Cognitive Distortions
a faulty or inaccurate way of thinking, perceiving, or believing that twists reality out of shape. These automatic, biased mental habits cause people to interpret events in a negative or unrealistic light, which can trigger or worsen feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Cognitive distortion
The emotional bond formed with primary caregivers that shapes how we trust and connect later in life.
What is attachment?
What is a feeling that you have done something wrong for which you are held responsible, often leading to a desire to make amends or repair a relationship?
The Definition of Guilt
Treating yourself with the same warmth, patience, and understanding you would offer a close friend who is struggling.
What is Self-Compassion?
Using words like "always" or "never" after a single negative event, such as saying, "I never get anything right."
What is Overgeneralization?
This style is rooted in a fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and a constant need for validation.
Anxious (Preoccupied) Attachment?
What is an agonizing feeling or belief that you are inherently bad, flawed, or a mistake, rather than just having made a mistake?
The Definition of Shame
When someone gets upset because you set a fair limit, feeling uneasy does not mean you did something wrong—it simply means you are practicing this.
What is Holding a Boundary?
Predicting that things will turn out badly before an event even happens, like thinking, "I know I’m going to bomb this interview."
What is Fortune Telling?
Adults with this style tend to cut off emotions, value hyper-independence, and pull away when things get too close.
What is Dismissive-Avoidant Attachment?
True or False: Healthy guilt acts as a moral compass that helps repair relationships.)
True
The ongoing practice of tuning into your physical, emotional, and mental needs and taking intentional action to meet them.
What is Self-Care?
Making a negative interpretation even though there are no definite facts that convincingly support your conclusion.
What is Jumping to Conclusions?
Also known as disorganized attachment, individuals with this style both crave closeness and deeply fear it.
What is Fearful-Avoidant (Disorganized) Attachment?
Because shame attacks self-worth, it often drives people to isolate or numb their feelings
True
A complete sentence that protects your time, energy, and peace without requiring a long excuse.
What is "No"?
Expecting disaster to strike no matter what, often asking yourself, "What if tragedy strikes?"
What is Catastrophizing (or Magnification)?
This attachment style feels safe being close to others while maintaining healthy personal boundaries.
What is Secure Attachment?
Unlike a simple "I'm sorry," this recovery practice involves taking concrete action to repair past harm—unless doing so would injure yourself or others.
What is Making Amends? (Healthy guilt motivates constructive repair, whereas shame often leads to avoidance or empty self-punishment.)
Saying "yes" when you are exhausted just to avoid disappointing someone else is an example of this boundary trap.
What is People-Pleasing?