FINDING THE ABC’s


This exercise is designed to help you get used to distinguishing the various parts of your “emotional episodes.”

To the right of each of the following statements, write down which parts represent the A’s, which parts are the B’s, and which parts are the C’s. Complete each item. There are no completely “right” answers; simply try to do your best.

 

  1. I feel so angry. I should notbe treated like this --- arrested just for having a few drinks.
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________
 2. I can’t stand being rejected by      her; without her love I’m nothing.      I took the overdose because it      seemed so hopeless.
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________
3. Being fired is so depressing. I’ll     never get another job. This proves     how useless I really am.
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________
4. It makes me incredibly anxious to     think about giving this talk. I’ve     got to do it well, otherwise I’ll be     shown up as a jerk.
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________
5. Anyone would be angry if they     were treated like John treats me.     He should know better.
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________
6. When I see food, I just have to eat      it — I can’t help myself.
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________
7. I got angry when I saw it. It’s just     not fair that this sort of thing can     happen.
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________
8. I feel really put down; I can’t     understand this therapy. This     proves how inadequate I am.
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________