Activity

You can use any set of questions to help clients evaluate their thinking, but the lists can be helpful as they guide you and the client to

• examine the validity of the automatic thought,
• explore the possibility of other interpretations or viewpoints,
• decatastrophize the problem situation,…

Like Maria, some clients believe that negative emotions are unsafe: “If I get upset, _____,” for example, “it will get worse and worse until I can’t stand it, I’ll lose control, it will never go away, or I’ll end up in the hospital.” These kinds of beliefs can interfere with working to achiev…

Abe, for example, has to stay home to fix an active leak under the sink, so he can’t attend his grandson’s soccer game. He thinks, “Ethan will be so disappointed.” His thinking then becomes more extreme: “I’m always letting him down.” He accepts these thoughts as true and feels quite sad. After lea…

CLIENT 2: These forms are a waste of time. Half the questions are irrelevant.
THERAPIST: What’s the worst part about filling them out?
CLIENT 2: I’m busy. I have a lot to do. If my life fills up with meaningless tasks, I’ll never get anything done.
THERAPIST: I can see you feel pretty irritated.…

Then use CBT techniques on yourself if any client comes to mind. Identify your cognitions about this client and do one or more of the following:

• Evaluate and respond to your cognitions about the client; create a coping card to read.
• Check on your expectations for your clients. Work on accep…