a form of cognitive behavior therapy used to modify maladaptive beliefs and cognitions and develop new skills in an individual. The therapist identifies the client’s maladaptive thoughts (e.g., “Everybody hates me”) and models appropriate behavior while giving spoken constructive self-instructions (or self-statements). The client then copies the behavior while repeating these instructions aloud. See also self-statement training. [developed by U.S. psychologist Donald Meichenbaum (1940– )]