ABSTRACT
The primary function of cognitive-restructuring techniques is to teach clients more adaptive thought patterns by helping them to detect their negative and distorted thought patterns, to recognize their deleterious impact, and to replace dysfunctional cognitions with more accurate and adaptive thought patterns. Cognitions are deemed dysfunctional when they appear to be unrealistic or inaccurate, and when they contribute to unwanted behavioral and emotional responses. Cognitive-restructuring techniques are used by the therapist to alter the clients inaccurate attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions, based on the premise that if clients can be taught to recognize and correct their own distortions of reality, they will then be in a better position to alter their related dysfunctional behavioral and emotional responses. Cognitive-restructuring techniques may be introduced simultaneously with behavioral techniques, or the therapist may decide to delay the introduction of these techniques until later sessions, depending upon the clients readiness for introspection.
