Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Reframing Thoughts & Beliefs

For clinicians with a fundamental understanding of CBT and the cognitive model, this course dives deeper into the three levels of cognition: automatic thoughts, assumptions, and core beliefs. While there are many intervention options within the CBT framework, working with cognitions is one of our primary tools and an essential component of every phase of treatment.

For each of the three levels of cognition, we’ll engage in experiential activities to practice identifying and modifying thoughts and beliefs. We’ll look at common thought patterns and distortions and how to use guided discovery with clients to help view themselves, their world, and their future through a more accurate and helpful lens. This includes practicing common CBT interventions such as Socratic questioning, Thought Record worksheets, Evidence Examinations, Cost-Benefit Analyses, and Cognitive Continuums.

After completing the course, you’ll be able to apply these same techniques in your own practice.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify automatic thoughts and thinking errors related to distressing situations

  2. Reframe unhelpful automatic thoughts

  3. List strategies for identifying maladaptive assumptions and beliefs

  4. Formulate adaptive assumptions and beliefs

Target Audience:

Psychotherapists and other human services workers interested in learning how to incorporate CBT concepts into service delivery

  • Introduction (10 minutes)

    • Learning objectives, lesson agenda

    • Course expectations/interactivity

    Lesson 1: CBT Overview (15 minutes)

    • CBT Description

    • The Cognitive Model

    • Activity: Applying the Cognitive Model

    • Three Levels of Cognitions

    Lesson 2: Automatic thoughts (1 hour 40 minutes)

    • Definition/Characteristics

    • Common Thought Patterns & Processes

    • Identifying Automatic Thoughts & Emotions

    • Activity: Identifying Thinking Errors

    • Cognitive Restructuring Guided Discovery: Socratic Questioning

    • Activity: CBT Thought Records

    • Methods for Strengthening Cognitive Restructuring Skills

    Break (10 minutes)

    Lesson 3: Assumptions (15 minutes)

    • Definition/Characteristics

    • Activity: Identifying Assumptions

    • Modifying Assumptions

    Lesson 4: Core Beliefs (45 minutes)

    • Definition/Characteristics

    • Identifying Adaptive & Maladaptive Beliefs

    • Integrating Beliefs into the Cognitive Model

    • Modifying Maladaptive Beliefs

    • Activity: Evidence Examination

    • Cognitive Continuum

    • Activity: Cost-Benefit Analysis

    • Strengthening Adaptive Beliefs

    Course Summary (10 minutes)

Instructor: David Shapiro, LICSW

CE Credits: 3

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Reframing Thoughts & Beliefs, Course #5514, is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by Shapiro Training & Consulting as an individual course. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: 1/16/2024 - 1/16/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

States that accept ASWB ACE approved continuing education.