The Now Thoughts and New Thoughts card decks correspond to the negative and positive cognitions in EMDR. By using simple and developmentally appropriate language, it’s easier for young clients to understand and engage in the EMDR process. The following considerations on using the cards in the different phases of EMDR are intended for qualified EMDR practitioners only.
Impromptu in session or during Phases 1, 3, & 5
Introducing the Cards: “These are thought cards. Each card has a thought that kids/teens sometimes believe about themselves. I wonder if there are any that you believe about yourself when you think about...”
- Connecting to Situations: “What thought card goes/fits with that?”
- Exploring Negative Cognitions: “Sometimes we hold onto thoughts that don’t make us feel good about ourselves. I wonder what you might be holding onto about [situation or experience]. I have some cards that can help us think about it.”
- Expressing Thoughts: “Sometimes we have many different thoughts. I have these cards that I use to help us find the thought that feels the biggest/heaviest.”
- Exploring Positive Cognitions: For the assessment phase, “Think about that [situation]. What thought card would you like to believe about yourself?” For the installation phase, “Does that thought card still fit/go with that?” If the client states no, “Is there a new thought that goes with that?”
During Play:
- Using Characters: “I wonder what the [character] thinks about [scene being played out]. I have some cards that can help us find out.”
- “I wonder what thought card the [character] would choose about [scene being played out]. Let's look and see which card [character] will pick.”
With Parents in History Taking:
- Parent Insight: “These are thought cards. Each card has a thought that kids or teens sometimes believe about themselves. I wonder if there are any that you have ever heard [child’s name] say or ones you think they may believe. I wonder if there are any of these that you believe about yourself related to your experience as a parent.”
Tips for Practitioners
- Therapeutic Relationship and Pacing: Incorporate these ideas with intentionality and mindful awareness of your client.
- Categories to Consider: Keep in mind the categories of safety, responsibility, control and options. If you sense which category may be applicable, present those cards to avoid overwhelming the parent or child.