An exercise to guide clients through identifying, evaluating, and modifying negative automatic thoughts (NATs) using cognitive restructuring techniques.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
The Examining Your Negative Thoughts exercise supports cognitive restructuring, a core intervention of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This resource helps clients identify negative automatic thoughts (NATs) and provides a structured approach to evaluate and modify these cognitions. Drawing on Beck’s cognitive model, the exercise guides individuals through the process of evaluating their thoughts from different perspectives to generate balanced and adaptive responses.
This resource aids therapists in implementing a fundamental intervention in CBT – cognitive restructuring. It is designed to increase clients’ awareness of their negative thoughts and facilitate the re-evaluation of these cognitions.
Reframing thoughts related to self-blame and self-devaluation.
Assisting in identifying and challenging catastrophic thinking.
Evaluating thoughts about social rejection.
Restructuring self-critical thoughts.
Select a recent automatic thought that is emotionally charged.
Document the thought and explore its implications and associated emotions.
Use varied perspectives such as counter-evidence, helpfulness, and other viewpoints.
Help clients develop a new, adaptive thought incorporating all discussed information.
Encourage reflection on the exercise and its application to broader contexts.
Cognitive restructuring is grounded in the principle that changing thought patterns can alter emotional responses. Beck's cognitive model highlights the role of maladaptive cognitions in generating emotional distress. Cognitive restructuring involves identifying, evaluating, and altering these cognitions. The exercise leverages techniques such as reviewing the evidence and costs-benefits analysis to facilitate cognitive modification.
