Name that Distortion
When you look at things in absolute, black and white categories. There is no room for gray area.
What is All or Nothing Thinking
"My friend said they don't have a lot of money, so now I have to pay for their meal tonight."
What is an example of Personalization or "should statements"?
When we think and reason within the 'grey' area.
Give one example.
The 'grey' area challenges: all-or-nothing thinking and polarization by appreciating a 'middle ground'.
an appreciation for both the challenges and successes, sometime within the same outcome/situation.
Example could be: I'm glad I tried out for the talent show even though I didn't make it past the first round. For myself, it was such a big deal to even get up there and try, I'd like to do better next year but today I am proud that I faced my fear.
What is known as the 'other' kind of intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence
Viewing a negative event as a never-ending pattern of defeat.
What is Overgeneralization?
"I'm such an idiot," or "I'm crazy."
What is an example of Labeling?
I'm starting to believe in people in a way that helps me imagine what it must be like for them. I used to get the worst road rage, I would slam on my horn if someone cut me off and I would yell all kinds of obscenities from inside the safety of my vehicle...
Now I am starting to imagine that perhaps the bad drivers are actually just people who make singular choices and perhaps they are not all awful human beings who have no care or respect for others. Maybe they were having a bad day.
Jumping to Conclusions - mind reading (implying or assuming that you know the driver does not care or wishes to ruin your day)
not fortune telling because this example involves determining a persons entire character based off of one 'bad' behavior.
what is the cognitive distortion that you find you most often employ - share an example.
can you trace it's roots back to when it first showed up? (reflect)
any answer counts as long as there is an example.
When you dwell on the negatives and ignoring the positives.
What is Mental Filtering or Disqualifying the Positive?
"He didn't answer my text, that means something must be wrong."
What is an example of Jumping to Conclusions?
I'm really upset with my boss right now. At this moment I want to scream at him and let him know how incompetent I find him. Acknowledging these thoughts, I am going to take a few minutes and figure out what is really going on.
the distortion being addressed is emotional reasoning.
When we react to people or situations based on the information our emotions 'seems' to be providing, we often end up feeling guilty or as if we over reacted. Think about anger and the things that you have done when in the heat of the moment or when you have not taken the time to really understand what the anger is all about...
give me a metaphor for how your mind works...
do you think things through? Do you get distracted? Are you often thinking about the same things, over and over?
anything!
When you blow things way out of proportion.
What is Catastrophizing or Magnification?
"I feel like the interview didn't go well, so I'm probably not getting the job."
"I feel like she didn't understand my perspective, she hates me"
What is an example of Emotional Reasoning?
I have prepared for the test, I have done my notes and practiced with a friend. It is possible that I have not fully grasped everything that will be on the test, even though I have done everything I could think of. I am confidant but I also appreciate that tests are made to be challenging and I am not perfect.
the distortion being challenged in the control fallacy.
specifically: the idea that we can somehow have control over everything
There should be changes that you aim to make within yourself in order to be better able to cope with life and it's stressors...
What are one of those changes that you know you have to make but are still feeling like 'you cant'
for me, I still struggle with assertive communication, stating my needs clearly and not people pleasing.
I struggle with self love, I have come a long way and I am proud of myself, but I always have more on the horizon in terms of who I want to be and how I want to be.
When you reason from how you feel, not from fact.
What is Emotional Reasoning?
"They said I'm doing really well in the program, but they probably say that to every client."
What is an example of Disqualifying the Positives?
I accept you for the way that you are and for who you always have been. I do not have to accept behaviors that do not align with my core values and it is my choice to accept you as the whole person you are. When something is important to me, I will let you know, knowing that it is not your job to adjust yourself to my wants and needs.
distortion being challenged - Fallacy of change.
The idea that the people around you can and should change if you work hard enough at encouraging them to do so.
correct answer: it is never a good thing.
Feel free to challenge