Which CBT technique involves imagining a target situation and a therapist guiding the client through a step-by-step coping process, followed by practice in rehearsal?

• A. Behavioral Rehearsal and Role-Playing
• B. Decatastrophizing
• C. Modeling
• D. Problem Solving

Answer: (A)

This involves practicing how to cope in a specific situation by first imagining it and then moving through a guided, step-by-step plan with the therapist, followed by rehearsal in-session. In this approach, the client mentally simulates the target scenario and the therapist leads them through concrete coping steps (such as taking a calm breath, using a prepared script, or implementing a problem-solving plan) and then the client rehearses those steps in the session. This combination—imagining the situation, guided, sequential coping, and in-session practice—is the essence of behavioral rehearsal paired with role-playing. It builds preparedness and fluency in responding to real-world triggers, making it easier to apply the skills outside of therapy.

Decatastrophizing focuses on challenging catastrophic thoughts rather than practicing the actual coping steps in a simulated scenario. Modeling involves watching someone demonstrate a behavior to imitate, rather than the client actively rehearsing their own coping sequence. Problem solving provides a structured approach to generating and choosing solutions, but it doesn’t center on imagined scenario rehearsal with guided step-by-step coping.