Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a time-sensitive, structured, present-oriented psychotherapy that has been scientifically tested and found to be effective in more than 2,000 studies for the treatment of many different health and mental health conditions. When implemented correctly, CBT helps individuals get better and stay better.
The Beck Institute
The purpose of CBT is to support identifying negative Core Beliefs and distorted Automatic Thoughts and evaluate a new way of thinking. Negative Automatic Thoughts can be unrealistic, lack benefit, and can be harmful in times of high stress. The Beck Institute provides fourteen principles of CBT including “a variety of techniques to change thinking, mood, and behavior” that provide benefit to those struggling with anxiety and depression.
CBT practices like completing Thought Records, can help you identify, evaluate, and restructure negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in difficult and stressful situations. By completing a Thought Record, you may determine alternative ways of thinking and behaving that can be considered more helpful than harmful.
Thought Records are like the Swiss Army knife of CBT. They’re used to teach about the interactions between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and as a tool for clients to record their own experiences. When it comes to the cognitive restructuring portion of CBT, thought records are a great place to begin challenging irrational thoughts.
Therapists Aid
Here is a free Thought Record [with printable], IDK What To Do that you can complete when you are questioning a decision, are battling negative thoughts, difficult emotions, or struggling with how you behave in stressful situations:
PRINT HERE: IDK What To Do.pdf
