Cognitive Distortions
Rephrase the thought
Rational or Irrational?
Thought or Feeling?
Mystery
100

Overgeneralizing

When we draw a FALSE conclusion about something based on just one example. 

example: NOTHING ever goes right for me. 

100
I will never find a place to live.
It is going to be hard to find a place to live. I need to ask for help. I probably won't find the perfect place at first.
100
This sucks.
Can be rational
100
Lonely
Feeling. What is a thought you have when you feel lonely?
100
What does CBT stand for?
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
200

Black and White Thinking

 The tendency to think in extremes: 

ex: I am a brilliant success, or I am an utter failure. 

200
No one loves me.
It feels like no one loves me. I'm lonely right now.
200
I am so mad!
Can be rational.
200
I'm so sad; how could this happen?
Thought. What is the feeling?
200
What's your favorite kind of cheese?
Yum!
300

Blaming

all blame is put on someone or something else.

It's all my mom's fault. If she had been more loving when I was a child...

300
I can't do this anymore.
It's so hard right now.
300
Katie didn't say hi to me this morning, she doesn't like me.
Not rational. What other reasons might she not say hi?
300
I'm going to punch someone in the face.
Thought. What feeling is behind this thought?
300

What is a positive thought that helps you when things are tough?

Awesome!

400

Should statements

“Should” and “ought” statements are often used by the thinker to take on a negative view of their life.

I should have never made that phone call.

400
It won't ever change, why even bother?
It is frustrating how hard it is to get where I want to go.
400
It feels like I have nothing to live for.
Closer to rational. It recognizes that this is a feeling and not a fact. Feelings change!
400
Frustrated
Feeling. What would a thought be that goes with this feeling?
400

Share something you've learned in treatment so far.

Cool!

500

Jumping to conclusions, predicting the future

when we assume that some event or events will end badly for us, that we will fail at something or we will be in danger, more as an assumption rather than an educated guess.

I am going to loose my job and then my housing and I will be homeless.

500
Everyone thinks I am stupid.
It feels like people are judging me.
500
My girlfriend is going to break up with me because we had a fight.
Not rational. Healthy relationships fight. What is the bit of truth in this thought?
500
I am worthless.
Thought. What is the feeling behind this thought?
500

What's your favorite coping skill? Why?

You are a rock star!

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