Core Beliefs: Putting the ‘C’ and ‘B’ into CBT

Written by the THIS WAY UP clinical team

What are core beliefs?

We all hold deep, foundational beliefs about ourselves, the world, and other people. We call these  ‘core beliefs’, as they are core to our worldview and have a significant impact on our lives. Core beliefs influence how we view and treat ourselves, how easily we trust other people, and our ability to feel safe in the world.

Our core beliefs create the ‘lens’ through which we view and experience the world, as well as the actions we take. When these core beliefs are negative such as “I’m a failure”, “others are cruel” and “the world is a dangerous place,” they can contribute to hopelessness, low self-esteem, and excessive self-criticism. These unhelpful beliefs can cause people to push themselves too hard, cope in unhealthy ways, or shy away from exciting opportunities.

Core beliefs can be explored, challenged and adjusted to be more realistic and balanced, creating a healthier and happier life. That’s why it’s worthwhile exploring and understanding a client’s core beliefs, as you can gain insights into the root causes of psychological distress and challenging behaviours. This understanding is essential for tailoring therapeutic interventions to address your client’s unique life experiences. 

Challenging negative core beliefs when they contribute to self-criticism helps reduce unhelpful thinking patterns. Plus, setting tasks for clients to then take action in a way that is self-compassionate, rather than self-critical, gradually shifts core beliefs for the better.

Core belief work puts both the ‘C’ and ‘B’ of CBT to the test to help clients create meaningful change. 

In this  short animation ,  Dr Alison Mahoney from THIS WAY UP  shows your client how they can learn to identify their core beliefs and notice how they impact what we think, feel, and do. 

We encourage you to share this with your clients so they can develop healthier thought patterns, improve emotional wellbeing, and promote long-lasting and positive behavioural changes.