Distortions 1
Distortions 2
Examples
Reframes
Miscellaneous
100

When we see things in black and white categories. There is no grey area.

All-or-nothing thinking.

100

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

Labeling.

100

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

All-or-Nothing Thinking OR Overgeneralization.

100

I will never be happy. 

"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?

Jumping to Conclusions.

200

When we see a single negative event as a part of a never-ending streak of failure. We use words like "always," "never," "everybody".

Overgeneralization.

200

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

Fortune Telling.

200

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

Mind-reading.

200

I should give my friend money because he asked me for it.

"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

Types of statements make us feel pressured, guilty or resentful that we use to motivate ourselves to do things and create unrealistic expectations.

"Should" statements.

300

When we blow a negative event out of proportion.

Catastrophizing.

300

When we see ourselves as the cause of negative events that we are not responsible for.

Personalization.

300

She is moving to a new apartment because she does not like having me as a neighbor.

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 alright."

300

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

Automatic thoughts.

400

When we pick out one negative detail in a situation and dwell on it exclusively.

Mental filter.

400

When we look at our strengths and trivialize them.

Minimization.

400

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

Disqualifying the Positive OR Minimization.

400

I know I am going to have a panic attack when I go the party tomorrow so I should just cancel my plans now.

"I can practice my coping skills if I start to feel anxious and I can leave the party if I start to panic. But I should at least give it a try." "I have been to these types of parties before and I have never had a panic attack. I will probably be fine."

400
What are the three C's of cognitive restructuring?

Catch it, Check it, Change it.

500

When we conclude that someone is acting negatively towards us without checking it out or seeking other evidence.

Mind-reading.

500

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

Disqualifying the positive.

500

I'm mentally ill and cannot contribute anything to anyone.

Labeling.

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

Who coined the term, "cognitive distortions"?

Aaron Beck.

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