Which of the following is an intervention used in Cognitive Theory?

• A. Cognitive restructuring
• B. Self-instruction training
• C. Triple column technique
• D. Education

Answer: (C)

Interventions in Cognitive Theory focus on changing thinking patterns because thoughts drive emotions and behavior. The triple column technique is a structured cognitive intervention that helps clients do this in a clear, step-by-step way: identify the triggering situation, record the automatic thought that arises, list evidence that supports and opposes that thought, and finally generate a balanced, more adaptive thought. This process externalizes internal thinking and teaches clients to challenge distortions with evidence, which is exactly how cognitive theory seeks to alter cognition and, in turn, affect feelings and actions.

Cognitive restructuring is a broad approach within this framework, but the triple column technique provides a concrete method to implement that restructuring. Self-instruction training centers on guiding internal speech to regulate behavior, and education is a general learning approach—not a targeted cognitive intervention.