Session 4: Thought-Challenging and Thought-Changing Skills

Abstract

Employing information from their Thought Record homework, in Session 4 the teen is instructed in applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) thought-challenging skills employing the “Challenging Your Thoughts” worksheet in the Children’s Health and Illness Recovery Program (CHIRP) Workbook. Common cognitive errors (e.g., hopelessness, catastrophizing, mind reading) are introduced and applied to the teen’s own identified automatic thoughts. For youth with chronic illness, the impact of their symptoms on their functioning can adversely impact on their expectations and willingness to set challenging yet appropriate goals for themselves. CBT skills in challenging and changing unsubstantiated and disabling beliefs and schema are crucial to overcoming these barriers.