Cognition Magnets can help clients explore, quantify, and process the various cognitions/cognitive distortions that arise following a traumatic event. Each client and trauma experience differ greatly, therefore this kit contains several tools that can be used to meet various individual emotional and developmental needs.
Included are four categories (SAFETY, VALUE, RESPONSIBILITY, and POWER) of Positive Cognition (PC) magnets in bold), four categories of Negative Cognition (NC) magnets, a 1-7 “Validity of Cognition” (VOC) scale magnet, a feelings chart (8.5"x 5.5"), a printed “SUDS” chart (8.5"x 5.5"), a Body Feelings visual aid (8.5"x 5.5"), and a downloadable checklist.
To be used by qualified professionals only.
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR EMDR TRAINED CLINCIANS: Use the Negative Cognition (NC) magnets during the Assessment Phase of EMDR to assist clients in identifying the NC they associate with their trauma image. Use the Positive Cognition (PC) magnets (in bold) to assist client in identifying their desired PC. Use the 1-7 “Validity of Cognition” (VOC) scale magnet to assist client in assessing the validity of the identified PC. Clients can manipulate the magnets, choosing the ones that pertain to them and moving them to the VOC scale number that matches it. The feelings chart, SUDS Scale, and Body Feelings Visual can be used as a supplement to assist in the identification of feelings, location of feelings/sensations in the body, and distress level of feelings identified. NOTE: This technique can also be done as a Positive Cognition Only Version. Simply remove the NC magnets and use only the PC (in bold) with the VOC scale magnet.
FOR TF-CBT TRAINED CLINICIANS: During the Trauma Narrative component of TF-CBT (as you rewind to various moments within the narrative to elicit for thoughts, feelings, and body sensations), Cognition Magnets can help clients identify thoughts and cognitive distortions. Provide the set of NC+PC (or just NC) magnets and have client choose any which felt true for them in the moments of their trauma. The Feelings Chart and Body Feelings visual can be used to help the client identify the emotions and body feelings that were present at the time of the trauma.
GENERAL USE: The Cognition Magnets can help clients understand and identify core beliefs. Direct the client to choose the magnets that represent their own core beliefs (both PC and NC), then place their chosen magnets under the 1-7 “Validity of Cognition” (VOC) scale number that corresponds with how true the belief feels to them. Use as a starting point for further progressive logical questioning, other CBT intervention, or creative therapy intervention as clinically appropriate.
SAND TRAY: 1. Direct the client to choose magnets that represent their own core beliefs (Both positive and negative cognitions) 2. Have client place the chosen magnets into the sand tray 3. Direct client to select miniatures that best represent the magnets chosen OPTIONAL: 4. Help the client to identify positive cognitions to replace any negative cognitions they may have chosen 5. Have client choose additional sand tray figures to represent the barriers to believing the replacement positive cognitions 6. Have client choose additional sand tray figures to represent origin of each negative core belief. Process and reflect.
CHECKLIST: The Cognition Magnets Download Checklist can track each cognition and its associated emotion, VOC rating, SUDS level, and body sensation/location.