When difficult emotions surface between EMDR sessions, it may feel overwhelming to make sense of them alone.
A TICES Log can help with noting those moments gently and intentionally.
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What Is the TICES Log?
The TICES Log is a table that encourages you to reflect on a Triggering event and record the Image, Cognitions, Emotions, and body Sensations (TICES) that arose as a result. The acronym stands for:
- Trigger: What event, thought, or sensation sparked this reaction?
- Image: What mental picture or memory feels most tied to this emotion?
- Cognition: What belief arises in this moment (e.g., “I’m not safe” or “I’m unlovable”)?
- Emotions: What feelings dominate right now? Name them.
- Sensations: Where do you feel this in your body?
It was originally developed by Francine Shapiro, the originator of EMDR therapy, to help you track and document your emotional experiences between therapy sessions.
The TICES log provides a structured way to:
- Document disturbing experiences between sessions
- Break down the elements of what you’re experiencing in distressing moments
- Rate your level of emotional disturbance on a scale of 0-10
- Identify patterns in your emotional responses
Completing the TICES log can help you become more aware of your internal experiences and how they relate to external situations, which is an important part of the EMDR healing process.
What does the TICES log look like?
A TICES log is typically formatted as a table with five columns labeled T, I, C, E, and S. Each column captures a different component of a triggering experience.
Why am I being asked to complete a TICES log?
Regular use of the TICES Log offers several advantages:
- Helps you become more conscious of your internal experiences
- Allows you to notice recurring thoughts, emotional responses, and physical sensations
- Encourages practice of relaxation techniques learned in therapy
- Provides valuable information for your therapist about what occurred between sessions
- Offers a way to measure changes in your responses over time
Commonly Asked Questions about the TICES Record
How often should I use it?
Some people benefit from daily logging, while others might use it a few times a week or as needed when triggering events occur. Your therapist can help determine what’s most appropriate for you.
What if I can’t identify all the different components?
It’s perfectly normal to have difficulty identifying some elements, especially when you first begin using the log. Simply record what you can and discuss any challenges with your therapist. Your ability to identify these components will likely improve with practice.
Is the TICES log a form of therapy on its own?
No, the TICES Log is not a standalone treatment but rather a supportive tool used within the framework of EMDR therapy. Though you might find it useful to use such a document if you are not undergoing EMDR therapy as a way of noticing events that are unsettling for you.
What should I do if I feel distressed completing the log?
If you find that completing the log brings up significant distress, use the relaxation techniques you’ve learned in therapy. Remember that the purpose of the log is to help you understand your experiences, not to retraumatise you. If you experience overwhelming distress, contact your therapist.
How will my therapist use the information from the TICES log?
Your therapist will review your completed logs to better understand your triggers and responses, identify patterns, track your progress, and guide your treatment plan. The information helps inform which experiences might benefit from processing in future sessions.
Download a TICES log
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