21/01/2026
Challenging Negative Thoughts (Reality Testing)
Do you often worry about things that may never happen? This is a common pattern of negative thinking. Reality testing, a CBT technique, can help.
Start by identifying the worrying thought (e.g. “I won’t make it on time, everything will go wrong”).
Ask yourself: What evidence do I have that this will actually happen?
Then try to shift perspective, what would you say to a friend with the same worry?
Reality testing helps you recognise unhelpful thoughts and regain a sense of calm and emotional control.