A therapist asks a patient to describe what he assumes would happen if his worst case scenario actually happened. The patient says, "If I fail this test, I'll never get into graduate school." What cognitive aspect is the therapist working with?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The therapist is working with the concept of decatastrophizing, which involves challenging and reducing the catastrophic thinking patterns that can lead to overwhelming anxiety or other negative emotions. By asking the patient to imagine what would actually happen if their worst-case scenario came true, the therapist is helping the patient to break down the exaggerated and irrational beliefs that underlie their fear of failure. This is an important cognitive skill in many types of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies.

A Therapist Asks a Patient to Describe What He Assumes