Thought Record
Reviewed By
Stephanie Orr - Psychotherapist, MBABCP, 10+ years in the NHS and private practice
We all have negative thoughts from time to time. Though sometimes, they’re not as true or fixed as they seem. Thoughts can fall into “thinking traps” or "distortions" - common patterns that make problems feel bigger or harder than they may be.
References
Beck, A. T., Rush, A., Shaw, B., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. - This foundational work introduced the concept of cognitive distortions and how restructuring them can reduce depressive symptoms. “Cognitive Restructuring and Psychotherapy Outcome: A Meta-Analysis” (2023) - This review shows that interventions targeting distorted thoughts tend to improve therapy outcomes. PMC “Cognitive Restructuring during Depressive Symptoms: A Scoping Review” - Outlines how challenging dysfunctional thoughts can change emotional, behavioural, and physiological outcomes. “Effectiveness of Cognitive–Behavioural Therapies of Varying Complexity in Reducing Depression in Adults: Network Meta-Analysis” - Finds that cognitive restructuring is one of the active ingredients in effective CBT for depression. “The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Review of Meta-Analyses” - Confirms that CBT (which includes cognitive restructuring) is broadly effective across disorders.