Clearer therapy goals become easier to set when distress is translated into the thoughts, behaviours and knowledge gaps that keep it going. Think Cbt Exercise 1 – Problem Statements V10 offers a simple CBT problem statement worksheet for adults starting cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling or self-help work, especially when anxiety, low confidence or low mood feel too broad to tackle.
Trying to prepare for a CBT assessment or first therapy session can be difficult when the main issue is described only as feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed. The worksheet helps turn those broad feelings into clearer problem statements by separating the named problem from the unhelpful thinking patterns, avoidance behaviours, reassurance seeking, self-criticism or skills gaps that may be maintaining it.
The first page explains why a CBT problem list focuses on the factors that keep distress going, rather than treating the emotion itself as the problem. It includes worked examples for panic attacks and anxiety, low personal confidence and depressed mood, showing how behaviours such as avoiding social situations, overworking, people pleasing, withdrawing from activities or repeatedly checking for reassurance can be written down in practical terms.
The blank second page provides a three-column table with space to complete personal entries under The Problem, Unhelpful / Unworkable Behaviours and What I Don’t Know or Understand. It can be printed and completed before therapy, used during a CBT session, or kept as part of a self-help workbook to support goal setting, case formulation and treatment planning.
Adults beginning CBT, counsellors, psychological wellbeing practitioners and therapists may find it useful when clarifying therapy targets for panic, health anxiety, low self-esteem, procrastination or low mood. The format is straightforward enough for clients to use independently, while still giving practitioners a structured way to discuss maintaining cycles and knowledge or skills gaps.
