In this video I discuss the three layers of thoughts: negative automatic thoughts, underlying rules and assumptions and core beliefs. Automatic thoughts are the outer layer of thoughts, underlying rules and assumptions are are under the surface of automatic thoughts and core beliefs are the least accessible level of thinking. All layers are interconnected because if you work on one layer of thought you impact the other two layers.

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CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction
0:48 Negative Automatic Thoughts
3:05 Underlying Rules And Assumptions
5:40 Core Beliefs

CBT BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

☐ The Clinician's Guide to CBT Using Mind Over Mood by Christine A. Padesky: https://amzn.to/409z8ko
☐ Mind Over Mood by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky: https://amzn.to/3Hi7lp9
☐ Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Basics and Beyond by Judith Beck: https://amzn.to/3RfTN2f

NEGATIVE AUTOMATIC THOUGHTS

Automatic thoughts are the moment to moment thoughts that just pop into your mind throughout the day. As you are constantly thinking you have automatic thoughts all the time. They are part of your internal self talk and have a recurring quality. These thoughts can be pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. The type of automatic thoughts we discuss in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are negative automatic thoughts and can consist of images, words or memories which are are distorted, exaggerated or irrational in nature.

Specific types of thoughts are linked to specific moods. For example anxiety is frequently accompanied by thoughts of danger or vulnerability. Such thoughts are usually future focussed. They usually start with ‘what if’ and end with a predication about something awful that might happen. Depression is usually accompanied by negative thoughts about yourself, the world and your future.

UNDERLYING RULES AND ASSUMPTIONS

In additional to automatic thoughts you have underlying assumptions that that run under the surface usually below your awareness. Underlying assumptions are basically the rules that guide your life. Underlying rules and assumptions guide your behaviours and emotional reactions. Even though underlying assumptions operate under the surface you can usually identify them via “should”, “must” and “ifthen” statements.

CORE BELIEFS

Core beliefs are the very essence of how you see yourself, other people and the world. They are often described as your filters that help process and code information. Core beliefs are usually learned in early childhood and reverberate through your life. So perhaps you were criticised, abandoned, overprotected, excluded, abused or deprived, these events will determine how you think, feel, act and relate to others. They also trigger strong emotional states such as sadness, anxiety, guilt and anger.

Core beliefs aren’t always negative but in CBT we deal with negative core beliefs because these are the types of belief that cause problems. Negative core beliefs about are grouped into the following categories: core beliefs about yourself, core beliefs about others and core beliefs about the world.

ABOUT TERESA LEWIS

Teresa Lewis is the founder and Director of Lewis Psychology and a Senior Accredited psychotherapist with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP Snr. Accred). Qualified in 1995, Teresa has been providing counselling and psychotherapy treatment for nearly 30 years. Teresa holds a masters degree in counselling and psychotherapy and is a qualified EMDR Practitioner having completed training accredited with EMDR Europe. Teresa is also a qualified adult educator and an accredited Mindfulness teacher As a recognised expert in her field Teresa is frequently asked to conduct editorial reviews and endorse counselling and psychotherapy books for international publishing houses.

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GRAPHICS AND THUMBNAIL

Thumbnail and BRoll graphics by Teresa Lewis. All additional video segments contained in the Broll segments are used in strict compliance with the appropriate permissions and licenses required from Pixaby.com and Pexels.com in accordance with the YouTube Partner Program, Community guidelines and YouTube terms of service.

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