Simple Thought Record

Introducing complex thought monitoring & challenging forms (e.g. the traditional 7-column thought record) too early in therapy can be confusing for patients. Difficult early experiences of thought monitoring can be an obstacle to client’s engagement in therapy and sometimes a graduated approach is helpful. The Simple Thought Record is a straightforward worksheet to introduce the concept of identification of automatic thoughts and linking these to emotional states. Spending up to a couple of sessions simple practising the identification of automatic thoughts and images before attempting restructuring is often time very well spent.

The Simple Thought Record is a straightforward worksheet to introduce the concept of identification of automatic thoughts and linking these to emotional states. Spending up to a couple of sessions simple practising the identification of automatic thoughts and images before attempting restructuring is often time very well spent.

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