CBT in Practice — Functional Analysis

Functional analysis is a technique used in CBT to better understand behaviour in context. Instead of labelling behaviour as “bad” or “inappropriate,” we look at what preceded it and what followed it in order to have a better understanding of the function of the target behaviour.

🔹 A — What happened before? (Antecedents or Triggers)
🔹 B — What was the behaviour?
🔹 C — What happened after? (Consequences or Payoffs)

When we map things out this way, we can start to see the function of the behaviour — and what the person might need instead. Supportive strategies can then focus on unmet needs, emotional regulation and creating safer patterns for expressing emotions.

Source:
Padesky, C. A., & Greenberger, D. (2016). Mind Over Mood (2nd ed.).

Stallard, P. (2019). Think Good, Feel Good: A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Workbook for Children and Young People (2nd ed.).


Disclaimer: This post is for informational and psychoeducational purposes only and does not replace professional mental health advice or therapy.

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