In our previous article, we examined techniques for identifying core beliefs. Once identified, a dysfunctional core belief can be modified in order to create a more helpful schema about the self/ others/ or the world. This can be done using cognitive and behavioral interventions. 1. Start with the Belief and Its Intensity 2. Look for…
In our previous post, we explored core beliefs, and their types. In this post, we will dive into cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to identify core beliefs. Here are three effective methods: 1. Detecting Patterns and Themes When you examine recurring thoughts, emotional reactions, and behaviors, you may start to notice certain patterns and themes. For…
What Are Core Beliefs? Core beliefs are the very foundational beliefs that shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world. These beliefs develop early in life through experiences, especially those involving caregivers and significant life events. CBT categorizes cognition into three levels: 1. Automatic thoughts – “I will fail this test.” 2. Maladaptive assumptions…
When we feel anxious, we have certain automatic thoughts more frequently. If you have noticed, our thoughts during anxiety will usually fit into this formula: Also, when we are anxious, due to intense feelings of fear, we see the world in a biased way, and believe these unhelpful thoughts more easily. This is called cognitive…
Maladaptive Assumptions in CBT In one of our previous posts, we examined Maladaptive Assumptions in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Techniques for Identifying Them. In this post, we share CBT techniques for challenging maladaptive assumptions. As you might recall, the ultimate goal of challenging a maladaptive assumption in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is to find a…
Maladaptive Assumptions in CBT Maladaptive assumptions (also called underlying assumptions, intermediate beliefs, dysfunctional beliefs) in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, are, as the names suggest, maladaptive/dysfunctional beliefs underlying automatic thoughts. They are simply the rules behind our automatic thoughts. As you might remember, CBT mentions three levels of cognitive distortions. Automatic thoughts are the most superficial of…
In this post, I will try to tell you about what automatic thoughts are and how to identify them. Sometimes, all of a sudden, we find ourselves feeling depressed, anxious, furious, guilty… However, we can’t tell why. If someone asks, we can’t answer. Our mind is blank: “I don’t know, I just don’t feel well today.”…
In one of our previous posts, we examined What Automatic Thoughts are and How to Identify Them Using CBT Techniques. In this post, I will try to tell you about how to challenge automatic thoughts in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. You might have identified more than one automatic thought that you would like to work on….