CBT Core Beliefs Worksheet

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy seeking to identify and modify unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns. A CBT core beliefs worksheet can help you understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected.

By Olivia Sayson on Mar 06, 2024.

Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.

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What Is A CBT Core Beliefs Worksheet?

Cognitive restructuring therapy (CBT) seeks to identify and modify unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. It also aims to change these patterns, leading to positive changes in mood and behavior.

A can help your patient become aware of and challenge their core beliefs. Core beliefs are our fundamental assumptions about ourselves, others, and the world. They can be either positive or negative and are the root of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Your patient can identify and modify maladaptive thought patterns using CBT core beliefs worksheets. They are an effective way to understand cognitive biases better and help create a more positive mindset. The worksheets can be used in group or individual therapy sessions.

CBT core beliefs worksheets are just one tool in the more extensive CBT treatment process. Therapists should use them with other CBT techniques, such as thought records, self-monitoring worksheets, and exercises to build resilience.

Printable CBT Core Beliefs Worksheets

Download this CBT Core Beliefs Worksheet and and help your clients develop a better understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

How To Use This CBT Core Beliefs Worksheet

Using the CBT core beliefs worksheet, your patient can write down their core beliefs and examine them from various angles. Here's how you can get started:

Step One: Download the worksheet

Download our free core beliefs worksheet by using the link on this page. You can also find the worksheet in your Carepatron app or our resources library.

Step Two: Give a copy to your patient

Once you’ve downloaded the worksheet, give one to your patient. Explain that they will use this worksheet to identify, examine and challenge their core beliefs.

Step Three: Have your patient complete the worksheet

Have your patient fill in the worksheet. This is designed so patients can work independently. However, you may discuss each question to better help them understand what is expected in the activity.

Step Four: Discuss their responses

Ask them to explain why they feel certain about their core belief and help them identify any irrational or unhelpful thoughts. Encourage your patient to challenge their core beliefs and have them think about how these beliefs might be limiting them and reinforcing unhelpful behavior.

Step Five: Identify healthier alternatives

Help your patient identify healthier alternatives to their core beliefs. Ask them to come up with new positive statements or affirmations that they can repeat to themselves whenever they feel overwhelmed and need support.

Step Six: Secure the worksheet

Since this worksheet contains confidential information, store it in a safe and secure place, either physically or digitally.

CBT Core Beliefs Worksheet Example (Sample)

We have created a CBT core beliefs worksheet sample to make it easier for you to understand how to use the worksheet. This is written with a fictitious character in mind, illustrating how a patient can identify core beliefs and challenge them. You can view the sample here or download it as a PDF.

Download this CBT Core Beliefs Worksheets Example (Sample) here: 

CBT Core Beliefs Worksheet Example (Sample)

Who Can Use these Printable CBT Core Beliefs Worksheet (PDF)?

These printable CBT core beliefs worksheets (PDF) can be used by anyone looking to understand cognitive biases better and create a more positive mindset. Therapists can use this in individual or group sessions and for self-guided work at home. 

Medical practitioners who can use the worksheet include:

  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Therapists
  • Counselors
  • Social Workers
  • Health Care Providers

CBT core beliefs worksheets are a helpful tool for understanding and modifying maladaptive thought patterns that can lead to positive changes in mood and behavior.

Why Is This Worksheet Useful For Therapists?

This worksheet can help you understand a patient’s core beliefs and how they influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Specifically, the worksheet can help you to:

Understand how a patient's core beliefs shape their thoughts and behaviors.

When used properly, this CBT core beliefs worksheet can help you identify and analyze the underlying causes of maladaptive thought patterns and target potential interventions to make positive changes.

Identify cognitive biases and underlying assumptions

This CBT core beliefs worksheet can help you and your patients identify cognitive biases or underlying assumptions influencing their thinking and behavior. It can also help patients recognize how these beliefs may affect their mental health and functioning.

Plus, this is an excellent tool for raising awareness and helping patients become more mindful of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Gain insight into how cognitive biases affect a patient's life

By using this worksheet, you can gain insight into how different cognitive biases affect the patient’s life and functioning. This allows you to understand your patient’s overall psychological state better and develop a customized treatment plan for their needs.

Provide strategies for creating a more positive outlook

By analyzing and modifying the patient’s core beliefs, you can provide them with strategies for creating a more positive outlook on life.

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Why Use Carepatron For CBT Software?

Carepatron’s Practice Management Software offers easy-to-use templates and worksheets, including a CBT core beliefs worksheet, that can help therapists better understand their patient’s cognitive biases and underlying beliefs. With this in mind, they can create more effective treatment plans for each patient’s needs. 

Carepatron also offers handy features to make your practice much easier, including a secure patient portal, customizable templates, automated reminders and notifications, easy online billing and payment, medical dictation, and so much more.

This is why Carepatron is a fantastic way to streamline your practice, track performance, and provide the best care for your patients. Start using Carepatron today and see the difference it makes to your practice.

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What is a CBT Core Beliefs Worksheet?
What is a CBT Core Beliefs Worksheet?

Commonly asked questions

What is a CBT Core Beliefs Worksheet?

A CBT Core Beliefs Worksheet is a tool used by therapists to help identify and analyze the underlying causes of maladaptive thought patterns.

When to use CBT Core Beliefs Worksheets?

CBT Core Beliefs Worksheets are most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. They can be helpful in treating various issues, such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.

Who uses CBT Core Beliefs Worksheets?

CBT Core Beliefs Worksheets are often used by mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers.

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