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Quick Sessions vs. Target Sessions

Learn when to use quick sessions versus target-focused sessions for different processing needs.

Updated over 2 months ago

EmEase offers two main approaches to processing: Quick Sessions and Target Sessions. Each serves a different purpose and can be valuable at different times in your healing journey. This guide explains both options and helps you decide which is right for your current needs.

Understanding the Two Approaches

Target Sessions

What they are: Processing sessions focused on a specific target you've previously created and saved in your Journey.

How they work:

  1. You select an existing target from your Journey list

  2. You rate your current distress level for that specific target

  3. You process with that target in mind throughout the session

  4. After the session, you update the distress rating for that target

  5. Your progress is tracked in the target's history

Quick Sessions

What they are: Spontaneous processing sessions without selecting a pre-defined target.

How they work:

  1. You choose "Quick Session" instead of selecting a target

  2. You rate your current general distress level

  3. You process whatever comes to mind during the session

  4. After the session, you rate your post-session distress

  5. You can record insights, but they aren't linked to a specific target

When to Use Target Sessions

Target Sessions are ideal when:

  • You have a specific issue you want to address systematically

  • You want to track progress on a particular memory or concern

  • You've prepared mentally to work on a specific target

  • You're following a structured approach to your healing journey

  • You want comprehensive records of your progress over time

Benefits of Target Sessions:

  • Creates continuity between sessions

  • Provides clear metrics to track improvement

  • Helps maintain focus during processing

  • Builds a detailed history of your work on specific issues

  • Allows you to see patterns in what helps reduce distress

When to Use Quick Sessions

Quick Sessions are ideal when:

  • Something is bothering you right now that you haven't created a target for

  • You're not sure what to focus on but feel the need to process

  • You want to process without preparation or detailed target creation

  • You're feeling generally activated rather than triggered by something specific

  • You want to experiment with the processing experience

Benefits of Quick Sessions:

  • Lower barrier to entry—no target creation required

  • Allows for spontaneous processing of what's most present

  • Useful for "emotional first aid" when something unexpected arises

  • Can reveal connections or issues you hadn't considered for targets

  • Often feels less formal and more flexible

Combining Both Approaches

Many users benefit from using both approaches in their healing journey:

  • Start with Quick Sessions to become comfortable with the process

  • Create Targets for issues that emerge repeatedly in Quick Sessions

  • Use Target Sessions for systematic work on important issues

  • Return to Quick Sessions when you need flexibility or immediate relief

Starting Either Type of Session

To start a Target Session:

  1. Tap the Session tab

  2. Select a target from your list

  3. Continue with session setup

To start a Quick Session:

  1. Tap the Session tab

  2. Select Quick Session at the top of your target list

  3. Continue with session setup

After Your Session

After a Target Session:

  • Your post-session ratings and insights are saved to that target's history

  • You can view progress in the target details screen

  • The target's distress chart will update with your new rating

After a Quick Session:

  • Your session is recorded in your general session history

  • You can review insights in your session history

  • Consider creating a new target if the same theme emerges in multiple quick sessions

Recommended Approach for Beginners

If you're new to EmEase:

  1. Start with 2-3 Quick Sessions to get comfortable with the process

  2. Create your first target based on what emerged during those sessions

  3. Try a Target Session with your new target

  4. Continue using both approaches as needed

Remember that both approaches are valuable tools in your healing journey. The "best" approach is simply the one that meets your current needs.


Whether you choose Quick Sessions or Target Sessions, remember that processing is not about "doing it right"—it's about creating space for your natural healing capacity to engage.

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