical context of EMDR documentation.