A mandatory procedure at the end of every EMDR session, regardless of whether reprocessing is complete. With incomplete work, the client places the remaining material into the container, returns to the safe place, and applies the Butterfly Hug. With completed work — grounding, return to the present, psychoeducation about possible processes between sessions.
Step-by-step guide
- Assess whether the work is complete (SUD = 0, VoC = 6–7, body scan clear)
- With incomplete work: "The images and feelings that remain — let us place them into the container"
- Return to the safe place, apply the Butterfly Hug
- Grounding: "Open your eyes. What day is it? Where are you?"
- Psychoeducation: "You may have dreams or thoughts may surface — that is normal"
- Agreement: "Use the container and the Butterfly Hug if stabilization is needed"
When to use
- The end of every EMDR session
- When reprocessing is incomplete — especially important
- When activation is present at the end of a session
Key phrases
Let us close for today. The images and feelings that remain — we place them into your container. They will be safe there until our next meeting. Now picture your safe place and do the Butterfly Hug.
Follow-up questions
Open your eyes when you are ready
Between our meetings further processing may continue — dreams, thoughts. That is a normal process.
Use the container and the Butterfly Hug if you need support
Alternative phrasings
Let us make sure you are okay before you leave — tell me what you feel right now
Warnings
- ⚠️ Closure is mandatory after EVERY session — without it the client leaves unstabilized
- ⚠️ Do not end a session in the middle of active reprocessing without stabilization
Source: Shapiro, 2001, 2018
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.