Depression Formulation (Beck)
A longitudinal CBT formulation based on Beck's cognitive model of depression — mapping early experiences through core beliefs to current maintenance cycles.
Written by Tarun Vermani, Trainee Clinical Psychologist Last reviewed
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Depression Formulation (Beck)
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Early Experiences
Core Beliefs
Rules & Assumptions
Critical Incident
Maintenance Cycle
Protective Factors & Strengths
What resources, strengths, and supports might help in recovery?
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See the interactive Beck depression model →
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The Depression Formulation (Beck) is an interactive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) worksheet, most often used in CBT for depression and low mood.
It is designed to be used within therapy rather than as a standalone self-help tool: a therapist introduces it, works through it collaboratively, and helps make sense of what it surfaces. You can preview the full worksheet above, then assign it digitally for clients to complete between sessions on any device — or download it as a print-ready PDF.
How it works
The Depression Formulation (Beck) is a guided formulation canvas: you trace a difficulty over time — from early experiences, through the core beliefs and assumptions that developed, to the situations that trigger it today — to build a developmental picture.
Completed on the Formulate platform, your client's answers are saved automatically and shared straight back to you, so you can review them before the next session rather than waiting for a paper copy to come back.
The CBT approach behind it
In common with other CBT methods, the Depression Formulation (Beck) works by mapping how the parts of a problem connect and keep it going (formulation). The aim is not positive thinking but a clearer, shared understanding of what keeps a difficulty going — and practical, testable ways to change it.
Because it is a CBT tool it stays focused on the here-and-now links between thoughts, feelings, the body and behaviour, and it works best as one part of a wider course of therapy rather than as advice or a diagnosis.
Evidence & sources
This worksheet is grounded in established cognitive behavioural therapy theory and practice. Key sources include:
- Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, B.F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. New York: Guilford Press.
- Martell, C.R., Dimidjian, S., & Herman-Dunn, R. (2010). Behavioral Activation for Depression. New York: Guilford Press.
- Greenberger, D. & Padesky, C.A. (2016). Mind Over Mood (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
For use alongside professional support
Formulate provides educational CBT resources for use with a qualified therapist. They are not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis, or crisis care.
If you need urgent help now:
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More Depression worksheets
View all Depression worksheets →Depression
Activity Monitoring Diary
Track activities hour by hour alongside mood to identify patterns linking what you do to how you feel.
Depression
Behavioural Activation Schedule
Plan and rate activities with mastery and pleasure scores to gradually rebuild a rewarding routine.
Depression
Downward Arrow Worksheet
Trace a negative automatic thought down through underlying assumptions to the core belief using the "what would that mean?" technique.
Depression
Core Belief Worksheet
Identify a core belief, rate its conviction, gather evidence for and against, and develop a more balanced alternative.
Depression
Rumination Functional Analysis
Track rumination episodes and analyse their triggers, content, function, and consequences — to understand why you ruminate and what alternatives might work.
Depression
Pleasure Predicting Experiment
Test the depressive prediction that "nothing will be enjoyable" by predicting pleasure before activities and comparing with actual experience.
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