In EMDR treatment, the therapist works with the client to identify a specific problem to be the focus for a treatment session. The client recalls to mind a disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard or thought, and indicates what thoughts or beliefs are currently held about that event. The therapist performs sets of movements, moving a hand back and forth (a set) while the client focuses on the disturbing material and simultaneously watches as the therapist moves his/her hand from left to right (a set). The client just notices whatever comes to mind without making any effort to control direction or content. Each person's information processing will be unique, based upon that persons values and experiences. It is essential to understand that there is no way for the client to do EMDR processing incorrectly. Successive sets of eye movements are continued until the memory becomes less and less disturbing and becomes more associated with positive thoughts and beliefs about oneself. For example, the client may spontaneously exclaim, "I did the best I could". During the initial stage of an EMDR session the client may experience intense emotions; by the end of the session most people report a marked reduction in their level of disturbance. Following each session clients are asked to keep a log or journal of memories, feelings and experiences related to their experience of that session. This information may then be used in future sessions as a focus for unresolved memories or simply remain as information and be utilized as a mark of progress. The information may also serve as a reference point to where the process began and where their work has taken them.

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