Anger Thought Challenging Record

Help clients identify and address angry thoughts using the Anger Thought Challenging Record.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Overview

Evaluating and disputing thoughts is a fundamental skill taught by cognitive therapists to their clients. The Anger Thought Challenging Record can help clients think more accurately, practice the process of questioning their thoughts, and address unhelpful biases in their thinking.

Clients are encouraged to record specific instances in which angry thoughts, feelings, or responses were triggered, including details of their emotional reactions and any associated body sensations. Training clients to record specific details is often helpful when later elaborating a memory for an event, or simply in understanding the reasons for subsequent thoughts and responses. Clients are also instructed to generate alternate ways of interpreting these experiences.

Why Use This Resource?

Understanding and addressing 'hot' thoughts can help reduce problematic anger. This resource offers:

A tool for identifying and recording thoughts related to anger.
A systematic method for challenging angry thoughts.
Space for developing more balanced, considered responses to difficult situations.

Key Benefits

Structure

Provides a clear format for tracking and addressing anger.

Insight

Encourages clients to identify the thoughts linked to angry feelings.

Intervention

Guides clients in developing alternative interpretations of anger-inducing situations.

Who is this for?

Anger

Ideal for mental health professionals working with clients experiencing problematic anger.

Integrating it into your practice

Identify

Recognize incidents that trigger angry thoughts and feelings.

Record

Document key details about the situation, thoughts, and feelings.

Challenge

Help the client develop a more balanced interpretation of the event.

Reflect

Reflect on the impact of challenging angry thoughts.

Practice

Encourage the client to use the thought record whenever angry feelings arise.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

This Anger Thought Challenging Record is designed to help clients to challenge their angry thoughts. Clients are encouraged to record their angry thoughts in specific situations and then to generate alternate perspectives.

What's inside

An introduction to thought challenging.
Therapist guidance for using the resource with clients.
Key references and suggestions for further reading.

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FAQs

While a mood diary captures emotions broadly, this resource focuses on addressing specific incidents of anger for targeted intervention.

Introduce and practice in-session practice, or offer examples of reframed thoughts to help clients develop alternative perspectives.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

By incorporating the Anger Thought Challenging Record into therapy, clients benefit from:

Enhanced awareness of their thought patterns related to anger.

A practical intervention that can be used in everyday situations.

Decreased anger levels with consistent practice.

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References And Further Reading

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

Fernandez, E., & Beck, R. (2001). Cognitive-behavioral self-intervention versus self-monitoring of anger: Effects on anger frequency, duration, and intensity. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 29(3), 345-356.