ABSTRACT
When NATs have answered, and dysfunctional rules and assumptions modified, core beliefs become the next target of therapeutic intervention. Core beliefs are fundamental appraisals make of us, others and the world. These are examples of maladaptive core beliefs, rigid and over generalized, which cognitive behavioural therapists help their clients to uncover. In this and the following points, ways of revealing core beliefs demonstrated. The downward arrow pursues the personal meaning for client of each thought elicited until a core belief revealed. It is important that the therapist does not engage in challenging the client's thoughts as this prevent the 'arrow' from going 'down' very far. Nor should she ask long-winded questions that distract client from the often intense introspective focus required of him for the successful completion of this exercise, or insert her own interpretations of the client's problems into her questions. Padesky observes: Questioning the meaning of high affect events usually quickly lead to identification of schemas.
