Behavior Chain Analysis
There’s probably no tool more central to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) than the thought log. At first glance, a thought log is a simple table that lets clients track their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in certain situations. But the utility goes much further. A CBT thought log helps clients:
notice triggering situations
identify automatic thoughts
notice patterns in thinking
make the connection between thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and their outcomes
prepare to challenge irrational or unhelpful thoughts
Our Thought Log PDF is designed to be as simple and useable as possible. Download the standard version for printing or the fillable version to complete the log on a device. If you think more guidance would be helpful, choose between different pre-filled examples in the “Download Options” section.
For further teaching, pair the thought log with a CBT model (see our simple cognitive model or advanced cognitive model printouts). After your client can identify their thoughts, try our cognitive restructuring tools like Socratic Questioning to help challenge unhelpful thoughts.
Thought Log
There’s probably no tool more central to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) than the thought log. At first glance, a thought log is a simple table that lets clients track their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in certain situations. But the utility goes much further. A CBT thought log helps clients:
notice triggering situations
identify automatic thoughts
notice patterns in thinking
make the connection between thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and their outcomes
prepare to challenge irrational or unhelpful thoughts
Our Thought Log PDF is designed to be as simple and useable as possible. Download the standard version for printing or the fillable version to complete the log on a device. If you think more guidance would be helpful, choose between different pre-filled examples in the “Download Options” section.
For further teaching, pair the thought log with a CBT model (see our simple cognitive model or advanced cognitive model printouts). After your client can identify their thoughts, try our cognitive restructuring tools like Socratic Questioning to help challenge unhelpful thoughts.
Cognitive Model
The central idea behind cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is that our thoughts shape our reality. When something happens, our thoughts interpret what it means. This interpretation affects how we feel, pushing us toward certain actions and steering us away from others.
Our Cognitive Model worksheet uses a diagram and straightforward language to describe the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The takeaway is clear: We can improve how we feel and act by changing how we think.
Use this handout to teach clients the cognitive behavior model at the heart of CBT. To make it more relatable, explore some recent examples of how clients’ thoughts led to certain feelings and behaviors. Ask them if there was enough evidence to back up their thoughts. If not, challenge them to reflect on more accurate or adaptive thoughts for the situation in question.
Pair this handout with our Thought Log so clients can identify and challenge their unhelpful thinking patterns. Or, for a simpler version of this worksheet, check out our Simple CBT Model worksheet.