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Identify a core belief, rate its conviction, gather evidence for and against, and develop a more balanced alternative.
Core beliefs are deeply held assumptions about yourself, others, or the world. This worksheet helps you examine one specific belief systematically: how strongly you hold it, what supports it, what contradicts it, and what a more balanced version might look like.
Use in the middle-to-later phase of therapy once core beliefs have been identified through downward arrow or pattern analysis across thought records. This structured worksheet supports the process of evaluating and modifying deeply held beliefs about self, others, and the world.
Normalise the process: 'We've identified a deep belief that seems to be driving a lot of your difficulties. This worksheet will help us examine that belief carefully, looking at the full picture rather than just the evidence that supports it. This is often the most powerful part of therapy.'
For clients with strong core beliefs, expect this to be a multi-session process rather than a single homework task. For those with low self-worth, start with a less emotionally charged belief before tackling the central one. Use a continuum approach alongside this for clients who think in black-and-white terms.
Not suitable before core beliefs have been properly identified and the client has some cognitive restructuring skills. Avoid if the client is not emotionally stable enough to engage with core material. Premature core belief work can reinforce hopelessness if the client feels unable to shift the belief.
Core belief work is a process, not a single event. Expect the old belief to reassert itself between sessions; this is normal, not failure. Track belief conviction ratings over time to demonstrate gradual shift. Pair with positive data logging and behavioural experiments for maximum impact.
Suitable for clients working with core beliefs, depression, cbt, cognitive restructuring, evidence. This tool can be used as a standalone worksheet or as part of a structured homework plan.
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