CBT by Condition

Guide

CBT‑Informed Care for Moral Injury (Adjunctive)

Educational content only. Moral injury often requires specialized, values‑sensitive care. See our Medical Disclaimer.

Overview

Moral injury arises when actions or events violate deeply held moral beliefs, leading to guilt, shame, or betrayal beliefs and functional impairment.

CBT‑informed elements

  • Clarify values: name the moral standard and its importance.
  • Compassionate reframing: consider context, intention, constraints, and humanity.
  • Repair actions: values‑consistent steps (service, amends, advocacy) when safe/appropriate.

Journaling prompts

  1. The value that feels violated is… and why it matters to me.
  2. What I would say to a friend in this situation (compassionate perspective).
  3. One safe, values‑aligned step I can take.

Seek values‑sensitive care; see How to Journal.

When to seek care

Intense shame, isolation, or risk requires professional support; consider spiritual/ethical advisors if desired.

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