In a counselling session, wellbeing appointment or quiet moment at home, this printable CBT thought challenge example can help someone work through a mind reading automatic negative thought in a structured way. It is likely to be useful for adults, older teenagers, therapists, support workers and mental health practitioners looking for a thought diary, ANT worksheet, cognitive restructuring prompt or unhelpful thinking styles exercise.
The Mind Reading Thought Challenge Worksheet Example PDF helps people slow down a mind reading thought, test it against available evidence, and build a more balanced alternative response. The worked example follows an automatic negative thought about Sarah ignoring the person, then explores the situation, mood rating, evidence for and against, what a trusted friend might say, how helpful the thought is, and a more accurate way of thinking.
The ten-step format can be used as a CBT worksheet, thought record, thought diary example or cognitive behavioural therapy exercise in therapy sessions, wellbeing support, supervision or self-help work at home. It is especially suited to adults or older teens who recognise anxious assumptions, social worry, rejection sensitivity or repeated negative thoughts and need a practical prompt for challenging unhelpful thinking styles.
Use it as a printable handout, discussion guide, reflective worksheet or downloadable example before completing a blank thought challenge. It can support gentle conversation about assumptions, perspective taking and emotional intensity without asking the person to dismiss their feelings. View, download or print the worksheet when a clear worked example would be helpful. This resource was created by MindWell Leeds.
