Cognitive restructuring
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Farrell, Lara J
Murrihy, Rachael C
Essau, Cecilia A
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Abstract
Cognitive theory asserts that it is the way we think about a situation, rather than the situation itself, that leads us to feel a particular emotion and behave in a particular way. Cognitive restructuring is a cognitive technique whereby unhelpful thoughts that lead to emotions such as anxiety and unhappiness are identified and examined for truth, accuracy, and validity, while at the same time, more helpful thoughts are developed and strengthened (Leahy & Rego, 2012). It has been shown that children as young as 5 years of age can benefit from cognitive therapy, provided it is delivered in an age-appropriate way (Doherr et al., 2005). The challenge for therapists is to be creative in their delivery of cognitive restructuring to young people, so that it is not only age-appropriate, but that it is also engaging and motivating for the child or adolescent. This chapter outlines a general process of skill training for young people that involves information giving, use of stories, use of activities based on hypothetical situations, activities based on personal situations, and in-between session practice. It also provides therapists with a two-session, “how to” guide, with specific instructions and examples for the delivery of cognitive restructuring with children and adolescents. It is hoped that this chapter is useful for clinicians, and that it will ultimately benefit the many children and adolescents for whom clinicians provide much-needed help.
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Handbook of Child and Adolescent Psychology Treatment Modules: Personalized Care in Behavior and Emotion
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Donovan, CL, Cognitive restructuring, Handbook of Child and Adolescent Psychology Treatment Modules: Personalized Care in Behavior and Emotion, 2023, pp. 89-107