SIRP Notes for EMDR: Template + Examples (2026)
Overview
The SIRP 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 SIRP 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 SIRP Notes structure, when properly applied to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, communicates this clinical picture clearly and compliantly.
How to Document SIRP Notes for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Situation
Describe the presenting situation, precipitating events, current stressors, and context surrounding this session
When documenting the Situation section for EMDR, capture the client’s presenting issues, emotional state, and relevant background information that sets the context for the session’s focus.
- Identify the specific traumatic memory or target being addressed in the session
- Note the client’s current emotional and physiological state prior to bilateral stimulation
- Document any recent stressors or triggers impacting the client’s symptom presentation
- Record client’s reported level of distress (e.g., SUDS rating) related to the target memory
- Include any relevant safety concerns or dissociative symptoms observed or reported
Intervention
Document specific therapeutic interventions, techniques, and clinical actions taken during the session
In the Intervention section, detail the specific EMDR techniques and therapeutic modalities used during the session, including clinician observations and client engagement with bilateral stimulation.
- Describe the type of bilateral stimulation applied (e.g., eye movements, tapping, auditory tones)
- Note the phase of EMDR protocol being implemented (e.g., assessment, desensitization, installation)
- Record any modifications made to standard EMDR procedures based on client needs or responses
- Document clinician’s observations of client’s eye movement patterns and physical cues during processing
- Specify any grounding or stabilization techniques used alongside EMDR to manage distress
Response
Record the client's response to interventions, observable changes, and emotional/behavioral reactions
The Response section should capture the client’s reactions during and after EMDR processing, including emotional shifts, cognitive insights, and progress toward therapeutic goals.
- Evaluate changes in the client’s Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) from start to end of session
- Note emergence of new memories, thoughts, or emotions related to the targeted trauma
- Record client’s verbalizations of cognitive shifts or reframing of traumatic material
- Observe and document client’s ability to maintain presence and avoid dissociation during bilateral stimulation
- Assess any reduction or persistence of trauma-related symptoms post-intervention
Plan
Outline next steps, follow-up care, and ongoing treatment strategy based on current situation and response
In the Plan section, outline the next steps for EMDR treatment, including homework assignments, treatment adjustments, and scheduling considerations tailored to the client’s progress and needs.
- Identify next targeted memories or themes for upcoming EMDR sessions
- Assign specific self-soothing or grounding homework to support emotional regulation between sessions
- Plan adjustments to bilateral stimulation techniques or protocol phases based on client response
- Recommend referrals for adjunctive therapies if indicated (e.g., psychiatric evaluation, trauma-focused CBT)
- Schedule follow-up sessions with consideration for client’s stability and treatment pacing
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
GIRP Notes for EMDR
Alternative format for documenting emdr
PIE Notes for EMDR
Alternative format for documenting emdr
Tips for SIRP 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 detailed standards for clinical documentation relevant to mental health treatments like EMDR.
- SAMHSA — Offers resources and guidelines on evidence-based trauma treatments including EMDR and documentation practices.
- NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) — Contains authoritative information on mental health disorders and therapeutic interventions such as EMDR.