Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Worksheet for Mmm
Patient Information
- Name: Mmm
- Age: 25-34
- Gender: Female
- Occupation: Student
- Current Condition: Depression
- History: Grew up with both parents, experienced sexual abuse.
- Current Medication: None
- Therapy Experience: Unknown
- Behavioral Change Goal: No particular focus on a specific behavioral change.
Understanding Depression
Depression can manifest through various symptoms, including low mood, fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, and difficulty concentrating. It's essential to recognize how these symptoms affect your daily life and relationships. Understanding the underlying beliefs and behaviors associated with these symptoms will be the first step toward change.
Identifying Negative Thought Patterns
Instructions:
- Reflect on situations where you felt particularly depressed or anxious.
- Write down your thoughts and feelings associated with these situations.
- Identify any cognitive distortions (e.g., black-and-white thinking, overgeneralization).
Example:
- Situation: I failed a test.
- Thought: "I am a complete failure."
- Feeling: Sad, discouraged.
- Cognitive Distortion: Overgeneralization.
Your Turn:
- Situation:
- Thought:
- Feeling:
- Cognitive Distortion:
Challenging Negative Thoughts
Instructions:
- Choose one negative thought from the previous section.
- Use the questions below to challenge this thought.
Questions to Consider:
- Is it true? What evidence do I have to support this thought?
- Are there any alternative explanations?
- How would I respond to a friend who had this thought?
- What is the worst-case scenario, and how likely is it to happen?
- How would I feel if I replaced this thought with a more balanced one?
Example:
- Chosen Negative Thought: "I am a complete failure."
- Challenge:
- Is it true? (Evidence: I passed other tests, and I have strengths.)
- Alternative explanations? (I was unwell; the test was hard.)
- Advice for a friend? (You're doing your best; one test doesn’t define you.)
- Worst-case scenario? (Failing means I can never pass—unlikely.)
- New Thought: "I have challenges but have succeeded in many areas."
Your Turn:
- Chosen Negative Thought:
- Challenge:
- Is it true?
- Alternative explanations?
- Advice for a friend?
- Worst-case scenario?
- New Thought:
Behavioral Activation
Instructions:
- List activities that you enjoy or used to enjoy.
- Identify which of these you haven’t done in a while.
- Pick one activity to engage in this week.
Example:
Your Turn:
- Enjoyable Activities:
- Activities Not Done Recently:
- Activity to Try This Week:
Setting Realistic Goals
Instructions:
- Set a small, achievable goal for this week related to your mental well-being.
- Define the steps you will take to achieve this goal.
Example:
- Goal: Spend 15 minutes reading each day.
- Steps:
- Choose a book.
- Set a specific time (e.g., after lunch).
- Find a comfortable spot.
Your Turn:
Reflection
At the end of the week, take time to reflect on the following questions:
- What went well this week?
- What challenges did you face?
- How did engaging in the chosen activity affect your mood?
- What did you learn about your thoughts and feelings?
Write your reflections here:
Conclusion
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on understanding and changing thought patterns that contribute to depression. This worksheet serves as a tool to help you become more aware of your thoughts and behaviors, leading to meaningful changes in your emotional well-being. Remember, therapy is a process, and it's essential to be patient with yourself as you work through these exercises.
Note: Discuss any insights or struggles with your therapist to enhance your growth and understanding of the healing process.