CBT Session Concepts and Practices (Lecture Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key CBT concepts, techniques, relational considerations, and case details from the lecture.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

A goal‑oriented, present-focused therapy that targets the connections among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors using structured techniques and homework.

Formulation

Clinician’s integrated map of a client’s problem across cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and cultural factors to guide treatment.

Agenda setting

Collaboratively identifying and agreeing on the goals and priorities for therapy sessions.

Relational/flexible CBT

An approach that emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, pacing, and tailoring techniques to the client’s readiness rather than rigid worksheets.

Schemas / Core beliefs

Deeply held, pervasive beliefs about self, others, and the world that shape automatic thoughts and behavior.

Predisposing factors

Long-standing or historical factors that increase vulnerability to distress (e.g., impostor syndrome, being first‑generation in a family).

Precipitating factors

Recent events or stressors that trigger the presenting problem or worsen symptoms.

Impostor syndrome

A pattern of doubting one’s abilities and fearing being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of competence.

Procrastination / avoidance

Behavioral patterns that delay tasks and maintain distress through avoidance.

Cultural mistrust

Skepticism rooted in historical oppression that can affect therapeutic engagement and safety.

First-generation status

Being the first in a family to pursue higher education; associated pressures and expectations.

Emotion wheel / Feeling wheel

A tool to label nuanced emotions beyond basics, enhancing emotional awareness.

Thought log

A CBT exercise where automatic thoughts are recorded, examined for distortions, and reappraised.

Cognitive distortions

Irrational or biased thinking patterns that distort reality and sustain distress.

Behavioral activation

A strategy to increase engagement in rewarding activities to improve mood and functioning.

Homework / self-reflection

Therapist‑assigned tasks; some clients respond better to reflective work than traditional worksheets.

Good faith estimate (GFE)

Regulatory/ethical estimate provided to clients about expected therapy duration and cost.

Time-limited therapy

A planned, finite number of sessions aimed at achieving progress and teaching self‑management skills; includes boosters.

Alliance ruptures red flags

Signals of strain in the therapeutic relationship (e.g., avoidance, excessive agreeableness, missed sessions) indicating need for repair.