Getting clients to understand what CBT is and how it works can be challenging. Using videos like those below gives them a visual explanation with examples to speed up their learning. Keep them engaged and make the most of your time by either showing these during a session or assigning them as homework to watch between sessions. Use a handout to go with the video to enhance their understanding.

CBT is Not Like Riding a Bike (or is it?)

Even riding a bike isn't like riding a bike. When learning something new, sometimes there's a need to unlearn. Unlearning how to ride a bicycle is a great analogy to unlearning unhelpful thinking habits. It's also great to show how easy it is to slip back into old habits demonstrating the need for constant practice.
The best line in the video is "Truth is truth, no matter what I believe." This could be a great discussion to have with those who are having trouble seeing that they might have beliefs that aren't totally accurate which is the beginning of catching, challenging, and changing irrational thoughts.
The fact that it took 8 months to unlearn and relearn the backwards bike also demonstrates that making even small changes can take time.
Ask these questions:
  • Why do you think people overestimated their ability to ride the backwards bike before they had tried it?
  • How long would you be willing to practice the backward bike before wanting to give up? Would you do something daily for 8 months and retain the hope that you'll eventually get it?
  • Why do you think it's much easier to switch back to an old style of thinking than to create new ways of thinking?
  • How do behaviors play into habits of thought? Do behaviors influence our thoughts? Do thoughts influence our behaviors?
  • Do you think it's possible to be able to switch between ways to thinking rapidly? What advantages could there be for being able to change ways of thinking?
  • What does the backwards bike lesson have to do with depression and/or other mental health issues?

A Simple Explanation of What CBT is

Woody at TherapistAid.com explains CBT in a simple way. This video is great to use when starting a group because clients will all have a basic understanding and familiarity with CBT. After showing this, they will understand enough to start working through CBT exercises.

Automatic Thoughts and What to Do about Them

This automatic thoughts video covers a lot about irrational distorted thinking. The engaging animation and examples used are a relatable introduction to types of distorted thinking and how to keep those thoughts in check. This video is great when getting clients to recognize their own automatic thoughts. Many times clients may immediately say, "I do that" after viewing the video.

Negativity Bias

Negativity bias helps explain why humans focus on negatives more than positives. It might be a good video to show when clients are thinking that they are different than others. If they are judging themselves about their negative thoughts, this video will help them realize that they are working against their human nature when they challenge irrational negative thoughts.

ABC Model

The best thing about the ABC model is that it shows the different stages where changes can be made to have better outcomes. Your clients will benefit by seeing the big picture of how CBT helps in different ways. This will also help them understand how depression can lead to irrational beliefs no matter what events are going on in their lives.

Behavioral Activation

Behavior activation aims to address the behaviors that contribute to the reinforcing cycle of depression. By changing the behaviors, the irrational beliefs don't happen as often and depression symptoms may improve. When that happens it becomes easier to change those unhealthy behaviors that still remain. Help your clients sort out the behavioral changes that could help. Then work on strategies to reinforce those new behaviors.

Examples of Behavioral Activation Activities

This advertisement shows several examples of activities that lead to positive emotions. Common sense tells us that doing nice things for others and taking care of our world could reap emotional benefits. Watching this video can show clearly how actions affect our feelings. Use this to motivate those who are being introduced to behavioral activation. Here are some questions to ask as a follow-up:
  • What are some of the things that this person did that gave him an emotional reward?
  • How do you think he feels throughout his day?
  • Would you want to have a life like him?
  • What are some opportunities that you could take in your daily routine that could provide you with positive emotions?