Negative automatic thoughts
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Fictional case for peer practice.
Negative automatic thoughts
A fictional client interprets a disappointing work review as proof of incompetence.
Client role brief
You received mixed performance feedback and now believe you are completely incapable.
- Protects
- Discounts positive feedback and overprepares.
- Fears
- Being exposed as incompetent.
- Underneath
- Disappointment and shame, and a wish to be seen as capable.
For the person playing the client: guard the first two, and let what is underneath show only when the therapist makes room for it.
Therapist objectives
- Identify automatic thoughts
- Explore evidence
- Plan a behavioral experiment
Reflect afterward
What did you notice? Which response helped exploration? What would you try differently?
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