Challenge a negative thought

Five steps: what happened, what you thought, what you felt, what you did, and what a fairer version of that thought looks like. This is the CBT thought record, the technique therapists use in session — a worksheet you fill in on screen, print as a blank template, or save to your journal. Nothing to install. Not sure how to fill it out? Take a look at this example.

1

Situation

What happened? Who was there? When did it happen?

2

Automatic thoughts

What thoughts popped into your head right away?

3

Emotion

What did you feel most strongly? Pick one and rate how strong it was.

4

Behavior / Reaction

How did you react to the situation?

5

Balanced thought

What thought would be more helpful and more balanced?

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