Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Daily Life

A full self-assessment is a foundational CBT skill, giving you a good sense of your strengths and areas for improvement. And as you move forward in your therapy, self-assessment will show you whether or not you've been progressing toward your goals. Learn how to access the NIH's free PROMIS system to collect the data you'll need for your self-assessment and case formulation.

While you already know your emotions can affect your behaviors, the reverse is also true. For example, have you ever noticed that you seem to be in a better mood after exercise or watching a funny movie? Explore the umbrella concept of behavioral activation and learn the important ABCs of behavior (antecedents, behavior, and consequences) to make them work for you.

Learn about the numerous techniques for somatic quieting, including some that Dr. Satterfield has begun to use for himself. Watch as he suggests various behavioral activations for both Amanda and David. Although their issues and needs are very different, you'll see that behavioral activation is an important CBT tool for both.

As you investigate your two distinct systems of cognition, you will immediately recognize the roles they have both played in your life. Explore how your personal habits of mind and habits of selective attention have affected your own behavior and emotions. Watch as Dr. Satterfield works with Miriam and David on important cognitive exercises.

The CBT thought record is the workhorse of the therapy, the tool that will lead to cognitive restructuring. Learn how to create your own thought record, identifying your triggers, emotions, and automatic thoughts. Watching David as he works through the first part of his own thought record will help you develop your own and better understand the power of the tool.