Challenging Negative Thoughts
Reviewed By
Dr Harriet Mellotte - Clinical Psychologist, CBT & EMDR Therapist, NHS and Private Practice
Negative thoughts can feel completely true, especially when we’re low or anxious. However, CBT teaches us that just because a thought feels true, doesn’t mean that it is true.
References
Beck, A. T. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: Guilford Press. Foundational work by Aaron Beck, introducing the concept of cognitive distortions and how challenging negative thoughts can reduce depressive symptoms. Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). "The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses." Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440. A comprehensive review showing that CBT techniques such as identifying and reframing negative automatic thoughts are highly effective for anxiety and depression. Clark, D. A., & Beck, A. T. (2010). Cognitive therapy of anxiety disorders: Science and practice. New York: Guilford Press. Provides evidence on how challenging distorted thoughts helps reduce anxiety, explaining the mechanisms behind thought monitoring and cognitive restructuring.