The Court Case - thought challenge sheet

1        Write down your thought/s – put the really troublesome thought (not you!) in the “dock”, the thought that makes you feel really bad or upset.  (To help identify this thought, ask yourself questions such as:  What’s the worst that could happen?  What does that say about me?) 

2        Look for evidence to support the accuracy of the thoughts – what tells you this thought is true?  What would a barrister / lawyer / advocate for the defense say?  (Remember this is a “court case” and evidence should be able to stand up in court as facts)

3        Look for evidence against the thoughts – what tells you this thought is not totally true, all of the time?  What would a barrister / lawyer / advocate for the prosecution say?  What factual evidence is there?  Consider what others would say (witnesses) etc.

4        Sum up all the evidence and come to your own conclusions – find a closing statement that is based on the evidence, that is realistic, rational and balanced.  Rephrase the original thought in a way that includes the evidence.  (You might start with:  ”Even though I……)