Introduction & Theoretical Background
Behavioral experiments are a particularly powerful technique and are very commonly used in CBT. There are many different types of behavioral experiments which serve different purposes. A non-exhaustive list includes:
- Surveys – may be purely information-gathering
- Experiential exercises – may allow the client to test specific beliefs (e.g. "If I carry out an interoceptive exposure exercise of hyperventilating I will pass out and die")
- Hypothesis testing – may be designed to allow clients to gather information to test the validity of thoughts, predictions, or beliefs.
In essence, as long as a belief is clearly specified the evidence supporting it can be explored experimentally. Tests (experiments) are designed to provide clients with new information. This information may serve to confirm or disprove beliefs, or offer support in favour of one hypothesis over another. This Behavioral Experiment CBT worksheet guides you through the essential steps required to plan and evaluate behavioral experiments. It is well suited