Thinking Traps 1
Thinking Traps 2
Thinking Trap
Examples
Reframing Thoughts
BONUS
100

This is when we think in absolutes such as "always", "never", or "every". I never get good grades.

What is All-or-Nothing Thinking

100

This is when we apply simplistic and unfair definitions that are probably wrong or more likely incomplete on ourselves and others.

What is Labeling

100

She broke up with me last night. Now I'll never meet anyone.

What is All-or-Nothing Thinking OR What is Overgeneralization

100

"I will never be happy"

Examples: "I may be unhappy now but that will pass." "I have been happy before and I will be happy again."

100
Fortune Telling and Mind Reading are types of what cognitive distortion?
What is Jumping to Conclusions
200

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?

200

This is when we anticipate that things will turn out badly and act as if they already turned out that way.

What is Fortune Telling

200

She did not say anything about my new haircut. She must think it is ugly!

What is Mind Reading?

200
I should give my friend money because he asked me for it.
Examples: "I wish I could loan him money but I cannot afford it." "I want to give my friend money because it makes me feel good and I have enough to spare."
200
This is another term for Cognitive Distortions.
What is Faulty Thinking or Stinky Thinking
300

This happens when we exaggerate  the importance of events. 

What is Magnification or Catastrophizing?

300

This is when we see ourselves as the cause of negative events that we are not responsible for.

What is Personalization

300

He is moving to a a new classroom because he does not like me.

What is personalization?

300
He didn't say Hi to me this morning so he must be mad at me for something I did.
"There are many reasons why he did not say Hi to me. It's probably not personal." "I will check in with him later and make sure everything is ok"
300
Types of statements make us feel pressured, guilty or resentful that we use to motivate ourselves to do things and create unrealistic expectations.
What are "Should" statements.
400

This is when we interpret the thoughts and beliefs of others without evidence.

What is Mind Reading?

400

This is when we look at our strengths and minimize them.

What is Minimization?

400

I know she complimented me on my new outfit but she was just being nice.

What is Disqualifying the Positive OR What is Minimization

400

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 test before that I did well because I studied". "I will do fine."

400
These are well-learned ways of thinking about situations that are instantaneous and reflect our underlying beliefs about the world.
What are automatic thoughts
500

Interpreting the meaning of a situation with little or no evidence.

What is Jumping to Conclusions?

500

This is an extreme example of turning positive events into negative ones.

What is Disqualifying the Positive?

500

I am not smart and I cannot be successful in life.

What is Labeling? Reframe! I am smart and I will have a successful life! 

500
I have had a headache for two days. I must have a brain tumor.
"Headaches are common and happen occasionally. There is no need to worry." "If my headache doesn't go away in a day I will make an appointment with my PCP to check it out." "I am under a lot of stress and my body is probably telling me I need to take it easy."
500

Bad things should not happen to me because I am a good person

What is Magical Thinking?

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