ao1 - components of CBT

breif introduction to CBT

CBT works by trying to cobat both the cognitive and the behavioural aspects of the clients behaviour

cognitive aspect of cbt

• Cognitive aspect focuses on replacing faulty thought patterns.

• This is done through cognitive restructuring.

• Example: a client says “no one likes me at work.”

• Therapist challenges this by asking for evidence.

• They explore whether the belief is based on one isolated incident.

• This reflects overgeneralisation — taking a single negative event and applying it broadly to other people or situations.

behavioural aspect of CBT

• a therapist will engage in the client in role play or set homework

• allow the clinet to out into practice the ideas they habe discussed in the congitive section

cogntive triad

• The Cognitive Triad was proposed by Aaron Beck.

• It describes how depressed individuals often hold negative views of:

  • Themselves

  • The world

  • The future

• These three elements form a cycle of negativity.

• CBT aims to break this cycle by challenging a

cbt technique - dysfunctional though diary

• CBT uses the dysfunctional thought diary as part of client homework.

• Clients record negative thoughts and the events that triggered them.

• They then rate their belief in the negative thought (as a percentage).

• Next, they write a rational response challenging the thought.

• Finally, they re‑rate their belief, which should decrease after reflection.

• Example:

  • Negative thought: “I won’t be successful in the future.”

  • Trigger: a bad day at work after an argument with a colleague.

  • Initial belief: 100%.

  • Rational response: “Conflict at work happens; one bad day doesn’t define my future.”

  • Revised belief: 30%.

relapsae prevention strategy

• Therapist and client work together to identify early warning signs of relapse.

• Client reflects on thoughts, behaviours, and feelings experienced before becoming unwell.

• They also assess interactions with others and what significant others may have noticed.

• Together, they create a relapse prevention plan, including:

  • What the client would communicate to friends and family

  • What support options are available

  • What self-help strategies can be used independently.