Thinking Traps
What is it called when you only focus on the bad and ignore the good?
HINT: Its thinking error
Mental Filter
“I’ll always fail” — trick or treat thought?
HINT: Answer is either trick or treat.
Trick!
Name one grounding skill for anxiety.
5-4-3-2-1 senses, deep breathing, etc
What is self-talk?
(Does not have to be word for word answer, just close enough.)
The way you talk to yourself in your mind.
What is the most popular Halloween candy?
Reese's cups!
What's the name of the trap where you assume that worst will happen?
Catastrophizing
Change this trick into a treat: “No one cares about me.”
(Does not have to be word for word answer, just close enough.)
“Some people do care, even if I don’t always feel it.”
What’s a healthy way to cope instead of avoidance?
HINT: Big or small
Facing small parts of the problem gradually.
True or False: Positive self-talk means ignoring problems.
False.
According to their theme song, which family is said to be creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky?
The Addams Family!
When you see things as “all good” or “all bad,” what trap is that?
Black-and-white thinking
What’s one question you can ask to check if a thought is true?
HINT: Can be a DBT skill too...
“What evidence do I have for this?”
What’s a coping skill you can use when you feel overwhelmed?
Taking a walk, journaling, talking to someone.
“I’m doing my best even if it’s not perfect.” — What kind of self-talk is this?
Self-compassionate / realistic.
Where does the world's largest Halloween parade take place?
New York City!!
“Everyone hates me” is an example of what kind of thinking?
HINT: Its a thinking error
Overgeneralization
What does a “treat” thought usually sound like?
HINT: 3-word answers
Balanced, realistic, and kind.
What’s the difference between a healthy and unhealthy coping skill?
HINT: Think of MUPS
Healthy ones reduce distress long-term; unhealthy only numb or avoid.
What happens to your emotions when your self-talk is negative?
They often get worse — more sadness or anxiety.
True or False: National Candy Corn Day is October 30.
TRUE!
What CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therpay) skill helps you recognize and challenge these thought traps?
Cognitive restructuring or thought challenging
What happens to your feelings when you change a trick thought to a treat thought?
They usually improve — less anxiety, sadness, or anger.
Name one CBT coping strategy for strong emotions.
Reframing thoughts, opposite action, or problem-solving.
What’s one spooky (negative) self-talk phrase you can replace with a kind one?
Example: “I’m worthless” → “I matter and can improve.”
How many pounds did the world's largest pumpkin pie weigh?
It weighed 3,699 pounds!