EMDR Belief List
Negative and positive cognitions from the EMDR protocol
The reference list every EMDR therapist needs for Phase 3 (Assessment). 38 cognition pairs organized into 4 categories, based on Shapiro's standard. Select your patient's cognitions, record VoC, and print or download as PDF.
Tap a row to select
EMDR Belief List
emdrdigital.com
Date: _______________
Patient: _______________
0 / 38 selected · Validity of Cognition (1-7)
VoC - Validity of Cognition (1-7)
"When you think of the incident, how true does this statement feel to you now?"
Select: Tap any row to mark identified cognitions. Record the VoC for each one.
Download PDF: Download the full list as a printable reference sheet.
Print selection: When you have cognitions selected, prints only the selection as a session worksheet.
Save: Your selection is saved automatically in this browser for 24 hours.
What are cognitions in EMDR?
In EMDR, cognitions are self-referential beliefs that the patient holds about themselves in relation to a traumatic event. They are divided into two types: negative cognitions (NC), reflecting the current irrational belief ("I am not good enough"), and positive cognitions (PC), representing the desired adaptive belief ("I am good enough").
Francine Shapiro organized these cognitions into three main domains: Responsibility (beliefs about personal defectiveness and guilt), Safety (beliefs about vulnerability and trust), and Control (beliefs about power and capability). This classification remains the international standard used in EMDR training.
The belief list is a reference tool for Phase 3 (Assessment) of the EMDR protocol. The therapist uses it to help the patient identify and articulate the negative cognition associated with the processing target and the positive cognition they would like to install.
This list contains 38 cognition pairs based on Shapiro's standard (2018), organized into 4 categories. You can select the cognitions relevant to your patient, record the VoC (Validity of Cognition) score, and print or download the selection.
When to use it
The belief list is a versatile tool used at various points in the therapeutic process:
- Phase 3 (Assessment): its primary use. Helps identify negative and positive cognitions associated with the processing target.
- Treatment planning: allows mapping the patient's cognitive patterns across different targets and sessions, starting from the first EMDR session.
- Supervision and training: serves as a quick reference for supervisors and trainees during case discussion.
- Case formulation: helps visualize the patient's predominant belief clusters (responsibility, safety, control).
Evidence and references
- Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
- Leeds, A. M. (2016). A Guide to the Standard EMDR Therapy Protocols for Clinicians, Supervisors, and Consultants (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing.
- EMDRIA. Inclusive Negative and Positive Cognitions and Emotions List. EMDR International Association.
- Psychology Tools. EMDR Negative And Positive Cognitions. Professional handout for Phase 3 of the EMDR protocol.
Frequently asked questions
This resource is a complementary tool and does not replace therapy with a qualified professional. If you experience significant distress, contact your therapist.
