13 Easy CBT Practices to Immediately Shift Your Perspective

2. The ABC Model of CBT

The ABC Model is a fundamental framework in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that illustrates how our beliefs shape our emotional and behavioral outcomes. It breaks down experiences into three parts: A – Activating Event (what happened), B – Beliefs (your interpretation or thoughts about the event), and C – Consequences (your emotional and behavioral response). This model highlights that it's not the event itself that causes distress but our interpretation of it. By isolating these components, individuals can explore the underlying beliefs driving their reactions and learn to shift unhelpful thought patterns. It fosters awareness, personal accountability, and emotional adaptability.