Negative Cognitions

The therapist may ask the client to identify their Negative Cognitions / self-beliefs.

They may ask:
“State what you think of yourself in your worst moments, even if you know it isn’t true. ”
“What words go best with the picture that expresses your negative belief about yourself now?”

The negative cognition (NC) is
·      self referential
·      is stated in the present tense and
·      is a belief rather than a description of circumstances

The negative cognition should represent a general statement about the client’s view of themselves rather than about the specifics of the event.

A sample of up to only 3 negative cognitions may be selected for the start.

Some sample Negative Cognitions are: