Which CBT technique focuses on identifying and testing beliefs by looking for evidence and alternative explanations to guide thinking?

• A. Cognitive Restructuring
• B. Redefining
• C. Decatastrophizing
• D. Decentering

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is systematically testing your beliefs by gathering evidence and considering alternatives to guide thinking. In cognitive restructuring, you start by spotting automatic or maladaptive thoughts, then examine the evidence for and against them, look for alternative explanations, and finally replace the distorted belief with a more balanced interpretation. This process trains you to base your thoughts on real evidence rather than untested assumptions, which is why it’s the best fit.

Other options describe related goals but not the full evidence-driven testing process. Decatastrophizing focuses specifically on reducing extreme worst‑case thinking, decentering involves viewing thoughts from another perspective, and redefining isn’t a standard CBT technique in this form.