Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Model and Cognitive Triad

The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model illustrates the interconnectedness of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, all anchored by our core beliefs.

The CBT Cycle

Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors all influence each other bidirectionally. A change in one will often lead to a change in the others.

flowchart TD
    B(((BEHAVIOR))) <--> T(((THOUGHTS)))
    T <--> F(((FEELINGS)))
    F <--> B

Core Beliefs (Beck’s Cognitive Triad)

At the center of this cycle lie our Core Beliefs. Aaron Beck identified a “Cognitive Triad” of negative core beliefs that contribute to depression, but the triad applies to core beliefs in general. It consists of beliefs about:

1. Yourself
2. Others
3. The Future

flowchart TD
    CB{CORE<br>BELIEFS}
    CB --- Y([YOURSELF])
    CB --- O([OTHERS])
    CB --- F([FUTURE])

Full Model Representation

flowchart TD
    subgraph CBT Cycle
        B(((BEHAVIOR)))
        T(((THOUGHTS)))
        F(((FEELINGS)))
        
        B <--> T
        T <--> F
        F <--> B
    end
    
    subgraph Core Beliefs
        CB{CORE BELIEFS}
        Y([YOURSELF])
        O([OTHERS])
        Fu([FUTURE])
        
        CB --- Y
        CB --- O
        CB --- Fu
    end