Court Case Worksheet: Alternative Thought Challenge

Thoughts can take the form of an image, words, or sounds. They are the mental events that happen in our minds and are sometimes called cognitions.

Thought challenging is a simple cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) technique focused on examining irrational/ distorted thoughts.

The court case challenge is where the patient acts as a defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge and compares the evidence for and against a single thought (rational or irrational). 

What Are The Theories Behind This Worksheet?

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

CBT is a type of psychotherapy used to help individuals identify and change negative thoughts and associated behaviors.

CBT aims to reduce the symptoms of mental illness, increase self-awareness, and improve emotional well-being. 

How Will This Worksheet Help You?

This worksheet is intended to help individuals examine their thoughts from multiple angles, use actual evidence from their life, and judge themselves fairly and rationally.

How Should You Use This Worksheet?

This worksheet is a self-evaluation kit to learn, control, and manage irrational thoughts. 

A basic understanding of CBT will help you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking to view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them more effectively. 

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References

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Inner Melbourne Clinical Psychology. (© 2023). How Though Challenging Can Help You To Curb Negative Thinking Spirals. Available at: https://www.innermelbpsychology.com.au/thought-challenging/. [Accessed February 23, 2023]

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Inner Melbourne Clinical Psychology. (© 2023). What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) psychology? Available at: https://www.innermelbpsychology.com.au/cbt-melbourne/. [Accessed February 23, 2023]

3.-

International Bipolar Foundation. (No Date). Putting Your Thoughts on Trial: How to Use CBT Thought Records. Available at: https://ibpf.org/putting-your-thoughts-on-trial-how-to-use-cbt-thought-records/. [Accessed February 23, 2023]

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Therapist Aid. (© 2012-2023). Cognitive Restructuring: Thoughts on Trial. Available at: https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/putting-thoughts-on-trial.  [Accessed February 23, 2023]