Negative Core Beliefs - Downward Arrow Technique

Help your clients uncover, understand, and challenge their core beliefs with this easy-to-use CBT worksheet bundle.

Designed for therapists, school counselors, and group facilitators, this resource teaches clients how to use the

Downward Arrow Technique to identify the deeper beliefs driving their emotions and automatic thoughts.

This pack includes everything you need to run a complete session:

• Downward Arrow Technique Worksheet – A simple, partner-guided activity with prompts to help clients work down from a surface thought to a core belief.
• Exploring My Core Belief Worksheet – A reflection page that guides clients through testing their belief, identifying cognitive distortions, exploring its origins, and replacing it with a healthier, more balanced belief.
• Affirmation Card Activity – Clients write a new affirmation on the front of a card and list evidence that supports their new belief on the back.
• Facilitator Guide – Clear instructions, timing suggestions, processing questions, and guidance for running this activity in individual or group settings.

Perfect for:

• CBT groups
• Teen and adult counseling
• School counseling sessions
• Psychoeducation groups
• Individual therapy
• Clients working on self-esteem, anxiety, shame, or negative self-talk

This activity works beautifully with adolescents and adults, and it can be completed in a single 50–60 minute session. Clean, approachable, and trauma-sensitive language makes it suitable for a wide range of settings.

What you’ll receive:

A digital PDF containing the worksheets and facilitator guide. Ready to print or use digitally.

If you’re looking for a structured, meaningful CBT activity that sparks insight and provides practical tools for change, this worksheet pack is an excellent addition to your therapeutic toolbox.