Cognitive Techniques in Cognitive Therapy
1. Introduction to Cognitive Techniques
• Overview of cognitive techniques within the cognitive therapy model.
• Focus on theory building and weighing evidence for beliefs.
2. Negative Cognitive Bias in Depression
• Individuals with depression often have a negative cognitive bias.
• They tend to focus on information that confirms their negative beliefs.
3. Importance of Thought Diaries
• Use thought diaries to help patients evaluate evidence.
• Key components of a thought diary:
o Date and time
o Situation/context
o Thoughts
o Emotions
o Alternative balanced thoughts
o Outcomes
4. Linking Thoughts to Emotions
• Help patients identify the most intense emotion linked to their thoughts.
• Focus on the 'hot thought' that leads to the strongest negative emotion.
5. Techniques to Reach Balanced Thoughts
• Overview of techniques to help patients find alternative balanced thoughts without being overly optimistic.
6. Examining and Testing Evidence
• Ask patients for reasons supporting their negative thoughts.
• Search for contrary evidence.
• Explore alternative explanations.
7. Double Standard Method
• Encourage patients to treat themselves as they would a friend.
• Ask if they would say the same thing to a friend or a child in a similar situation.
8. Experimental Technique
• Help patients conduct experiments to test the validity of their negative thoughts.
• Consider potential negative automatic thoughts about coping with outcomes.
9. Thinking in Shades of Grey
• Encourage patients to evaluate situations on a spectrum rather than in extremes.
• Help them recognise partial successes instead of complete failures.
10. Conclusion and Encouragement
• Encourage further exploration of Burns' techniques to help patients gain perspective.
• Aim to assist patients in considering alternative, more balanced views.