Describe main components of CBT (10)

• Dysfunctional thought diary

  • P: one key component is use of dysfunctional thought diary

  • E: clients asked to record negative thoughts they experience, rate their belief in these thoughts, write a rational alternative, then re-rate their belief in both

  • E: process helps clients recognise and monitor automatic negative thoughts and compare them with more balanced interpretations

  • L: diary acts both a cognitive intervention and form of homework, allows clients to actively practice restructuring their thoughts outside of therapy sessions
• Cognitive restructuring

  • P: another core technique used during therapy sessions

  • E: therapist and client work together to challenge negative automatic thoughts, such as “everyone is judging me” by asking for evidence or exploring alternative explanations

  • E: helps client develop more realistic and balanced thought patterns, reduces emotional distress and encourages more rational responses to real-life situations

  • L: collaborative approach ensures client plays active role in their recovery, building skills to manage future issues independently
• Pleasant activity scheduling

  • P: behavioural technique used in CBT to encourage positive change

  • E: clients asked to plan 1 enjoyable or meaningful activity per day, such as joining a gym class or spending time with friends, reflect on how it made them feel

  • E: aims to reduce negative thought patterns by increasing engagement in rewarding experiences, thus promoting positive emotions and motivation

  • L: by tracking these activities and outcomes, clients learn to associate behaviour changes with emotional improvement, reinforcing progress through behavioural activation