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Trace a negative automatic thought down through underlying assumptions to the core belief using the "what would that mean?" technique.
Start with a specific negative automatic thought (NAT) from a recent situation. Then ask: "If that were true, what would that mean about me / the situation / the future?" Record each answer and ask the question again, going deeper each time. You'll typically reach a core belief within 4–6 steps. This helps identify the beliefs that therapy needs to target.
Use when surface-level automatic thoughts have been identified but you suspect deeper conditional assumptions or core beliefs are maintaining the depression. Particularly useful when the same themes recur across multiple thought records or when cognitive restructuring at the NAT level produces only temporary relief.
Explain the purpose transparently: 'Sometimes the thoughts we catch on the surface are connected to deeper beliefs about ourselves or the world. I'd like us to gently follow one of your thoughts downward to see what sits underneath it. You can stop at any point if it feels too much.'
Go slowly with clients who have a trauma history, as the technique can access painful core material. For clients who intellectualise, encourage them to notice what they feel in their body as beliefs are uncovered. Consider spreading across sessions if the content is emotionally intense.
Avoid if the therapeutic alliance is not yet strong enough to hold distressing core belief material. Not appropriate in acute crisis or when the client lacks emotional regulation skills to manage what may emerge. Use with caution in personality presentations where core beliefs may be deeply entrenched and destabilising.
The key question is 'If that were true, what would that mean about you/others/the world?' Keep asking until you reach a belief that feels absolute and global. The emotional shift in the client is usually a reliable indicator that you have reached core material. Document what emerges and link it back to the formulation.
Suitable for clients working with downward arrow, core beliefs, assumptions, depression, cbt, cognitive restructuring. This tool can be used as a standalone worksheet or as part of a structured homework plan.
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