Thoughts on Trial is a CBT activity focused on the examination of irrational thoughts. Your client will act as a defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge as they compare evidence for and against a single thought. Like in a real court of law, only verifiable facts are admissible as evidence. Opinions, assumptions, and conjecture are not allowed.
Finally, as the judge, they will reach a verdict: Is the thought accurate and fair?
This cognitive restructuring technique is powerful because it encourages the review of a thought from multiple perspectives in a fair and rational manner. As the therapist, you can aid the process by challenging evidence that you believe breaks the rules, and presenting evidence that your client has missed.
This activity requires a basic understanding of CBT and the cognitive behavioral model. To learn more about the thought trial activity, check out our Cognitive Restructuring guide for clinicians.
