CBT - Cognitive Approach 🧠

Aims of CBT

To challenge negative maladaptive thoughts and replace them with healthy thinking. ​

What is the cognitive element of CBT?

Identifying irrational thoughts and replacing them with more rational thinking

What is the behavioural element of CBT?

Reality testing through homework and role play - practicing putting ideas into practice from CBT sessions.

What happens at the initial assessment in CBT?

Client and therapist discuss the specific issues the client wants help with
Goal setting: The client and therapist will collaboratively create goals for their sessions and a plan of action on how to achieve these. ​

What is the dysfunctional thought diary?

As homework, clients keep a record of unpleasant events that happen and the negative thoughts/emotions that they felt, along with a rating of how much they believe in this thought. The client should then rationalise this and rate their belief in the new rational response. The client should then go back to their automatic negative thought and re-rate it. This diary will then be discussed in CBT sessions

What is cognitive restructuring?

Collaboratively working through irrational thoughts. These will be challenged by the therapist and then they work together to identify the patterns of negative thinking and change them

What phrases might be used by therapist/client to challenge irrational thoughts?

‘What evidence is there to support that?’
‘What’s the worst that can happen?’

What does pleasant activity scheduling involve?

Planning pleasant activities the client can engage in, a break from normal routine or something that provides a sense of accomplishment

What is the purpose of pleasant activity scheduling?

Induces positive emotions, focusing on new things to detract from negative thinking patterns

What is behavioural activiation?

A change in behaviour that can influence emotional state

What are the 3 elements of the cognitive triad?

Negative views of self
Negative views of the world
Negative views of the future

How does the cognitive triad link to CBT?

CBT helps to break the negative cycle of thinking - to change their pessimistic views of the self, world and future that depressed people have