How to use the Daily Record of Dysfunctional Thoughts

Here is how to use the Daily Record of Dysfunctional Thoughts:

1. Note the situation that triggered your negative emotions and thoughts.
2. Note the emotions felt after the event then rate them them between 1 (a trace) and 100 (most intense possible).
3. Note the automatic thought associated with the emotions.

Here’s an example of this method in practice:

In both the Triple-column Technique and the Daily Record of Dysfunctional Thoughts, one is required to write things down rather than just do the exercise in one’s head. This is because writing facilitates thinking by forcing one to be more objective and allowing one to locate specific mental errors.

References

Burns, D. (2012). Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. Harper. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UW5X4C/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0