CBT Formulation Template

A structured template for developing CBT case formulations.

A structured template for developing CBT case formulations using the five areas model.

CBT Formulation

Presenting problems

Key difficulties and triggers

Predisposing factors

Early experiences, beliefs, vulnerabilities

Precipitating factors

What triggered the current episode?

Perpetuating factors

What maintains the problem? (Safety behaviours, avoidance, rumination)

Protective factors

Strengths, resources, support

Core beliefs

About self, others, world, future

Conditional assumptions

"If... then..." rules

Negative automatic thoughts

Typical NATs in problem situations