Mind mapping transcript

Step one

Start in the middle of a blank page (or online board), writing or drawing the idea you intend to develop in the middle of the page. It’s a good idea to use landscape orientation.

[In the accompanying image, a white page has a circle in the centre of it, with ‘Benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’ written inside the circle].

Step two

Develop the related subtopics around this central topic, connecting each of them to the centre with a line.

[In the accompanying image, there are now three extra circles around the initial circle. They each contain a subtopic and are each connected to the middle circle with a line. The subtopics are:

• treats a range of disorders
• rationalises thought processes
• develops self-esteem].

Step three

Repeat the same process for the subtopics, generating lower-level subtopics as you see fit, connecting each of those to the corresponding subtopic.

[In the accompanying image, around the outside of the page, more circles are connected to the subtopics that they relate to. The subtopics and lower-level subtopics are:

Treats a range of disorders: 

• Depression / anxiety
• PTSD
• Bipolar & Schizophrenia
• Substance abuse disorders
• Chronic pain
• Sleep, eating & sexual disorders

Rationalises thought processes:

• Awareness of negative thinking
• Challenges negative thoughts
• Creates more positive thought patterns

Develops self-esteem:

• Develops coping mechanisms
• Teaches realistic ways of thinking].