Core Beliefs Exercise

This exercise helps children and young people explore the deep-down beliefs they hold about themselves, others, and the world around them. Core beliefs often sit beneath the surface, shaping how a person thinks, feels, and reacts in social situations. For those struggling with social anxiety, these beliefs can be harsh or unhelpful, such as “I’m not good enough” or “People won’t like me.”

The Core Beliefs Exercise gently guides children to uncover these hidden “stories,” look at the evidence for and against them, and practise creating more balanced, supportive beliefs. Through simple explanations and structured prompts, the activity encourages reflection and helps young people begin to challenge old patterns of thinking while building kinder, more realistic ways of seeing themselves.

This tool is designed to be child-friendly, with space for creativity, self-expression, and therapist support. It can be used in session, as part of homework, or within a wider CBT programme for social anxiety.