Cognitive Distortions
What is the Cognitive Distortion called when you think in extremes, like "I am either perfect or a total failure?"
All-Or-Nothing Thinking
Changing a negative thought into a more positive, neutral, or balanced one.
What is the first step to reframing a negative thought, like 'I will fail this test?'
Notice the negative thought (write it down or say it out loud).
What are affirmations, and how do they help with negative thoughts?
Positive statements you say to yourself to counter negative thought, helping you feel more confident and capable.
What is the name of the popular video game where you build and survive in a blocky world?
Minecraft.
Name the distortion where you assume you know what someone else is thinking, like "They think I am stupid"?
Mind Reading
What reframing technique involves asking, "What if everything goes right?" instead of "What if everything goes wrong"?
If you think, 'I am terrible at everything,' what question can you ask to challenge this thought?
"What evidence do I have for or against this?" (or "Is this 100% true?").
What affirmation can you use if you feel like you are not good enough, like "I am a failure"?
"My value is not determined by perfection but by effort and authenticity." (Or similar, like "I am doing my best").
In the movie 'The Lion King', what is the name of Simba's uncle who wants to be king?
What distortion makes you blow things out of proportion, like thinking a small mistake means 'I will fail the class'?
Catastrophizing
If you are stressed but think, 'I am thankful I have support,' what reframing technique are you using?
Gratitude Shift.
What is one way to challenge catastrophic thinking, like 'I will fail and ruin my future"?
Rate the likelihood of it happening, evaluate the consequences, or generate balanced perspectives.
If you are nervous about a test, what affirmation can remind you that mistakes are okay?
Mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.
What social media app, popular with the younger generation, is known for short dance and lip-sync videos?
TikTok.
If you think, 'I should always be perfect', and feel guilty when you are not, what distortion is this?
Should Statements.
What technique involves imagining a situation a month or year from now to see if it still matters?
If you think, 'My friend does not like me because they did not text back', what cognitive distortion is this, and how can you challenge it?
Distortion: Mind Reading.
Challenge: Look for evidence (ex., they might be busy) or consider alternatives.
What affirmation can help you focus on what you can control instead of worrying about things you cannot?
"I choose to focus on what I can control and let go of the rest".
In the Harry Potter series, What is the name of Harry's owl?
Hedwig.
What distortion involves blaming yourself for things you cannot control, like thinking "My team lost because I did not play well enough"?
Personalization.
What reframing mindset asks, 'What can I learn or gain from this challenge?'
Opportunity Mindset.
What is one way to see if a negative thought is based on facts or assumptions, like "Nobody likes me"?
Question the evidence (ex., "Do I have proof of this?") or consider alternative explanations (ex., "Maybe they are just busy.").
What affirmation can remind you to be kind to yourself when you are feeling down about a mistake?
"I deserve kindness and compassion from myself and others".
What is the name of the yellow, one-eyes creatures that love bananas?
Minions.