Identifying & Reframing False Beliefs Flashcards

The downward arrow technique is primarily used to:

Answer: Uncover underlying core beliefs driving surface-level thoughts

The downward arrow technique repeatedly asks 'What would that mean?' to drill down from automatic thoughts to core beliefs.

Which of the following is an example of the 'labeling' cognitive distortion?

Answer: 'I failed this test, so I am a total loser.'

Labeling assigns a global negative identity label based on a single behavior or event.

A client says, 'I feel like a fraud, so I must be one.' This is an example of:

Answer: Emotional reasoning

Emotional reasoning treats feelings as facts, assuming that because something feels true, it must be true.

In CBT, a 'thought record' is used to:

Answer: Identify, evaluate, and reframe automatic thoughts

Thought records help clients identify automatic thoughts, examine evidence, and generate more balanced alternatives.

Which statement best describes a 'core belief' in cognitive therapy?

Answer: A deep, global, rigid assumption about oneself, others, or the world

Core beliefs are deeply held, unconditional assumptions that shape how a person interprets all experiences.

When a therapist uses the technique of 'generating alternatives,' they are asking the client to:

Answer: Consider other possible explanations for an event beyond their initial interpretation

Generating alternatives broadens a client's perspective by exploring multiple possible explanations rather than accepting one automatic interpretation.

A client takes full responsibility for a team project's failure even though multiple factors contributed. This illustrates:

Answer: Personalization

Personalization involves attributing external events disproportionately to oneself without accounting for other contributing factors.