CBT technique for checking a delusion

Health and Recovery
1

A quick and simple therapy technique for reality checking in cases of schizophrenia or delusional thinking is called the:

:magnifying_glass_tilted_left: “3-Point Reality Check”

(adapted from CBT for psychosis and supported by clinical practice)

Step 1: Check the Evidence

Ask: “What proof do I have that this is true?”

  • Write down facts for and against the thought.
  • Compare it to what others experience.

Step 2: Ask a Trusted Person

Ask: “What would someone I trust say about this?”

  • Bring the thought to a friend, therapist, or support worker.
  • If they say it’s unlikely, consider that as data.

Step 3: Use a Grounding Statement

Say to yourself:
“This feels real, but feelings aren’t always facts. I will wait and not act on it.”

  • Helps create distance from the thought while staying safe.

:brain: Why It Works:

  • It promotes curiosity instead of certainty.
  • It brings in outside perspectives.
  • It reduces impulsive reactions to false beliefs.
3 Likes
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My psychiatrist said there’s two things set in stone. Delusions and OCD. He said the meds don’t touch them. They may help some, the delusions may change but he said based on his 30 some years experience they’re set.

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Had mine for decades. They’re not going away so I go around them.

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