Simple Thought Challenging Record
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Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
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Introduction & Theoretical Background
Beck’s cognitive model (Beck et al, 1979) proposes that events are not directly responsible for the way we feel. Rather, it is the interpretation of those events – our appraisals, thoughts, or cognitions – that trigger our emotional responses. The model implies that we can change how we feel by changing how we think. The CBT cognitive model describes different levels of cognition that underpin how we think about ourselves, other people and the world, shaping our interpretation and response to events. Moving from the deepest to the most superficial, these are:
- Core beliefs. These are understood as generalized statements that shape how an individual understands themselves, other people, and the world (e.g. “I’m competent”, “I’m unlovable”, “No one can be trusted”, “The world is dangerous and unpredictable”, “I’m adaptable”).
- Intermediate beliefs. These are understood as a set of assumptions that guide behavior across different situations. They can often
Therapist Guidance
“We have spent some time identifying your negative automatic thoughts, and we have talked about how thoughts aren’t facts even when they feel like they are true. Now, I want to help you to develop the habit of questioning and challenging your automatic thoughts. With this thought record we’re going to practice challenging your automatic thoughts by exploring alternative perspectives.”
- Automatic thought. If completing the thought record retrospectively, start by asking the client to recall a specific negative automatic thought. If the client has already documented negative automatic thoughts (e.g. with a previous thought record) you could refer back to some of those situations. Otherwise, begin by encouraging them to recall a specific instance in which they noticed negative thoughts, feelings, or responses. Remind the client that thoughts can be verbal or can come as an image.
- What automatic thought should we work with?
- What was going through
References And Further Reading
- Beck, A.T. & Beck J.S. (1995). Cognitive Therapy: Basics and Beyond. New York: Guilford.
- Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, B.F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: Guilford.