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Behavioural experiments are experiential exercises used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to drive cognitive change by testing patients' idiosyncratic, emotionally linked beliefs. In this paper, we provide clinical guidance on how to deliver effective behavioural experiments that maximise cognitive change based on lessons learnt over the last 30 years from our work using Cognitive Therapy to treat Panic Disorder (CT-PD), Social Anxiety Disorder (CT-SAD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CT-PTSD). We describe key steps for setting up and carrying out powerful experiments, including common blocks and barriers patients and therapists come across when using them.

Original publication

DOI

10.1080/16506073.2025.2518427

Type

Journal article

Journal

Cogn Behav Ther

Publication Date

26/06/2025

Pages

1 - 27

Keywords

Behavioural experiments, cognitive therapy, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder