I. Description Cognitive Behavior Therapy

automatic thoughts The self-critical or exaggerated negative self-statements that go through a person’s mind and are accepted as true by the person without testing their accuracy. cognitive restructuring A treatment technique that attempts to identify and modify negative or unrealistic thoughts or attributions. cognitive triad A person’s view of himor herself, of the world, and the future, which may lead to depression when negative. exposure A treatment approach in which clients systematically confront their feared objects or situations. exposure and response prevention An approach to treatment for obsessive–compulsive disorder (and other disorders such as bulimia nervosa) in which the client is systematically and gradually exposed to his or her feared thoughts or situations while compulsive rituals or other behaviors are actively prevented. schema An enduring and stable belief system that assists in explaining experiences, mediating perception, and guiding response. self-monitoring A treatment technique in which clients systematically observe and record behaviors or responses and may be used to highlight subsequent changes in patterns of responses. I. DESCRIPTION