Lecture 7 - Cognitive Techniques

Question 1

What are the main Cognitive Techniques?

Answer 1

RECAP: Socratic questioning

Diary Keeping/journalling

Thought Testing form

Cognitive Distortion List

Managing Dilemma: Advantages-Disadvantages Analysis

Question 2

Why do we use Socratic questioning?

Answer 2

To probe presenting problem further

To probe for nAT

To probe and clarify deeper beliefs

Question 3

What is the purpose of Keeping Diary?

Answer 3

To keep a record of useful information

To tune in to relevant thoughts

To begin learning on how to manage negative thoughts

Question 4

When to keep diary?

Answer 4

Urge to self-harm

Occurrence of poor mood ( usually, negative mood >4 on 10-point scale)

During significant events related to their problems

Question 5

What is a “Thought testing form”?

Answer 5

Same as a diary with extra features:

Specific to the presenting problems

Targeted to get all relevant information about problems

Focuses on dysfunctional beliefs

Focuses on guiding, clients to generate solutions

Discussion on “worst-case” scenario and solutions to deal with it can be conducted as part of the thought testing exercise.

Question 6

What are Cognitive biases?

Answer 6

A list of cognitive biases when psychoeducating the client about negative belief systems.

Ask the client to identify their own biases.
Discuss and further psychoeducate specifically about bias
Challenge them whenever appropriate
Guide them to end the discussion by considering working to eliminate undesirable beliefs.

Question 7

How to manage Dilemma?

Answer 7

Examine dilemma via 2x2 matrix

Rate the importance of every reason

Do not decide for client

Question 8

What is Guided discovery?

Answer 8

It is a form of questioning often described as “Socratic” in a process of helping the client to clarify his thoughts and beliefs.