CBT Model - Maintaining Processes
The CBT Model - Maintaining Processes worksheet provides a useful framework for explaining what triggers a problem and why it persists across time and situations.
CBT Model – Maintaining Processes
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) suggests that difficult feelings are not directly caused directly by what happens to us, but how we think about and interpret these experiences. In other words, it is often our thoughts about events – rather than the events themselves – that lead to distress.
Certain patterns can cause unhelpful thoughts to become stuck in place and keep difficulties going. These include what we pay attention to, how we feel, what we do to cope, and what we avoid. Together, they can form a vicious cycle that maintains problems such as anxiety, low mood, or shame.
You can use this CBT Model – Maintaining Processes tool to explore what keeps your difficulties going and identify possible points where these cycles can be interrupted.
Overview
Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) use formulation to connect theory with practice. This worksheet helps therapists and clients explore what triggers a problem and why it persists over time. It focuses on key maintaining factors such as attentional biases, safety behaviors, and avoidance strategies.
This tool provides a framework for creating a personalized case conceptualization that helps clients understand their difficulties and identify patterns that perpetuate them.
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