What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Worksheet
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that is used for different types of mental health challenges. It can help a client who is struggling with different experiences, including a depressed mood, anxiety, ruminating thoughts, low self-esteem, poor impulse control, anger management issues, and more.
CBT is an effective form of mental health treatment that can provide a client in therapy with the tools needed to promote healthier coping methods. Such coping methods can improve challenges associated with managing unwanted or negative patterns, harmful or reactive behaviors, and intense emotions.
About This Worksheet
Introducing CBT to new clients is a helpful first step in teaching them how coping skills can promote mental wellness. The What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy worksheet provides an introduction to CBT and a summary of its key components. It offers a brief exercise that illustrates how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and how they may influence the client's perceptions of challenging situations.
With the What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy worksheet, the client is provided with a representation of how CBT can help them apply what they learn in therapy to real-life situations. Adults who are participating in CBT can benefit from this worksheet. It is an educational exercise that can be used in group and individual counseling sessions.
Instructions
The What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy worksheet begins with a brief overview of CBT and how the interactions between our thoughts, emotions, and behavior may affect a person. Begin by reviewing the introduction paragraph and summary of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with the client. Reflect on the content and explain how the 3 components may be affecting them.
When the client is ready, allow them time to complete the reflection questions. You may guide them as needed or allow them to complete the questions on their own during the session.
When they have completed the reflection questions, review their responses with them. You may ask them questions, like:
- Before completing this worksheet, were you aware of how your thoughts, feelings, and behavior were interacting?
- What behaviors would you like to modify to promote healthier emotional processing?
- How do you feel about starting the process of learning CBT coping skills?
Use the worksheet as a guide for exploring CBT concepts and coping skills. Give the client a copy of their completed worksheet for reference.
References
Beck, J. S. (2020). Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Third Edition: Basics and Beyond. New York, NY, USA: Guilford Press.
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