Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Worksheet for Dave
Patient Information
- Name: Dave
- Age: Child
- Main Condition: Eating Disorder
- Therapy Experience: Moderate (6-20 sessions)
- Current Medication: None
- Needed Behavioral Change: No particular
Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors. For children like Dave, CBT can help them learn healthier ways to cope with their feelings and change their thoughts around food and body image.
Goals for Therapy
- Increase Awareness: Help Dave recognize his thoughts and feelings related to food and body image.
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: Teach Dave how to confront and reframe negative thoughts that contribute to his eating disorder.
- Develop Coping Strategies: Equip him with healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety related to eating.
- Improve Eating Habits: Encourage positive changes in eating behaviors without strict diets or restrictions.
Identifying Negative Thoughts
Instructions:
- Think about a recent situation that caused you worry or stress related to food.
- Write down the thoughts that went through your mind during that moment.
Example:
- Situation: I felt anxious about lunchtime at school.
- Thoughts:
- “Everyone is watching what I eat.”
- “If I eat this, I will gain weight.”
Challenging Negative Thoughts
Instructions:
- For each negative thought you identified, ask yourself:
- Is this thought true?
- What evidence do I have for and against this thought?
- What would I tell my friend if they were thinking this way?
Example:
- Thought: “Everyone is watching what I eat.”
- Is it true? No evidence shows that all my classmates are focused on my food choices.
- Evidence Against: My friends are usually focused on their lunches.
- Thought for a friend: "Most people are probably not paying attention to what you eat. They might be concerned about their own meals."
Setting Realistic Goals
Instructions:
- Set a small, achievable goal related to your eating habits or body image.
Example Goals:
- Try one new healthy food each week.
- Eat at least one meal with family during the week.
- Use a coping strategy (like deep breathing) twice a week when feeling anxious about food.
Coping Strategies
List of Coping Strategies:
- Deep Breathing: Take a moment to breathe deeply when feeling stressed.
- Talking It Out: Share feelings with a trusted family member or friend.
- Positive Affirmations: Repeat positive statements about your body and health.
- Journaling: Write about your day, focusing on positive experiences with food.
Worksheet for Coping Strategies:
- Situation: Write down a situation where you felt stressed.
- Coping Strategy Used: Describe what you did to feel better.
- Outcome: What happened after using this strategy?
Reflection
Instructions:
At the end of each week, reflect on what you learned using this worksheet.
- What improvements have you noticed in your thoughts or feelings?
- What was challenging?
- What do you want to continue working on next week?
Example Reflection:
- Improvements: I’ve felt less anxious about trying new foods.
- Challenges: Speaking up when I feel uncomfortable at lunch can still be tough.
- Next Steps: Keep practicing my coping strategies.
Conclusion
This CBT worksheet is designed to support Dave on his journey to understanding and managing his eating disorder. By identifying and challenging negative thoughts, setting realistic goals, and using coping strategies, Dave can work toward healthier behaviors and a more positive relationship with food and body image.
Note
Always consult with a mental health professional during the therapeutic process. This worksheet is meant to enhance therapy sessions, not replace professional guidance.