Lesson Plan
Detective Mind Blueprint
Students will learn to identify, challenge, and test unhelpful thoughts using CBT detective strategies—gathering evidence, exploring alternatives, and practicing through role-play.
This lesson builds core CBT skills for future counselors, enhancing critical thinking and evidence-based thought-testing to guide clients toward healthier thinking.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Review Materials and Setup Technology
15 minutes
Step 1
Suspect Your Thoughts Discussion
10 minutes
Step 2
Clue-Finding in Cognition Presentation
15 minutes
Step 3
Thought Investigation Role-Play
20 minutes
Step 4
Group Debrief and Alternative Thought Generation
10 minutes
Step 5
Weekly Reflection Journal Entry
5 minutes
Slide Deck
Clue-Finding in Cognition: CBT Thought Testing
Learning Objectives
CBT Thought-Testing Model
Step 1: Identify the Automatic Thought
Step 2: Gather Evidence Supporting the Thought
Step 3: Gather Evidence Against the Thought
Step 4: Detect Cognitive Distortions
Step 5: Create Balanced Alternative Thoughts
Guided Practice Prompt
Example Case: Sarah’s Presentation Anxiety
Summary & Next Steps
Activity
Discussion
Cool Down
