In Beck's cognitive therapy for depression, clients are encouraged to examine what?

In Beck's cognitive therapy for depression, clients are encouraged to examine less destructive cognitions as a means to combat negative thought patterns that contribute to their depressive symptoms. This therapy is rooted in the cognitive model of depression, which posits that distorted and negative thinking leads to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. By identifying and challenging these harmful thought patterns, individuals can learn to reinterpret their experiences in a more realistic and positive light, promoting emotional well-being. This process helps clients restructure their thinking, fostering healthier attitudes and behaviors that can alleviate depressive symptoms.

The other options, while potentially relevant to understanding a person's background, aren’t the focus of Beck's cognitive therapy. Past traumas and adverse childhood experiences may be explored in some therapeutic contexts, but they aren't the central theme of this cognitive approach. Similarly, while external validations might play a role in self-esteem, Beck's therapy emphasizes changes in internal cognitive processes over seeking approval or validation from outside sources.