Self or World Beliefs Related To Past Trauma

An inherent part of past trauma is the triggered feeling state. This feeling state involves three main pieces. 1) Cognitive belief, 2) Emotional Reaction, and 3) Physical response. In EMDR preparation and processing all three pieces are important. In this blog, we explore the first of those, the cognitive beliefs that are associated with past trauma. Below is a list of some of those beliefs that can feel true when the past trauma is triggered. To clarify I don’t believe any of these are true, but they can certainly feel true when we’re triggered.

Negative beliefs

RESPONSIBILITY/ I AM SOMETHING “WRONG”

I don’t deserve love.

I am a bad person.

I am terrible.

I am worthless (inadequate).

I am shameful.

I am not lovable.

I am not good enough.

I deserve only bad things.

I am permanently damaged.

I am ugly (my body is hateful).

I do not deserve . . .

I am stupid (not smart enough).

I am insignificant (unimportant).

I am a disappointment.

I deserve to die.

I deserve to be miserable.

I am different (don’t belong).

RESPONSIBILITY/ I DID SOMETHING “WRONG”

I should have done something.

I did something wrong.

I should have known better.

SAFETY/ VULNERABILITY

I cannot be trusted.

I cannot trust myself.

I cannot trust my judgment.

I cannot trust anyone.

I cannot protect myself.

I am in danger.

It’s not okay to feel (show) my emotions.

I cannot stand up for myself.

I cannot let it out.

CONTROL/ CHOICE

I am not in control.

I am powerless (helpless).

I am weak.

I cannot get what I want.

I am a failure (will fail).

I cannot succeed.

I have to be perfect (please everyone).

I cannot stand it.

I am inadequate.

I cannot trust anyone.