Behavioural experiments are experiential exercises used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to drive cognitive change by testing patients' idiosyncratic, emotionally linked beliefs. In this paper, we provide clinical guidance on how to deliver effective behavioural experiments that maximise cognitive change based on lessons learnt over the last 30 years from our work using Cognitive Therapy to treat Panic Disorder (CT-PD), Social Anxiety Disorder (CT-SAD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CT-PTSD). We describe key steps for setting up and carrying out powerful experiments, including common blocks and barriers patients and therapists come across when using them.
Journal article
2025-11-01T00:00:00+00:00
54
767 - 793
26
Behavioural experiments, cognitive therapy, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, Humans, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorder