ABSTRACT
A key way to find a cross-situational underlying assumption is for the therapist to alert for client statements using an 'if then' construction such as 'If I don't do as I'm told, then my partner will leave me'. The terms of the assumption are set by the 'if'; the 'then' inflicts its punishment if these terms are not met. Fennell points out that 'sometimes the "if then" is not immediately obvious, but you will see it if you look carefully'. On a technical note, some 'if then' statements are actually situation-specific automatic thoughts, For example. 'If I speak to Sue about the noise levels, she'll tell me to "get lost"' and 'If I ask John for a lift to the station, he'll say he hasn't got the time to do it'. Both of these predictions can be tested through behavioural experiments. These two and other situation-specific 'if then' statements coalesced into an underlying cross-situational assumption.
