Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT Thought Record worksheet

Examine a difficult situation, automatic thoughts, emotions, evidence, and a more balanced response.

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Purpose

What this handout is designed to support.

A thought record creates enough structure to slow down a distressing moment and examine an interpretation without requiring forced positive thinking.

How to use it

  • Choose a specific situation rather than a broad period of time
  • Record the automatic thought in the words that occurred to you
  • Rate belief and emotion intensity before reconsidering
  • Compare evidence and write a balanced, believable response

Related counseling information

Connect the worksheet to a larger plan.

Worksheets are most useful when they support a clear goal and are adapted to the person using them.

Anxiety and depression counseling CBT approach

Clinical review: Travis McKie-Voerste, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS · Reviewed August 4, 2026