EMDR · Assessment
Negative & Positive Cognitions List
Responsibility, safety, choice — at a glance
Quick reference for selecting an accurate negative cognition and a matched positive cognition during Phase 3.
1
Responsibility / defectiveness
Negative
- — I am not good enough.
- — I am defective.
- — I am worthless.
- — I deserved it.
- — I should have done something.
Positive
- — I am good enough as I am.
- — I am whole.
- — I have worth.
- — I did the best I could.
- — I did what I could at the time.
2
Safety / vulnerability
Negative
- — I am not safe.
- — I am in danger.
- — I cannot trust myself.
- — I cannot trust anyone.
Positive
- — I am safe now.
- — It is over; I am here.
- — I can trust myself.
- — I can choose who to trust.
3
Choice / control
Negative
- — I am powerless.
- — I have no control.
- — I cannot stand it.
- — I am trapped.
Positive
- — I have choices now.
- — I am in control now.
- — I can handle it.
- — I have options.
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