28/09/2025
The CBT Cycle—Situation → Thought → Emotion → Behavior—is a framework for understanding how we interpret and respond to life’s events. It explains how our experiences shape our feelings and actions, and why we sometimes get stuck in unhelpful patterns.
Situation
This is the external event or trigger.
It could be something small (like a comment) or significant (like a major life change).
The situation itself is neutral until we assign meaning to it.
Thought
Our interpretation of the situation creates meaning.
Thoughts are automatic, shaped by our beliefs, past experiences, and emotional state.
They can be helpful and accurate or distorted and irrational.
Emotion
The thought we have influences how we feel.
A negative thought can lead to emotions like anxiety, anger, or sadness.
A positive or neutral thought can evoke feelings of calm, confidence, or contentment.
Behavior
Emotions drive how we act or respond.
Behaviors can either reinforce the initial thought (keeping the cycle going) or interrupt it (breaking the cycle).
This cycle is how we experience and interpret the world. But when the cycle involves negative thoughts or unhelpful behaviors, it can trap us in patterns that amplify stress, anxiety, or other challenges.
Recognizing the cycle gives us the power to change it. Working with a professional can help guide you through the process.
