.vve-pairs{list-style:none;margin:28px 0 0;padding:0;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(250px,1fr));gap:18px}
.vve-pairs li{margin:0;display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,150px) auto minmax(0,150px);justify-content:center;align-items:center;gap:10px}
.vve-card{aspect-ratio:5/7;border-radius:12px;display:grid;place-items:center;text-align:center;padding:10px;font-family:Georgia,”Times New Roman”,serif;font-size:.98rem;line-height:1.25;color:#1f2b2b;box-shadow:0 10px 22px -14px rgba(0,0,0,.45)}
.vve-card–nc{background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 45%,#fff 0,#f1faf7 38%,#cfe9e4 100%)}
.vve-card–pc{background:radial-gradient(circle at 50% 45%,#fff 0,#fdf5ee 38%,#f6dcc6 100%)}
.vve-card small{display:block;font-family:Poppins,sans-serif;font-size:.62rem;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#5d6b6b;margin-bottom:6px}
.vve-sr{position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0 0 0 0);white-space:nowrap}
.vve-arrow{color:var(–vvp-mag,#e82063);font-size:1.3rem}
.vve-note{margin-top:28px!important;padding:18px 22px;border-radius:16px;background:var(–vvp-cream,#f9f7f2);border:1px solid var(–vvp-line,#e8e3d9);font-size:.95rem}

EMDR Cognition Cards

Put the cognitions in your client’s hands

Finding the right negative and positive cognition is one of the trickier parts of EMDR. Many clients know how a memory feels but struggle to put the belief about themselves into words, and reading from a printed list can feel clinical.

The EMDR Cognition Cards turn that language into a deck clients can hold, sort, and compare. Inspired by the cognitions in Francine Shapiro’s foundational EMDR work, the 55 cards go beyond a short standard list, and each one pairs a negative cognition with a corresponding positive cognition on the back.

55 two-sided cardsGrouped into four themes: responsibility/defectiveness, responsibility/action, safety/vulnerability, and power/control/choice.
Negative cognition sideA cool blue-green side with the negative belief, such as “I am not good enough.”
Positive cognition sideA warm peach side with the matching positive belief, such as “I am good enough.”
Free sticker packEvery order of EMDR Cognition Cards comes with a pack of our EMDR and counseling stickers.

Inside the deck

Two sides of the same belief

A few examples of what clients see on each side of a card.

NegativeI am not good enough.

flips to

PositiveI am good enough.
NegativeI am not lovable.

flips to

PositiveI am lovable.
NegativeI deserve only bad things.

flips to

PositiveI deserve good things.
NegativeMy body is hateful.

flips to

PositiveMy body is worthy of love, care, and acceptance.

In session

How therapists use them

1

Find the negative cognition

With the target memory in mind, the client sorts the negative side into “fits me” and “doesn’t fit me,” then narrows to the belief that resonates most.
2

Choose the positive cognition

Flip the card to see the matching positive belief. The client can use it as written or adjust the wording, then give it a Validity of Cognition (VoC) rating.
3

Return to it

Keep the chosen card in view, and come back to the positive cognition during installation to check how true it feels now.

Try the free online card sort at EMDRCognitionCards.com →

Who it’s for

Made for EMDR therapists and their clients

EMDR therapists

A more tangible, collaborative way to identify the NC and PC during preparation and assessment.

Clients who get stuck on words

Recognizing a belief on a card is often easier than coming up with one from scratch.

Telehealth sessions

Send clients the free online card sort. It uses the same 55 cognitions, with no login.

The cards are a clinical support tool. They don’t replace EMDR training, clinical judgment, or the standard EMDR protocol.

Engage your clients.

Give clients a hands-on way to find the words for what they believe about themselves.

Add to cart · $25.99

Free sticker pack included · Free US shipping over $30 · 30-day returns · Also available bundled with the Complete Edition

EMDR

EMDR Cognition Cards

Stickers

Values Cards Complete Edition and Core Record Sheets

Values Cards Complete Edition and EMDR Cards Bundle