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(p. 160) The ABC Model 

(p. 160) The ABC Model
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date: 29 October 2020

The way that we think and what we say to ourselves is very powerful. How we think determines how we feel and behave. The “ABC model” can help us understand how this works.

People sometimes think that A (the event) causes C (how they feel and behave). For example, they have an argument with their partner (A) and then they end up angry and having a drink (C). However, it’s actually B (a person’s beliefs or thoughts) that lead to C! Two different people can experience the exact same event but react very differently. The event is the same, but their beliefs (B) and the way they interpret the situation are different. Here is an example:

Person #1

Person #2

(p. 161) What are some other helpful thoughts that the person in this example could say to himself or herself?

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Changing the way you think takes time, but with continued practice you will find that this new way of thinking becomes easier, and you will feel much more in control.