FREE Cognitive Model PDF Handout
FREE Cognitive Model PDF Handout
To go along with our vlog about the Cognitive Model, we’ve created a free Cognitive Model PDF handout for you! We’ll share the download link at the end of the post, but first let’s dive into it the subject in this blog post!
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that our thoughts are behind what we feel. And that it is also our thoughts that will cause us to act in a certain way and for our bodies to respond in a certain way.
We are constantly having experiences and our brain is doing its best to make sense of what is going on, it’s looking for meaning and telling stories about what is happening.
According to this theory, it is not an experience or situation itself that makes us feel a certain way, but rather, it’s our interpretation of the situation (or the story we tell ourselves) that leads to our emotions, behaviours and physical responses.
Example Application of The Cognitive Model
For example, imagine that you wave at a friend that you see across the street and that the friend does not wave back. What could you tell yourself about this, what story or meaning could you come to?
1. You could think – “That person is such a jerk, they ignored me!” This would likely lead you to feeling angry, maybe sending off a rude text to the friend and your body feeling tense and tight.
2. Another thought you could have is – “I’m such a loser, no one likes me or even waves at me.” This may lead you to feeling sad, going home and sitting on the couch and your body feeling heavy and slow.
3. Another thought you could have is – “That friend must have been really distracted and probably didn’t see me wave. I’ll text them later to say hi.” This would likely make you fee neutral if not a bit positive, you’d likely go on with your day and your body would remain calm
Cognitive Therapy invites us to examine our thoughts and behaviours in order to arrive a helpful, balanced and flexible thinking.
Your Free Cognitive Model PDF Handout
Click this link to view in a new window & download: The Cognitive Model.
[You can find more free handouts on our Free CBT Resources page!]
FREE CBT Cognitive Model PDF*You can find lots of helpful mental health Vlogs on our website and our YouTube channel!*