In order to identify self-defeating thoughts and help the patient become aware of them, cognitive-behaviour therapists often ask clients to

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Keeping a thought journal to record automatic thoughts for a week is a common technique used in cognitive-behaviour therapy to identify self-defeating thoughts. This allows therapists to help their clients become aware of their negative thinking patterns and challenge them. Freely associating to words and keeping a dream journal may be useful in therapy for other purposes, but not specifically for identifying self-defeating thoughts. Engaging in Buddhist meditation may be helpful for some individuals, but it is not a standard technique used in cognitive-behaviour therapy to identify self-defeating thoughts.

In Order to Identify Self-Defeating Thoughts and Help the Patient