Theory A / Theory B (TA/TB) is a common CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) approach that is well established as a supportive cognitive technique. With OCD-EMDR we integrate helpful techniques from other models of therapy, that fit nicely within the eight phases of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). TA/TB integrates well with EMDR at phase two and can be seen as a resourcing technique which also begins to light up connections to the adaptive neural pathways that we want to move towards in the present and future prong.
Understanding the Theories
In this model of Theory A / Theory B, we categorise the client's internal conflict into two distinct frameworks:
Theory A (The OCD Narrative): This is the belief that the obsession is a real, imminent threat. It posits that the "danger" is external or moral, and the compulsions are the only way to prevent a catastrophe.
Theory B (The Alternative Narrative): This is the identification of the problem as OCD parts bringing fear, worry, doubts, intrusions, and a false story about the need for compulsions, and there is no real imminent threat, but rather anxiety and doubt triggering the nervous system "warning system" - therefore these OCD worries and doubts do not require a response. The goal is not to solve the obsession, get involved with the story, or avoid the thoughts or worries from coming true, but to recognise that Theory A is OCD (parts telling an OCD story) and not fact, and make a choice to focus attention on trusting your senses, intentions, adult self, and act aligned with your values as you focus on the path of Theory B.
EMDR Phase 2: Building the visualisation of what you want to attend to in Theory B
In Phase 2, we prepare the client for the "heavy lifting" of reprocessing. We don't just want them to survive the distress; we want them to embody the adaptive information and start to light up the new neural pathways. This involves many resources as well as installing the "Future Ideal Self"—the version of the client who operates within Theory B.
The "Adaptive Protector"
Instead of viewing the OCD as the enemy, we reframe it as "Outdated Protectors" / Parts (IFS/Ego State theory) using the fearful narrative of Theory A to bring attention to watch out for potential threat, showing images or thoughts of the most feared actions or experiences that hook into the individuals specific worst fears. We see these as trying to get protectors to guard the system against these fears and use compulsions to protect from distress and/or the worst fear coming true - living by Theory A and what OCD parts say or fears, creates excessive distress, avoidance of feared situations, and excessive compulsions. These can seem to create a feeling of being in control and somehow keeping the rest of the system safe or regulated through compulsions. These are the old patterns of responses that likely helped at some time in childhood to suppress, distract, or ignore deeper rooted feelings that had to other outlet, but are no longer required or helpful in adulthood.
The Concept: Acknowledge that the OCD was a brilliant adaptation to a past experience - many times it can act like a distractor that focuses attention away from what has actually happened or is actually underneath and dissociates away from unprocessed emotions of the past.
The Shift: We help the client visualise their Future Ideal Self aligned with Theory B—a version of them that thanks the protectors for their service but no longer requires its hyper-vigilance or compulsions because there is a resourced adult Self present now, who can be trusted to act on Theory B and follow their adult values based goals.
Why This Works
By framing OCD as an adaptive defense, we reduce the shame that often halts EMDR progress. When a client realises their brain was actually trying to help them survive, the "Theory B" becomes less about "fixing" themselves and more about trusting themselves as a wise adult and moving beyond old survival strategies that were learned and probably necessary in childhood when they were in fact dependent on others.
The Resource: Visualising the "Theory B" Future Self
Before moving to the tapping, guide the client to create this mental image:
Identify the Future Self: "Imagine yourself, fully living in Theory B. You hear the OCD alarm, but you recognise it - you are aware that an OCD part is creating a Theory A feared story...but you embody Theory B, unhook from theory A, and respond in line with your adult wise Self moving towards Theory B."
Sensory Details: What does this version of you look like? What do you notice about your body? How does it feel to trust in Theory B? How does it feel to trust in your wise adult Self? How do you breathe? What is the expression on your face when the "Theory A" story / thought pops up? (Try to bring compassion and understanding to the parts who were believing theory A and feeling afraid-these are inner child parts).
The Dialogue: The Future Ideal Self says to the OCD parts: "Thank you for trying to protect me, but we are safe now. As an adult I choose Theory B and know I can build trust in that."
Tapping Script: Installing Theory B
Once the visualisation is vivid, we use Butterfly Tapping (slow, bilateral stimulation) to "install" this resource. This strengthens the neural pathways associated with the Theory B perspective.
The Script:
Clinician: "Bring up that image of you as your Ideal Self—the one who knows the 'threat' and fear feeling is actually a surge of protective anxiety that follows a frightened childs parts fear of Theory A. Notice where you feel that strength in your body."
Client: (Begins slow Butterfly Tapping, crossing arms over the chest and tapping shoulders alternately).
Clinician: "As you tap, I am in the present as an adult and can choose to trust my wise adult Self and Theory B whilst holding OCD parts with compassionate understanding and loving boundaries'"
Clinician: "Notice the space between the thought (Theory A) and your reaction to live by Theory B and trust the adult Self
Clinician: "Feel the Future Ideal Self becoming more solid with every tap. This version of you doesn't need to 'fix' the obsession; they just need to breathe through the sensitivity and the OCD old story. Stay with that feeling of Theory B being your true reality."
(Pause after 10–12 sets of slow taps with 6-8 passes)
Clinician: "Take a deep breath. Notice what shifted."
Why Reframing Matters
When we label OCD as an adaptive defense, we remove the shame. The client realises their brain was actually trying to be too helpful to prevent an imaginary story that scared inner parts. By tapping in Theory B during Phase 2, we create a version of "Future Template" where the client is no longer fighting their brain, but holding compassionate awareness and creating a pathway of possibility to choose Theory B. This supports the connection to or development of adaptive information required for the deeper reprocessing work in Phases 3-6.
author Linda Sunderland of OCD-EMDR.com