The second part of SA — an analysis: which interpretations are accurate and useful for the DO? Which behavior would have helped? What could have been done differently?
Step-by-step guide
- For each interpretation: "Is this thought accurate? Is it based on facts?"
- "Is this thought useful? Did it help you reach the DO?"
- If not: "What thought would have been more accurate and more useful?"
- For the behavior: "Did your behavior help reach the DO? Or get in the way?"
- If it got in the way: "What could you have done differently? What would have brought you closer to the DO?"
- Help formulate a concrete plan: "Next time I will…"
When to use
- Always after the elicitation phase, if AO ≠ DO
- The core of learning in CBASP
Key phrases
We have what happened and what you wanted. Now, very carefully: did each of those thoughts actually move you toward what you wanted? If not, what thought would have? Same question for what you did.
Follow-up questions
Was that thought accurate?
Was it useful — did it serve the DO?
If not, what would a more useful thought have sounded like?
And the behavior — what would have moved you closer?
Alternative phrasings
You are the one answering these questions — I am just keeping the structure.
If no better thought comes right away, we sit with it a moment.
Warnings
- ⚠️ The client must REACH the conclusions themselves — do not hand out the answers.
- ⚠️ Use Socratic questions.
Source: McCullough, 2000; McCullough, 2006
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.