On Par
- Using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Improve
Your Mental Game (Part Three -Techniques)
By Johnny Ong, NSRCC Member
Cognitive and Behavioural Techniques
A
s implied by its label, CBT uses both
cognitive and behavioural techniques and
tools in managing dysfunctional and distressing
emotions. In this last instalment, some commonly
used techniques are presented for your reference.
It must be emphasized that the information shared
in these articles are meant as an introduction to
the CBT approach. You may wish to explore the
subject with further readings.
The ABCDEF Technique
This cognitive model provides a useful framework for understanding one’s events, thoughts, feelings and
behaviours. It illustrates how people are largely responsible for creating their own emotional dysfunction
and provides the framework in challenging and replacing irrational ideas.
Depicted below is an illustration of the framework where a golfer experiences a drop in form:
A – Activating Event (Played badly)
B – Belief (I will never be a good golfer - self-defeating statement)
C – Consequences (Emotional -Sad, Behavioural – avoids Playing)
D – Dispute (How sure am I of this? What evidence supports this statement?)
Fig. 1 The ABCD Framework (Disputing the belief)
Belief (I’ll never be good)
Activating Event
Dispute (Challenge and
restructure belief)
Consequences
Emotional
8
RESORT VIEW
Behavioural