Tracking the link between a difficult situation, automatic thoughts and emotional reactions can be hard to do from memory. A simple CBT thought diary helps people slow the moment down, record the activating event, identify beliefs or self-statements, and note the emotional, physical and behavioural consequences.
This Depression Thought Diary Worksheet for CBT ABC Model is a structured printable tool for exploring how low mood or distress may be connected to a specific event, the thoughts that followed, and the consequences for feelings and behaviour. It is designed for adults and older teenagers who are learning to use cognitive behavioural therapy ideas in therapy, counselling, guided self-help or reflective home practice.
The worksheet sets out the ABC format in a simple way, with space to record A for the activating event, B for beliefs, assumptions or self-statements, and C for emotional, physical and behavioural responses. Users can note the situation in plain language, identify automatic thoughts, highlight the most distressing “hot thought”, and rate belief strength or emotional intensity from 0 to 100 where useful.
Practitioners may use it during sessions to support discussion, as a between-session task, or as part of a wider set of CBT worksheets and mood monitoring activities. It can also be useful for individuals who want a clearer written record before reviewing patterns with a therapist, counsellor or mental health practitioner.
Download and print the worksheet for use in appointments, personal reflection, supervised practice or home learning, keeping completed copies private and handled in line with the setting in which they are used. Produced by the Centre for Clinical Interventions.
