Dysfunctional Thought Record

The Dysfunctional Thought Record is designed to help clients identify and challenge dysfunctional thoughts.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Fillable version (PDF)

A fillable version of the resource. This can be edited and saved in Adobe Acrobat, or other PDF editing software.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Editable version (DOC)

An editable Microsoft Word version of the resource.

Overview

The Dysfunctional Thought Record is a worksheet to record and challenge dysfunctional thoughts. It encourages clients to identify cognitive biases (or "unhelpful thinking styles") which are operating ad develop more balanced ways of thinking.

Why Use This Resource?

Thought records are integral to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as they support awareness and cognitive restructuring.

Help clients identify and record negative automatic thoughts.
Encourages clients to pinpoint specific cognitive distortions.
Supports clients in re-evaluating distressing or unhelpful thoughts.
Provides a structured approach for cognitive restructuring.

Key Benefits

Structure

Offers a clear framework for recording automatic thoughts and emotions.

Identification

Assists in uncovering cognitive biases.

Change

Guides clients in generating more balanced, alternative thoughts.

Who is this for?

Anxiety Disorders

Focus on identifying and challenging anxiety-provoking thoughts.

Depression

Address self-critical or self-blaming thoughts.

Perfectionism

Identify and re-evaluate all-or-nothing thoughts about performance.

Integrating it into your practice

Situation

Describe where and when the dysfunctional thought occurred.

Emotion

Record the emotion associated with the thought.

Identify

Document the automatic thought, including images or memories.

Check

Identify any cognitive biases.

Alternative

Develop a more helpful, balanced thought.

Outcome

Record any emotional or behavioral changes resulting from the process.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Beck’s cognitive therapy model emphasizes that events themselves do not determine emotional responses; rather, it is our interpretation of these events. Thought records are cognitive restructuring techniques which encourage balanced thinking. The Dysfunctional Thought Record is a style of thought record which encourages identification of any cognitive biases / cognitive errors which are operating. It can be useful to use this form in combination with the Cognitive Distortions – Unhelpful Thinking Styles (Extended) information sheet - clients are encouraged to identify in which ways their specific cognitions are distorted. This thought record can also be used to identify characteristic ways in which an individual's cognitive styles are distorted.

What's inside

A framework for generating balanced alternative thoughts.
Instructions for using the resource most effectively.
An accessible worksheet that can be used with a wide range of clients.

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FAQs

The main purpose is to aid clients in identifying and challenging cognitive distortions, encouraging balanced thinking.

Yes, it pairs well with cognitive distortion psychoeducational materials, helping clients understand and identify these unhelpful thinking styles.

Therapists can offer guidance and provide examples from the Cognitive Distortions – Unhelpful Thinking Styles information handout.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

The Dysfunctional Thought Record enhances clinical outcomes by:

Making clients more aware of unhelpful thinking patterns.
Facilitating development of balanced, realistic thoughts.
Increasing client involvement in therapy through the use of structured, therapeutic tools.

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References And Further Reading

Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, B.F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Press.

A Guide To Emotions