A clear and engaging overview of key cognitive behavioral principles.
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.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
Overview of CBT is a simple explanation of how early experiences shape our core beliefs which in turn affect how we make sense of situations in the here-and-now.
This information handout has a variety of uses:
Helps clients understand how core beliefs influence anxious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Explains the connection between core beliefs and depressive cognitions.
Highlights links between early experiences, underlying beliefs, and responses to other people.
Teach clients about the CBT model.
Facilitate discussions around the client's experiences.
Use the handout to guide and inform case conceptualizations.
Aaron T. Beck's cognitive model outlines three levels of cognition (Beck, 1995). At the top level are automatic thoughts, which are involuntary and arise spontaneously, often manifesting as internal statements or mental images. The intermediate level consists of underlying assumptions, while the bottom level includes core beliefs. Core beliefs are deep, generalized judgments about oneself, other people, and the world. These beliefs are shaped by early life experiences, which encompass interpersonal, environmental, and sociocultural factors, such as childhood trauma, parenting styles, and discrimination. According to the cognitive model, a person's emotional reactions and behaviors in response to events are influenced by their automatic thoughts, which are in turn shaped by their underlying core beliefs.
Therapists benefit from an accessible resource that can be used with a wide range of clients.