Thinking Traps 1
This is when we think in absolutes such as "always", "never", or "every". I never get good grades.
What is All-or-Nothing Thinking
I'm not allowed to see my friends on Friday because I'm grounded. My life is over.
What is Catastrophizing
She broke up with me last night. Now I'll never meet anyone.
What is All-or-Nothing Thinking OR What is Overgeneralization
I'll never be happy
Examples: "I may be unhappy now but that will pass." "I have been happy before and I will be happy again."
This is when we see a single negative event as a part of a never-ending streak of failure. We use words like "always," "never," "everybody".
What is Overgeneralization?
I missed one question on this 50-question test. How could I miss that one question??
What is Disqualifying the positive
I'm sad that no one came to my party today. I must be a bad friend.
What is Emotional Reasoning
I should give her a gift so she'll be my friend.
Examples: "I have other things to offer a friend like..." "I want to give my friend a gift because it makes me feel good"
This happens when we exaggerate the importance of events.
What is Magnification or Catastrophizing?
That kid is smirking at me. I know he's laughing at my new hair.
What is Mind Reading
My teacher moved my seat today in class. It must be because she hates me.
What is Personalization?
My dad was very quiet this morning. He's still angry about what I said the other day.
"There are many reasons why he might be quiet. It's probably not personal." "I will check in with him later and make sure everything is ok"
This is when we interpret the thoughts and beliefs of others without evidence.
What is Mind Reading?
My teacher showed everyone my art project as an example in class today. She probably just picked a project at random.
What is Minimization?
I know she complimented me on my new outfit but she was just being nice.
What is Disqualifying the Positive OR What is Minimization
I know I am going to fail the test tomorrow so I mind as well not go to school.
"I can study for the test so I can pass". "I had a test before that I did well in because I studied". "I will do fine."
These are ways of thinking about situations that are quick and reflect our underlying beliefs about the world. (Ex: "She's rude")
What are automatic thoughts
Interpreting the meaning of a situation with little or no evidence.
What is Jumping to Conclusions?
Name a negative thought you had recently
What thinking trap did you fall into?
I'm an idiot when it comes to math.
What is Labeling? Reframe! I am smart and I have strengths in other areas.
I shouldn't have hit him. Now everyone thinks I'm crazy.
I made a mistake and I'm still a good person.
I can apologize for my mistakes.
I will make a better choice the next time this happens.
Bad things should not happen to me because I am a good person
What is Magical Thinking?