Practical Five (Core Beliefs)

Question 1

What are Core Beliefs?

Answer 1

Core beliefs are attitudes and assumptions developed from previous experiences about
self, world and future (cognitive triad)

Question 2

Example of cognitive triad?

Answer 2

• I am unworthy (negative evaluation of self)
• Everything is just more evidence that the world is falling apart (negative evaluation of
the world)
• Nothing will ever get better (negative evaluation of the future)

Question 3

Key thing about core beliefs?

Answer 3

• Because core beliefs are so entrenched, they are
almost never modified after only one session of
cognitive therapy.
• It is more a ‘chipping away’ process
• The strength of the beliefs usually declines very
gradually.

Question 4

Continuum Task?

Answer 4

The goal of the continuum task is to get the client to describe the extremes of
their belief in behavioural terms.

• Step 1 is to identify the core belief
• Step 2 is to get the client to rate the strength of their belief (0-100%)
• Step 3 is to get the client to describe the presentation of someone like that