Identification of automatic thoughts similar to preconscious. With depressed individuals this internal dialog is negatively oriented resulting in low self-esteem and negative self-concept.

Beck's cognitive therapy is most effective for treating phobias and depression.

The client's difficulties are a result of a distorted construction of reality in three levels:

1. View of self
2. View of experiences
3. View of the future

Beck believed that when a client changes his/or her thinking, biochemical changes occur in the brain which results in the client feeling better and less depressed.