Cognition Cards for Teens — EMDR Playground™
Hey there,
I created Cognition Cards for Teens as a supportive therapeutic tool to help teens notice and explore thoughts and beliefs that can be difficult to identify or express. The cards give language to common negative cognitions while offering more adaptive possibilities to consider.
They can be used in therapy, EMDR, play therapy, cognitive work, journaling, mindfulness, or personal reflection. There is no need to force a positive thought or make an adaptive statement feel true — approach the cards with curiosity instead.
With care, Jackie Flynn, EdS, LMHC-S, RPT-S™, RST-C/T — EMDR Playground™
Flip the thought.
Every card pairs a negative cognition with a possibility to explore — never a demand to think differently. Tap a card below to see both sides.
Teens can pass, disagree, change the words, choose neither, or create their own. The goal is to make space for what is there while gently exploring what else might be possible.
How it's meant to be used
Notice what fits
Use the cards to explore thoughts and beliefs about themselves that come up in therapy — noticing what fits, what doesn't, and what may be changing.
Make it their own
Teens can change the wording, choose neither side, or create a statement of their own. Nothing here is meant to feel forced.
Go at their own pace
Choose what feels meaningful and skip what doesn't. Designed for clinician-supported use — never a substitute for therapy.
Themes across the deck
Negative cognitions are paired with adaptive possibilities across recognizable clinical themes.
- Full deck of paired negative & adaptive cognition cards
- Print-ready, instant digital download
- Built for therapy, EMDR, and play therapy sessions
- Created by Jackie Flynn, EdS, LMHC-S, RPT-S™, RST-C/T