Disputational method's purpose?

• A. It helps clients challenge irrational beliefs
• B. It helps clients memorize beliefs
• C. It avoids questioning beliefs
• D. It focuses on physical health

Answer: (A)

Disputational method focuses on challenging irrational beliefs rather than accepting them as true. In CBT, the therapist helps clients test beliefs for logical soundness, empirical support, and practical consequences, turning beliefs into testable hypotheses. The aim is to replace rigid, self-defeating thoughts with more flexible, evidence-based interpretations, which reduces emotional distress and improves functioning. For example, someone who thinks “If I fail, I’m worthless” is guided to examine past evidence of worth, consider counterexamples, and adopt a balanced belief like “Mistakes happen, and my worth isn’t determined by any single outcome.” The other options don’t fit because disputing beliefs isn’t about memorizing beliefs, avoiding questioning, or focusing on physical health.